This can get really ugly, really fast. Most civil wars are. This is just the beginning of a historic battle in the heart of Europe, probably equal in nastiness to the Thirty Years War.
I think you are right Gritty - this has been coming for a long time. I suppose even as we speak - the "youths" are lining up for their suicide vests/belts. As much as I despise Chirac's France - I dread their future.