Posted on Jan 7, 2015
How will France react to the attack on Charlie Hebdo Magazine?
7.88K
94
57
2
2
0
Today Muslim terrorists attacked a satirical magazine in France as detailed in below article.
Will the French Government under-react, failing to pursue an investigation or mete out justice?
Surely they cannot post police outside every paper and news channel and editor and reporter's home. Will there be consideration of a roll-back on firearm ownership restrictions to provide the only robust response to small arms attacks (individual immediate action)?
Will the French Government react to the attack either domestically with increased domestic surveillance of Muslims? Or internationally with deployments against ISIS/other extremists as they have in the past? Will they pressure the US to react in an international way-as they have (and we have supported) in the past?
What would be an over-reaction and was that the intention of the attackers in the first place?
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2015/01/french-newspaper-attacked-paris-gunmen [login to see] 36139681.html
Will the French Government under-react, failing to pursue an investigation or mete out justice?
Surely they cannot post police outside every paper and news channel and editor and reporter's home. Will there be consideration of a roll-back on firearm ownership restrictions to provide the only robust response to small arms attacks (individual immediate action)?
Will the French Government react to the attack either domestically with increased domestic surveillance of Muslims? Or internationally with deployments against ISIS/other extremists as they have in the past? Will they pressure the US to react in an international way-as they have (and we have supported) in the past?
What would be an over-reaction and was that the intention of the attackers in the first place?
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2015/01/french-newspaper-attacked-paris-gunmen [login to see] 36139681.html
Policy
Terrorism
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
3
3
0
The French are hard to read sometimes. Sometimes they live up to the "punching bag" stereotype, other times they go off the deep end (guillotines anyone?).
(3)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
LTC Paul Labrador Or French Foreign legions-romping and stomping across Vietnam and Africa?
(1)
(0)
LTC Paul Labrador
Exactly. Of course, back in the day, the FFL were the dregs that no respectable Frenchman wanted to have anything to do with, so they were not as squimish about sending them off to fight.
(2)
(0)
French government will speak empty words backed by no action.
The French military will conceive an outstanding plan with high chance of success and minimal consequence management needs, which will be refused by the French president. The French police will make a few token arrests and the event will fade away...until the next one.
Wash, rinse, repeat.Â
The French military will conceive an outstanding plan with high chance of success and minimal consequence management needs, which will be refused by the French president. The French police will make a few token arrests and the event will fade away...until the next one.
Wash, rinse, repeat.Â
(3)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
SGM Erik Marquez Got to respect someone with ground-truth experience. The funny WWII stereotypes aside, the French have actually had a pretty good military reputation throughout their history, if subject to some of the rigidity criticisms typical of a European tradition that grew up with aristocracy. Sounds like at the tactical level they get listened to even less than we do. "We the willing...led by the unknowing..."
(1)
(0)
CW3 John Wescott
I don't know - to watch them execute a policeman on the sidewalk. You would think that would cause some call to action?
(1)
(0)
SGM Erik Marquez
I'll admit, I was wrong..and Im pleasantly surprised at Frances aggressive response so far. I'm going to hazard a guess and say it is because it was on home ground.. And good for them. I wish the French president allowed the same aggressiveness in response to attacks on his people when deployed.
(1)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
SGM Erik Marquez, as I said below.
Semper Fidelis to our brother-warriors in France who have killed (some of) the people who did this. A shame they couldn't save every hostage, but make no mistake about their heroism of their actions.
You may like this companion discussion:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-operational-purpose-behind-the-charlie-hebdo-paris-attacks?urlhash=411180
Semper Fidelis to our brother-warriors in France who have killed (some of) the people who did this. A shame they couldn't save every hostage, but make no mistake about their heroism of their actions.
You may like this companion discussion:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-operational-purpose-behind-the-charlie-hebdo-paris-attacks?urlhash=411180
What is the Operational purpose behind the Charlie Hebdo/Paris attacks? | RallyPoint
Unlike my other discussion question interested in the reaction of France and the US to the attacks and some of the news-source based discussion questions of what actually occurred and one debating the proximate motivations of the attack, this thread is about the Operational purpose. The Strategic is policy outcome (most Jihadists want a Caliphate) Tactics win battles (or terrorist attacks) and Operations link Strategy and Tactics. The...
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
Hate to say it but they'll look to the US for a response. Most of our European allies maintain a generally small stand army because they have te liberty to remain under the massive umbrella that is our own. But this is only the start I'd assume, having watched the flow of ISIS members out of Syria under the guise of refugees, they'll push further and further into Western Europe for now. I'm honestly not trying to fear monger the fact. Just making a play call prediction.
(3)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
SPC (Join to see) I thought it was interesting in the recent French operations in Mali, just how much the US was actually doing from Air support to logistics to SF.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/world/africa/us-trains-african-commandos-to-fight-terrorism.html?_r=0
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/11/letter-president-six-month-consolidated-war-powers-resolution-report
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/world/africa/us-trains-african-commandos-to-fight-terrorism.html?_r=0
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/11/letter-president-six-month-consolidated-war-powers-resolution-report
To save articles or get newsletters, alerts or recommendations – all free.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Capt Richard I P.
1SG (Join to see) Vigilance. It would be easier with lawful armament when we're in uniform. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arm-the-armed-forces
Arm the Armed Forces! | RallyPoint
The outcome of the discussion "Concealed carry for CAC holders?" by [~222148:SGT Bernard Boyer III]. Below follows my skeleton letter to congress, based on the edits RP members have suggested to the 10 points. Anyone and everyone is welcome to edit and personalize the letter for their own use in writing to their congressional representatives. We sent a mass email on 3 January, the swearing in of the new congress, now it's a free for all. You...
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Capt Richard I P.
CSM Michael J. Uhlig "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Of course it is much easier to 'do something' when armed.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arm-the-armed-forces
That said, does your comment indicate you expect France to under- react?
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arm-the-armed-forces
That said, does your comment indicate you expect France to under- react?
Arm the Armed Forces! | RallyPoint
The outcome of the discussion "Concealed carry for CAC holders?" by [~222148:SGT Bernard Boyer III]. Below follows my skeleton letter to congress, based on the edits RP members have suggested to the 10 points. Anyone and everyone is welcome to edit and personalize the letter for their own use in writing to their congressional representatives. We sent a mass email on 3 January, the swearing in of the new congress, now it's a free for all. You...
(0)
(0)
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Quite the opposite - they are showing some resolve, now to bring the criminals in (breathing an option)
(1)
(0)
COL Ted Mc
Capt Richard I P. The one thing about the survey which puzzles me is "What do the terms 'under-react' and 'over-react' mean?"
There are times when it would appear that to 'react appropriately" means "running in circles with great wailings and gnashings of teeth while firing off weapons in every direction possible and locking the survivors up forever without trial [oh yes, and all the while the Democrats blame the Republicans and the Republicans blame the democrats - but nobody fixes their own mistakes]".
There are times when it would appear that to 'react appropriately" means "running in circles with great wailings and gnashings of teeth while firing off weapons in every direction possible and locking the survivors up forever without trial [oh yes, and all the while the Democrats blame the Republicans and the Republicans blame the democrats - but nobody fixes their own mistakes]".
(0)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
COL Ted Mc Sir, that's a good point. I think I meant it as: over reaction would be taking actions that further alienate the Muslim population of France that isn't already engaged in the fight, and gets them off the bench. Under-react I would see as failing to pursue the people involved in this attack at both the tactical and operational levels. Which kind of begs the question:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-operational-purpose-behind-the-charlie-hebdo-paris-attacks?urlhash=411180
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-operational-purpose-behind-the-charlie-hebdo-paris-attacks?urlhash=411180
What is the Operational purpose behind the Charlie Hebdo/Paris attacks? | RallyPoint
Unlike my other discussion question interested in the reaction of France and the US to the attacks and some of the news-source based discussion questions of what actually occurred and one debating the proximate motivations of the attack, this thread is about the Operational purpose. The Strategic is policy outcome (most Jihadists want a Caliphate) Tactics win battles (or terrorist attacks) and Operations link Strategy and Tactics. The...
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
I think that Europe is a powder keg ready to blow. I was in North Africa last year and one of the things some folks mentioned is that many extremists going to europe to study the system and look to fulfill their calling.
Immigration is becoming an issue where some political parties who want regulate it have won recently. I don't know what they are going to do for the long-run, but there has also been quite a bit of anti-semitic attacks there too.
I think freedom of speech is essential to our freedom and although the depiction of Mohammed by the Dutch cartoonists may not have been in the best taste, issuing a reward for his death is something that goes too far.
I believe that this may be the beginning in Europe on more attacks.
Immigration is becoming an issue where some political parties who want regulate it have won recently. I don't know what they are going to do for the long-run, but there has also been quite a bit of anti-semitic attacks there too.
I think freedom of speech is essential to our freedom and although the depiction of Mohammed by the Dutch cartoonists may not have been in the best taste, issuing a reward for his death is something that goes too far.
I believe that this may be the beginning in Europe on more attacks.
(2)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® I think you may be right, that this is the beginning of something much bigger. A "Clash of Civilizations" perhaps? It's been centuries since followers of Islam significantly threatened followers of Christianity on traditionally Christian owned-soil, but it isn't unprecedented. The wars never really ended, operationally they've just spent more time on Muslim turf than Christian.
(0)
(0)
PO3 Jonathan Cooper
This isn't the beginning of more attacks MAJ David Chang. There's been some worse attacks in the last 11 years in Europe (2004 Madrid Bombing, 2005 London Bombing). They might just increase in frequency. I wouldn't be surprised if Berlin, Rome or Amsterdam was next on the list...
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I don't think that this is their tipping point. Not this one event. Not singularly. If this continues to escalate in small incidents, it might. There have now been three other events loosely linked to this attack, including two hostage situations. There have been three attacks against Muslim owned businesses or mosques. If this escalates in the hands of the people, then we will see a problem. France isn't capable as a nation of over reacting. It's not in their nature to do so. The people however...when they are afraid...can do terrible things. If this becomes a back-and-forth internal struggle, then we may have a tipping point for France, and the west in general when it comes to overt tollerance of a larger community from which extremists are formed. Not saying it's a good thing, but I believe it's only a matter of time.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
With lackluster support I am sure.
I am already seeing a sweeping under the rug that those that performed the attack were (likely) of the Islamic faith.
I am already seeing a sweeping under the rug that those that performed the attack were (likely) of the Islamic faith.
(1)
(0)
CPT Zachary Brooks
France seems to fall into the realm of the overly PC, which means they will not fully take this issue at what it is, therein being the problem.
It does not matter what person or what group commits a crime, but it should be known so that patterns can be assessed and future crimes can be properly dealt with accordingly. If this crime is in fact linked to a terroristic Islamic threat, it needs to be reported as such as it might relate to the growing threat of groups such as IS.
It does not matter what person or what group commits a crime, but it should be known so that patterns can be assessed and future crimes can be properly dealt with accordingly. If this crime is in fact linked to a terroristic Islamic threat, it needs to be reported as such as it might relate to the growing threat of groups such as IS.
(1)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
CPT Zachary Brooks I think those are some good points. Nevertheless France has demonstrated a willingness to engage against Islamic extremism in former colonies and domestically, even acting in ways some might call repressive sometimes.
What do you think of SFC James Sczymanski's post below- do you disagree with his assessment that it at least isn't being re-labeled workplace violence?
What do you think of SFC James Sczymanski's post below- do you disagree with his assessment that it at least isn't being re-labeled workplace violence?
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was in Paris during the attack and I followed the two hostage situations on live TV.
First, I can assure you that cops aren't prepared against ak-47. French policemen are equipped with basic Kevlar soft inserts that barely stop 9mm, so I let you imagine damages when shot at with 7.62.
ROA in France are completely insane.. Before the attacks, french soldiers posted at strategic locations (Eiffel tower, embassies etc...) didn't even load mags in their weapons.
Only team leader had firepower (service pistol).
Second, there are huge issues within France intelligence community. The perpetrators had been red flagged multiple times, and they all met in jail. In 2012, Toulouse and Montauban shooter was also know by the police (as a potential terrorist), yet, he was able to kill 7 and injured 6.
France needs to rewrite it's law to allow police and law enforcement to take preventive actions. However, it would only be correctly implemented with a reevaluation of the allocated budget and an increase in humans means.
First, I can assure you that cops aren't prepared against ak-47. French policemen are equipped with basic Kevlar soft inserts that barely stop 9mm, so I let you imagine damages when shot at with 7.62.
ROA in France are completely insane.. Before the attacks, french soldiers posted at strategic locations (Eiffel tower, embassies etc...) didn't even load mags in their weapons.
Only team leader had firepower (service pistol).
Second, there are huge issues within France intelligence community. The perpetrators had been red flagged multiple times, and they all met in jail. In 2012, Toulouse and Montauban shooter was also know by the police (as a potential terrorist), yet, he was able to kill 7 and injured 6.
France needs to rewrite it's law to allow police and law enforcement to take preventive actions. However, it would only be correctly implemented with a reevaluation of the allocated budget and an increase in humans means.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
What has happened in France is a direct result of "accommodating" muslims in France for years- even though French law was being violated by the muslims. Because of this, the government bears much responsibility in this- to react appropriately would bring their own failure into the limelight.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google