PrintNight 11 of the French intifada
Your morning update — Here are some highlights, or is that lowlights
President Jacques Chirac has said restoring order is his top priority. Yeah, that's what he "says" but is it, really?
"It is strictly forbidden for any Muslim... to take part in any action that strikes blindly at private or public property or that could threaten the lives of others." Apparently the suburban, now also urban, brigadoons don't know this.
Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy's oft—cited description of urban vandals as "rabble" (racaille) a few days before the riots began is said by many to have fuelled tensions. Despite the controversy over Mr Sarkozy's remarks, a CSA opinion poll published in Le Parisien at the weekend showed him with a nationwide approval rating of 57%. Told you Bush needs to get tough with the Dems.
Reports of a police tear gas grenade hitting a mosque during the riots further inflamed feelings. Wow, rioting Muslims must have a very high feeling inflamation capacity if their emotions are still capable greater intensity.
Mr Chirac had faced criticism from opposition politicians for not speaking publicly about the unrest since it began on 27 October. And Bush got blasted for not acting quickly enough in New Orleans? At least he acted. Chirac is still only talking — but not soon enough. Never realized the French were so reticent.
Dennis Sevakis 11 07 05
