Mid-East press mull France riots

Newspapers in the Middle East and Turkey blame the French government's immigration policy for the ongoing riots sweeping across French areas with a high concentration of ethnic minorities.

Some rioters are thought to be of North African origin, and one Algerian commentator accuses Paris of failing to address the issue of "ethnic ghettos". A Turkish writer points to a lack of equality for people "with Muslim roots".

Iranian papers warn that the violence could spread to other Western countries if they fail to tackle what is perceived as widespread discrimination.

Commentary by Abdul Bari Atwan in London-based Quds al-Arabi

The growing violence in France should be a warning to all European governments. It is an expected outcome of policies that look down on foreigners and deal with them as if they were a terrorist time bomb.

Commentary by Salim Tamani in Algeria's L'Expression

The problem of suburbs becoming real ethnic ghettos was not adequately addressed. Indeed, the problem of political integration talked about by successive French governments was not dealt with on the ground. This explosion of violence is testimony to the existence of a deep-rooted malaise, requiring an urgent remedy to prevent riots becoming systemic in future.

Commentary by Ismet Berkan in Turkey's Radikal

The basic reason for the immigrant riots is the fact that the countries which invited in foreign workers to promote their own economic development have been unable or unwilling to find a solution to the problem of racism. France is a country where politicians are not connected with marginal political parties but with the parties at the centre which compete in engaging in xenophobia.

Commentary by Fehmi Koru in Turkey's Yeni Safak

The French system, which promises 'equality, freedom and justice' to every citizen, does not act at all equally and fairly towards those with 'Muslim' roots who form part of its society. This shows itself mostly in religion-based separatist practices. For example, the education system uses simplistic excuses to practice exclusion on the basis of religion.

Iran's Hamshahri

Following recent riots in France, social experts opined that these incidents could have been predicted. Discrimination in France - particularly pressures over immigrants and Muslims - have fanned the flames of discrimination while Jews enjoy total freedom in the country. Such incidents are expected in other Western countries which are based on secular values.

Iran's Jomhuri-ye Eslami

Discrimination is roaring in America, England and Canada, and many other Western countries are suffering from this disease. Although huge attempts are made to hide it, this abscess pops up regularly somewhere in the world and shows the dirtiness that exists deep inside those countries.

Iran News

Cracking down will not solve the problem. The solution lies in recognising the immigrants' civil and individual rights.

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