a European friend, in Munich, from Croatia, wrote this:
'I am truly, beyond words, amazed and surprised by the headlines along the lines of "France goes into war" over the weekend. I can understand common people not being aware of France being deeply involved already in few wars against islamists in Africa and the war in Syria, but how the hell did all the media miss the memo?
And speaking of which, nothing can be further from the truth that Paris terror attacks happen because of that. Of course, French involvement into these wars is a "good excuse" for the minds of people who support any kinds of terrorists, but it's only that.
Paris, as well as New York, Madrid, London... were not attacked because those cities represent specific politics. They are under terror attacks just for the opposite reason - because they represent mentality above daily politics. Paris is so much international and intercultural city that when you attack people in its posh and artsy neighbourhoods like districts 10 and 11 today you are not attacking French politics or French imperialism - you are attacking multiculturalism, equality, you are attacking all of those mixed nationality and mixed race couples and families which made their lives there.
If they wanted to attack French foreign politics, they would have gone after a military base, symbol of French policy, maybe some French political representatives. No, they wanted to attack what makes Paris desirable to so many people in the world, no matter if socialists or conservatives or friggin' Spaghetti monster rule France at any given moment.
And in the end... Good question, same one which was rarely asked back in 2001. when NYC twins were attacked, is not whether terrorists represent "real Islam" or "vocal aggressive minority of Islam" (and don't get me started on any religion...) - much better question is how many French and international Muslims (just visiting the city) are among 100+ killed people there. Out of 5 first names I saw in the media, 2 names sound very, if not Muslim, then at least Arabic to me. And thinking back of it, I don't really remember if a single name sounded much French. That speaks much of what and who was attacked.'
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