Arson attacks on refugee shelters, neo-Nazi riots, right wing extremists spreading fear and whole families who turn out to applaud anti-foreigner protests. What are politicians doing to counter this?

Chancellor Angela Merkel has finally taken charge and made clear statements condemning the agitators and praising those who extend a helping hand.

Prosperous Germany is seen as a land of hope and opportunity.

Where has this anger and violence against those seeking refuge come from? Has this xenophobia been bubbling under the surface for some time?

Germany and the migrants: Hate or help?

What do you think? Write to us: quadriga[at]dw.com

Our guests:

Stefan Buchen - studied Arabic Language and Literature, reports regularly from country in the Middle East and Northern Africa and works as a journalist for the political magazine show "Panorama" on German public broadcaster ARD. He says: “There's a nebulous majority that falls somewhere in between hate and help. What do they think?"

Alan Posener - is a German-British author and a political commentator for the daily newspaper Die Welt. He says: "Right-wing extremists don't have any solutions. They just whip up animosity toward the government."

Ursula Weidenfeld - is of one most well-respected German business journalists. She says: "Most Germans are neither racist nor xenophobic. They can't allow extremists to set the tone."