Paris Violence Growing

Update: Paris violence still growing - inside city limits, now.

ACHERES, France (AP) - Youths armed with gasoline bombs fanned out from Paris' poor, troubled suburbs to shatter the tranquility of resort cities on the Mediterranean, torching scores of vehicles, nursery schools and other targets during a 10th straight night of arson attacks.

Police deployed a helicopter and tactical teams to chase down youths speeding from one attack to another in cars and on motorbikes. Some 2,300 police were brought into the Paris region to bolster security, France-Info said. More than 250 people were arrested.

The violence - originally concentrated in neighborhoods northeast of Paris with large immigrant populations - is forcing France to confront long-simmering anger in its suburbs, where many Africans and their French-born children live on society's margins, struggling with unemployment, poor housing, racial discrimination, crime and a lack of opportunity.

I wonder what Turkey is thinking about their EU bid in the face of recent violence in France? Chirac is backing Turkey now, though in the summer France was looking at blocking the move. And the French people still aren't on board.

Despite some reservations of the public opinion, notably in France, regarding the previous enlargement conditions, the EU has decided to keep its promises to Turkey. It has done so based on its concern to create a vision for the future and a new geographical balance.

On top of it all, a new EU poll shows general support for the EU leadership is crashing and additional ambivalence on Turkey's bid.

There is a big split on Turkey’s accession to the EU. The British support its membership by 45% to 37%, but the average across the EU is 55% to 32% against. The Eurobarometer poll found the main objection to Turkey was its human rights record, followed by its poor economy. But losing jobs to low-cost member states was the first objection raised to expanding the EU beyond its 25 members.

The US population gets ticked when unemployment goes over 5%, France is around 20% in some areas and still lecturing Turkey? As for human rights, sorry, I prefer peace in the streets first, and then a not overly done emphasis on human rights in developing countries, important as it is.

But here's more and much better information on France's problems today - from an American perspective:

If the Obin report is even one-half accurate, France faces a crisis of governance that, unless addressed, could eventually tear France apart.

And this American sounds flat out pissed about it, while providing good additional information through a set of links.

Comments

[GrannyToad]

It keeps me little old head spinnin'.

[tyler]

You're right Dan, I am pissed. There's absolutely no logic behind the rioting. It's a good thing I'm not there, I'd be forced to do far worse to those inciting violence than anything they've inflicted on others so far.

Call me a hypocrite if need be. :)

[tyler]

Oh, and thanks for the link Dan! I love you! Last time you linked me like this I was afraid my internet connection was gonna die. I'm not complaining.

[mustymark]

Turkey should be refused entrance into the EU for two reasons. 2. too many more muslims will have open access to free travel between other european countries and terrorists will begin to use Turkey to do so. AND the NUMBER ONE reason Turkey should be refused entry into the EU is their continued presence in Cyprus. Until Turkey leaves Cyprus they should not even THINK about going anywhere else.

[callmeBetty]

Very interesting articles regarding the political climate and future of the EU countries, EURO. Nice chunk of the puzzle that we can't ignore; voicing good reasons to be cautious regarding Turkey's accession.

Didn't know much about current European politics, or think to find out before, thanks Dan.