This is extraordinary: a declaration of war against “jihadism” and “radical Islam” is also a declaration of war (wittingly or unwittingly) against the general refusal of Western leaders to describe the crisis they face as having anything whatsoever to do with Islam. This should make it easier for the French to call upon Muslims in France to renounce the aspects of Islam that conflict with Western principles of human rights. Of course, the situation in France is already very dire, and it may be too late to turn it around. But this is a start, or the beginning of a start.

“French Premier Declares ‘War’ on Radical Islam as Paris Girds for Rally,” by Dan Bilefsky and Maïa de la Baumejan, New York Times, January 10, 2015:

PARIS — Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared Saturday that France was at war with radical Islam after the harrowing sieges that led to the deaths of three gunmen and four hostages the day before. New details emerged about the bloody final confrontations, and security forces remained on high alert.

“It is a war against terrorism, against jihadism, against radical Islam, against everything that is aimed at breaking fraternity, freedom, solidarity,” Mr. Valls said during a speech in Évry, south of Paris….