Can we learn anything from the riots in France?

France is plagued with riots. France has had historic problems with rioting of all sorts, but so have we. Our demographics may be different (older population), but I wonder if we'll see something like this hear in a few years. Most administrations would be asking that question and thinking of ways to avert problems. I doubt Bush will do anything.

Update: A BBC editorial provides invaluable context. It's routine to burn 20-30 cars in those suburbs on a weekend?! Huh? France is portrayed as far more troubled than the Economist's routine narratives. Another point against The Economist for not having reported on these issues over the past few years. That journal is a shell of its old self.