In response to the terrorist attacks on Paris, French President Francois Hollande has declared that France is at war and he is pushing for new laws that would extend France's state of emergency for three months and make it easier to detect terrorists and prevent future attacks. He has also made it clear that this is not a war on Islam, but a war on terrorism. Although 7 of the attackers are dead, one managed to escape and remains at large, Salah Abdeslam. One of the attackers, a suicide bomber that attacked the soccer stadium, was discovered to have been one of the Syrian refugees, stemming concern among many that by opening up their borders to the refugees, they are letting in potential terrorists. Paris residents are quite shaken by the whole ordeal and many said they realize life will have to carry on, but it will be difficult because they will be under threat for quite some time.
The events in Paris are tragic and terrifying, and my heart breaks for the families and friends of victims. But at the same time, I am astounded by the overwhelming amount of support flooding in from around the world. But something that is extremely frustrating to me is how the media is almost completely ignoring a similar attack on Beirut, taking place at the same time. Many lives were lost there as well, and while it is amazing how much support Paris is receiving, I feel like the mourning and terrified people of Beirut need just as much support. This attack is reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, where directly after, President Bush declared a war on terrorism, just like President Hollande has done. Also, the US invaded Iraq as a response to the 9/11 attacks, and France has launched several air strikes on Syria as a response to the Paris attacks. Support flooded to America then as it does now for Paris.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/16/world/paris-attacks/index.html
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