Coming to a suburb near you

Watching the Muslim Riot taking place in Kensington this evening, I was struck by a sense of déjà vu. I recalled the riots of 2005 in France, ultimately affecting 274 towns, when “disaffected youths” took to the streets. These young Muslims of the euphemistically-termed banlieues sensibles – nearly all French born – were expressing their disapproval of the French system of governance, which had largely fed and clothed them, but had in many cases failed to supply them with a lucrative not-too-taxing job, such as enjoyed by the well-heeled fonctionaires from the leafier suburbs. Result? 8,973 vehicles burned, 126 police and fire-fighters injured and more than €200 million of damage caused. The three policemen injured this evening and the shattered shops in the High Street are only a modest effort – but it’s a start. At least this was – to quote the BBC – “ largely a peaceful demonstration”. And only after SKY had broadcast the extent of the casualties was our esteemed Corporation prepared to admit to some injuries among the police, and some damage to property.

Of course it is perfectly understandable – especially to our more liberal colleagues – that “passions should be enflamed” by current events in Gaza; just as they were by disrespectful cartoons of the Prophet, or by the war in Iraq – or by any one of a hundred events happening anywhere in the world.

This is the real Globalization menace; you may live in the suburbs of London, but you are still as vulnerable as the Parisian, or the Hindu in Mumbai.