It is night nine and counting in the French Capital and environs. Depending on what one reads, the rioters are on an Islamist-inspired rampage or have absolutely nothing to do with anything Muslim. Of course, neither is completely true and you have to sift through a lot of PC and reactionary coverage. For a finely reasoned analysis, visit Dave Schuler at The Glittering Eye. His is the best I have seen so far.
Just after September 11 we were talking with a friend from France, who was very sympathetic, of course, but couldn't help but point out that such a thing could never happen in France because the country had "dealt" with it's "Muslim problem." [Note: these are quotes i.e. his words, not mine]. The basic thrust of the argument was that the French had negotiated with their terrorists, basically making a devil's deal for activity to take place away from French soil.
I suspect that the riots have little of nothing to do with terrorism, but from a combination of frustration, idleness and radicalized Islam. And it has been a long time coming, at least since the French "dealt" with their "Muslim problem" the first time around.
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