[Criminal Number 18F]

A couple of points here.

1. While their original intent may have been to run an operation, no doubt they took advantage of this to profile our response, and they'll be examining same for weaknesses.

2. The French are now compromised by Islamists within the administrative organs of the government, but it's worth noting that in the 1970s and 1980s when American and other European interests were attacked in worldwide terrorist offensives, France was largely unscathed.

   The French determined early that negotiation was the better part of valour and cut this deal with Khadaffy (acting as spokesman for the terrorists), a deal that was later extended to Italy: known terrorists had free passage through and domicile in France, as long as they did not attack French persons or French interests. Under this compact Paris and Marseille became safe havens for wanted terrorists, who were observed by police and the SDECE but never molested in their planning and logistical operations.

You certainly have to wonder if this "early warning" to the Al-Qaida cells is a French attempt to extend the terms of its old partners-in-terrorism deal.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[hershey]

Damn right. Problem for the French is that feeding the tiger tends to be dangerous. Sooner or later, he eats you.

[Semper911]

a French attempt to extend the terms of its old partners-in-terrorism deal.

You have made a very interesting point. I think you are spot on.

[txhurl]

I think your #69 is probably the right answer.