What was supremely shocking about the massacre was that it took place in a civilized place like Paris, where you look to words not deeds to settle disagreements. This was an honour killing, inspired by the tribal mentality of some primitive hill village where words are lacking and violence fills the gap. As they left, they shouted "We avenged the Prophet," "We killed Charlie," and "Allahu akhbar." They stalked Charlie for years, they knew the editorial meeting took place on Wednesday mornings and that everyone would be there, they were clearly trained professionals. Who trained them is perhaps not important. What is important is that the French state has failed to give part of its people a stake in the Republic. François Fillon, a former prime minister, acknowledged this on television last night. It's worth noting that all the political and cultural figures I saw on television last night rose above the usual platitudes and lapsed into honesty for a change. Everyone was clearly very shaken. Even Marine Le Pen condemned the attack in no uncertain terms and said that no "amalgame" should be made between the attackers and the Muslim community. I don't know what response the attackers were hoping for - possibly they weren't looking that far ahead - but the outpouring of solidarity in several French cities last night gives one hope that something constructive may emerge from this. If so, they won't have died in vain. Nous sommes tous Charlie.
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What was supremely shocking about the massacre was that it took place in a civilized place like Paris, where you look to words not deeds to settle disagreements. This was an honour killing, inspired by the tribal mentality of some primitive hill village where words are lacking and violence fills the gap. As they left, they shouted "We avenged the Prophet," "We killed Charlie," and "Allahu akhbar." They stalked Charlie for years, they knew the editorial meeting took place on Wednesday mornings and that everyone would be there, they were clearly trained professionals. Who trained them is perhaps not important. What is important is that the French state has failed to give part of its people a stake in the Republic. François Fillon, a former prime minister, acknowledged this on television last night. It's worth noting that all the political and cultural figures I saw on television last night rose above the usual platitudes and lapsed into honesty for a change. Everyone was clearly very shaken. Even Marine Le Pen condemned the attack in no uncertain terms and said that no "amalgame" should be made between the attackers and the Muslim community. I don't know what response the attackers were hoping for - possibly they weren't looking that far ahead - but the outpouring of solidarity in several French cities last night gives one hope that something constructive may emerge from this. If so, they won't have died in vain. Nous sommes tous Charlie.