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Jewish World Review Nov. 9, 2005 / 7 Mar-Cheshvan, 5766 The French sowed the wind and now reaping the whirlwind By Ed Koch
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
The insurrection taking place in the suburbs of Paris, which has now reached the central city, reminds many of us of the book title from World War II: "Is Paris Burning?" It also brings to France a new Intifada rivaling or possibly surpassing anything that has occurred in Israel. Over the last week, the world watched news reports of more than 3,300 cars and several buildings being torched, and French citizens and residents, of Arab and North African origin, firing bullets at French police, 14 of whom were injured — two from bullet wounds. At least one innocent civilian has been killed.
The French sowed the wind and now they are reaping the whirlwind. Some French leaders would cave to whatever demands are made by the insurrectionists. Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy is assailed for having described the rioters as "scum" and "thugs." Those who seek to understand the rioting, describing it as a response to discrimination and the economic condition of Arab and North African primarily Muslim citizens and residents, make a grave mistake. The actions of the rioters are criminal, and those who are rewarded for engaging in violence to achieve their ends will use that weapon again and again.
I have little sympathy for the French government which deserted the U.S. when we needed their support in Iraq. That government's refusal to pitch in is especially unforgivable now that Iraq has elected a democratic government and has asked the U.S. to stay on and fight the insurrectionists. France has forgotten that we saved it three times — in World War I, World War II and the Cold War. Some of us must acknowledge that we take some comfort in the discomfort of the haughty French government led by President Jacques Chirac and his Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin.
Common sense dictates that while putting down violence should be its top priority, France should reach out to law-abiding Muslims, listen to their complaints and where their grievances are legitimate as many will be, seek to end the discrimination and economic imbalances that exist. Common sense also tells us that the troubles in France may have less to do with social injustice than with an ongoing "clash of civilizations" that will shake the world for many years to come. Which values will prevail — those of the liberal, democratic West or those of fundamentalist Islam which seeks to impose its values on others through terror and violence? France and the rest of the Western World must realize the enormity of the threat and act with the resolve necessary to defeat it.
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JWR contributor Edward I. Koch, the former mayor of New York, can be heard on Bloomberg Radio (WBBR 1130 AM) every Sunday from 9-10 am . Comment by clicking here.
© 2005, Ed Koch |
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