Authoritarian response is what terror groups are hoping for

Burkini bans and plans to reintroduce conscription are over-reactions that damage Europe’s way of life and play into the hands of groups like Islamic State, says Peter Apps.

THE streets of France have been subdued this summer. Tourism is down. Public events have been cancelled or curtailed. Red-bereted paratroopers patrol through crowded streets, assault rifles held at their sides.

The soldiers are unmistakably ready for trouble. Many wear armoured gloves in the mid-summer heat, ready to grapple with any knife-wielding attacker. Body armor and webbing pouches are stuffed with ammunition-heavy magazines.