Germans becoming obsessed with Hitler

Gearing up for the 60th anniversary of World War II, German publishers are cranking out books on the intimate details of Hitler's life as well as obscure stories about life in the Third Reich, such as a book about a horticulturist who wanted to discover a new strawberry and name it after Hitler.

Accompanying these books are magazine articles, movies and television shows depicting the era and showcasing previously unpublished photos of bombed-out German cities. But here's where it gets scary:

A poll published yesterday showed huge sympathy for Right-wing extremists among Germans from the capital and the surrounding region.

National Socialism "had its positive sides", thought 15 per cent of Berliners and 20 per cent of people living in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg.

At the same time 12 per cent of Berliners and 24 per cent of Brandenburgers said they wanted a "Fuhrer who would rule with a firm hand".