FRANCE
By Stephanie Davenport, 09/17/2001
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The 11 September attacks in the United States dominate the headlines in France, focusing on the French government's mobilization efforts to secure the safety of its own citizens and unite with other world leaders to combat globale terrorism. Echoing the sentiments of many other European Union leaders, French president Jacques Chirac condemned the attacks as an act against humanity. French government officials affirmed solidarity with their U.S. counterparts to take united political action against terrorism, although they cautioned that aid would not come in the form of a blank check. Chirac was the first European leader to visit President Bush since the conflict began. While there is strong public support for Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to lead the country in the right direction, French news reported extensively on the hesitation felt in France - and across Europe - regarding the level of European involvement. Some reports also mention increased racial tensions vis-a-vis the treatment of immigrants to France of Arab or Islamic descent from former French colonies. Political analysts, union leaders, and various protest groups are pointing out that terrorism and violence toward Americans is not a surprise given U.S. foreign policy over the past several decades. Related Links
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