rails a resident of Clichy-sous-Bois. His complaint was echoed by French commentators unhappy with the"new" image of their country. I cannot blame them. Nobody likes to see their family dirty laundry aired in public, not even Americans.

More importantly, Having successfully muzzled the French media, Paris is seeking to muzzle the international press:

The official spokesman of the centre-right Government, Jean-Francois Cope, has called a special meeting today with all international correspondents working in France.

He wants to counteract the alarming global dissemination of the view that France is in flames -- and therefore a dangerous tourist destination.

I did not know that protecting the French tourist industry is the job of the international media. Well, live and learn. To be honest, I think MSM has been doing a terrific job downplaying and excusing the European intifada. Not a single Sunday show bothered to discuss the subject.