[alarm rider]

From other things I have read, the option to send in the French military is not that strong on the table.

(1). The French regulars are about 24% muslim.
(2). The French authorities are of the mind that sending the military will up the ante, (yes, this is appeasment thinking).
(3) The French government fears world opinion should they resort to sending the military in at this time.

[dutch52]

they should not fear world opinion, when you can't control the riots with police, you should send in your last resort: the Army. If they don't, France has surrendered before the intifada even starts.