"And you dismissed any one who suggested that riots were coming in the near future."
I don't remember doing that as such, but if I did, clearly I was wrong.
I may also be wrong about the outcome of these riots, and about the resolve of the government.
With a man dying and the police shot, things do not look as likely to end well today as they did yesterday.
I am particularly concerned about the prospect of Islamist radicals using heavy weapons which the police are beginning to speak about in order to radicalize the riots and provoke a harsh crackdown.
I have also noted in the past that Villepin has shown a surprising ability to learn. It could be that we are all deluded, and that this Islamist revolt that everyone on Free Republic has been screaming about for a week is actually what is happening.
If that is so, and violence accelerates, then Villepin may continue to evolve in his thinking and may order in the army. He has always dreamt he was Napoleon. If by ruthlessly suppressing disorderly Arabs by force he gains great popularity and stature, it will embolden him.
How do you know what Villepin dreams...
And when was the last time a "diplomat" evolved into a "warrior."
Sorry dude, your naivete is showing. You are out of your league at FR. You aren't from France...but you might be from DU. It is painful to read your stuff. Do us a favor. Hit the road. Or at least be honest about yourself...it is liberating. Give it a try.
Come clean! We will accept you.