I never thought I would ever be thanking FRANCE, but I gleefuly thank them.  A few months ago MUSLIM youths, frustrated by government policies, came out and protested onto the streets.  Everyone blamed ISLAM.  The media from Fox News to our local tv channels.  All of them showed pictures of burning cars and violence, one newsman even said that this was one example which proves ISLAM is incompatible with the western world. We AMERICAN MUSLIMS were left to explain over and over that the MUSLIM youths were frustrated with the polices of the government.  It had nothing to do with the religion.

To my amazement the last few weeks the world witnessed FRENCH youth doing exactly the same protesting.  Unfortunately, this time the press was quiet for at least a week and when there was no choice but to talk about it, very little was mentioned.

Why is it that there was no discussion as to whether the FRENCH youth have a problem coexisting with western civilization or, wait, is there is double standard?  When ethnic French youth riot it is religious rioting, but when white French youth do the same protesting day after day, it is merely natural unrest.

THANK YOU FRANCE!  THANK YOU FRENCH YOUTH!  You have exposed the media bias and prejudice that exists regarding ISLAM.  Let us all wish, hope, and pray for peace, and especially, better conditions for the French Muslims.  Finally, for the Muslims all over the world we American Muslims must do our part to ensure Muslims around the world are treated well.

VIVA LA’ FRANCE!

- Seeme Gull Hasan