This is a concerted effort, not a spontaneous uprising.
It is part of the global jihad.
It is happening in France because of French failure to serve the jihad in defeating the Americans in Iraq. Iraq is now seen by the jihad as a lost cause, and this is an attempt to change the subject. There are no suicide bombings or murder of innocents because the uprising is symbolic and not strategic. It is simply an attempt to rally the now quieted Arab street, and an attempt at face-saving.
Point made, it will slowly dissolve.
Iraq until now has been the central front in the war for the Islamists, there is no way the French would be attacked if the jihad still had a chance in Iraq. France is thus deemed no longer necessary. Expendable ally. Unlike the US, France has shown that they are not willing to shed blood to defend themselves, they are thus deemed a soft target, as the US was prior to displaying supreme resolve in Iraq.
That's why this is happening in France, and why it is happening now.
Exactly, BUT Chirac couldn't figure that our ahead of time! New base of operation for the terrorists!
When Blair did not get all mealy mouthed about the shooting of the suspected terrorist (who was innocent), he sent a message. We will shoot to kill and ask questions later.
As long as Blair maintains a tough posture the jihadists will be careful in England.