France must review its foreign policy objectives

The horrific murders in Paris must be roundly condemned. It should be possible to criticise and satirise both public figures and ideology without such actions from young men.

It is equally important that the response to the attacks does not lead either to an increase in future terrorist attacks or a rise in attacks on Muslims.

The French Government could lead by calming the widespread anger and grief by reflecting on its own foreign policy, which along with that of other western powers has fostered instability, sectarianism, oppression and led to hundreds of thousands of Muslims being killed and injured.