[jdm]

"Mr Sarkozy warned that the rioters face long prison sentences if they continue their arson attacks."

What are "long prison sentences" according to Sarkozy? 12 to 18 months, probably.

"He also said that the government would do everything not to worsen the situation."

Sometimes you have to make the situation temporarily worse in order for it to become better in the long-run. War 101.

[No Blue States]

AULNAY-SOUS-BOIS, France (Reuters) - With every night that France's rundown suburbs burn, officials grow increasingly convinced that drug traffickers and Islamist militants are using frustrated youths to challenge law and order here.

Many people who watch their cars, shops and schools go up in flames, however, are not buying it. They blame unemployment, racial prejudice and widespread youth boredom for the outbursts.

France is in denial.

[Pyncho]

Here's a general thought on rioting and police response, including not only Paris now but also shennanigans in Argentina and wherever else any sort of summit is held. And including also the mobs of kids that circle around downed copters in Iraq or otherwise are shown rejoicing when American troops are killed. Why don't police (and in Iraq the American military) use nonwashable paint projectiles on everyone in sight - and then arrest everyone with the color stain on them in days to come at their leisure? Otherwise police (and military) are reluctant to use any kind of force, not only bullets but even rubber bullets, stun guns, etc.