French School Riots Escalate Amid Far-Left and Islamist Alliance

Protests over school conditions in France have entered their third week, with experts attributing the violence to an alliance between extreme left and radical Islamic groups. The protests, which began in immigrant suburbs of Paris, have spread nationwide, with hundreds arrested and over 715 police officers injured. Demonstrators have carried Palestinian flags, and pro-Palestinian organizations have declared October a month of revolt, supporting the demonstrations. Former U. S. Assistant Attorney General Theo Wold blames mass immigration for the unrest, stating that rioters are not of French culture and do not respect the rule of law. French President Emmanuel Macron's term-limits have led to speculation about a potential runoff match-up between far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon and right-wing populist Marine Le Pen.