I must admit, when the riots began I felt vindicated. I have had several heated arguments with Europeans over the past two years about the situation in France. When I suggested that Muslims in the French suburbs would be rioting soon, these Europeans dismissed me as an ignorant fool.
But at this point I feel only sadness. A great nation and culture that has given so much to Europe and the world in the fields of science, mathematics, philosopy, theology, political theory, the arts and literature is coming to an end. There is nothing now that can save France from its downward spiral into decadence and disintegration.
Maybe the arts, certainly decadent art.... but I would question the extent of their contribution in the other areas especially science & math (Louis Pasteur being an exception of course). I read in a different article that described France as being America's oldest enemy, with one exception being their assistance during our Revolutionary War of Independence. Other than that they have consistently undermined America over the past 250 years, and especially our efforts (and wars) against global communism and now global terrorism.
Sorry, I don't feel very much sympathy for the French at this time, led by their weak, cowardly, appeasing leader, Jacques Chirac. They are reaping the seeds of terrorism they have encouraged and fostered for the last 40 years.