French Roast

Debra Saunders warns not to gloat about the French:

While critics point to France's shortcomings, violence erupts around the world. London's July bombings sadly demonstrate that a healthy attitude and low unemployment alone cannot ward off extremism. The very-inclusive Dutch were horrified last year when a Muslim jihadist shot, stabbed and almost beheaded filmmaker Theo van Gogh. The killer left a note that warned other jihadists were ready to kill "the enemies of Islam."

The entire planet has been endangered by rogue extremists who promote violence in the name of Islam. Angry young minds are so drawn to the cause that they ignore cooler words -- such as the fatwa issued by a leading French Muslim organization against the riots.

And while critics may gloat at Chirac's discomfit, sadly, it is France's poor that will have paid the highest price. As the Ministry of Tourism noted in a statement, "The violence has occurred mainly at night in districts inhabited by the underprivileged. These persons are themselves the principal victims."

As tempting as it is to blame the French, even Francophobes need to be aware: What started around Paris could happen anywhere.

Our guess is France is not the only country that will have rioting problems.