To the Point
Fire and Violence Rage across France
In Paris last night there was a lull in the violence, but elsewhere in France, more than a thousand vehicles were torched and 12 police officers were injured in the twelfth night of rioting. The French government has invoked new police powers in an attempt to quell the clashes that have produced the worst property damage since World War II. The children of black-African, Arab and Muslim immigrants say they're told they're French but are treated as outsiders--unaccepted and unemployed. Has France failed to recognize decades of change in its own population? Will fading industrial suburbs become new training grounds for Islamic extremists? Can the grievances be resolved without alienating the nationalist right wing? We go in search of answers with journalists from the US and France, sociologists and a conservative member of parliament who represents one of the suburbs of Paris. Reporter's Notebook: California's Special ElectionHis stunning 2003 election as Governor of California made him a Republican superstar with a national profile. Today, Arnold Schwarzenegger's political future is on the line in a special election he called despite evidence that it would be unpopular with voters. The ballot involves no candidates, only eight propositions, four of which are backed by the Governor. Political analyst Sherri Bebitch Jeffe has more what's at stake.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenIn Paris last night there was a lull in the violence, but elsewhere in France, more than a thousand vehicles were torched and 12 police officers were injured in the twelfth night of rioting. The French government has invoked new police powers in an attempt to quell the clashes that have produced the worst property damage since World War II. The children of black-African, Arab and Muslim immigrants say they're told they're French but are treated as outsiders--unaccepted and unemployed. Has France failed to recognize decades of change in its own population? Will fading industrial suburbs become new training grounds for Islamic extremists? Can the grievances be resolved without alienating the nationalist right wing? We go in search of answers with journalists from the US and France, sociologists and a conservative member of parliament who represents one of the suburbs of Paris.
California's Special Election
His stunning 2003 election as Governor of California made him a Republican superstar with a national profile. Today, Arnold Schwarzenegger's political future is on the line in a special election he called despite evidence that it would be unpopular with voters. The ballot involves no candidates, only eight propositions, four of which are backed by the Governor. Political analyst Sherri Bebitch Jeffe has more what's at stake.
Prime Minister Villepin on French riots
Rotella's article on despair of France's rioting youths
Dendoune's article on discontent among France's immigrant population
Brenner's 2003 article, 'France's Scarlet Letter'
California's November 8 special election
Field Poll on voters' attitudes toward Schwarzenegger-backed propositions
Los Angeles Times Poll on Governor's propositions
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) on Californians and the initiative process