"Authorities have so far found no way beyond appeals and more police to address a problem with complex social, economic and racial causes."
Have you considered calling in the US Army to save your ***'s once again?
"The violence has tarnished France's image abroad, forcing Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin to cancel a trip to Canada, while Russia and the United States have warned their citizens to avoid Paris's troubled suburbs."
Yes, I for one am shocked, shocked!
"But it remained unclear what could stop the violence, though some opposition parties have suggested a symbolic measure -- the resignation of Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy."
This reminds me of the joke, "If you are from England, raise your hand, if you are from France, raise both hands."
Of course there are complex social, economic and racial problems to be solved there, but those are other, secondary issues.
First, the violence needs to be stopped. Then, after it is made clear that this will not be tolerated, they can debate social utopia and economics all they want. There will be no meaningful discussion while things are burning and police and military are standing by and watching. Even the French will soon figure this out, or else they will have to submit to the occupiers' faith.
And I found myself thinking this symbolic gesture:
I really do wonder how many times the idea has been broached to call in the US military.
My prayer for all of the innocent children who are living in these riot/war conditions.