A picture taken in the streets of Paris on November 04, 2009, shows the French flag. France's immigration minister Eric Besson said he was launching a debate on national identity, sparking protests from opposition Socialists who denounced the plan as a sign that 'France is sick.'. Eric Besson, who is also officially the minister for integration and national identity, said the debate would last two and a half months and would end with a colloquium on 'what it means to be French today.' Getty Images logo Getty Images 1 month ago

A picture taken in the streets of Paris on November 04, 2009, shows the French flag. France's immigration minister Eric Besson said he was launching a debate on national identity, sparking protests from opposition Socialists who denounced the plan as a sign that 'France is sick.'. Eric Besson, who is also officially the minister for integration and national identity, said the debate would last two and a half months and would end with a colloquium on 'what it means to be French today.'

More Photos of

Explore Photos of Related Topics

Recent Photos From The Wire

  1. Israeli children hold birds that will be released in support of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, at an event outside Jerusalem's Old City, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Speaking Tuesday in the Iranian capital of Tehran, Khaled Mashaal, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said the Israelis have no choice but to free the Palestinian prisoners Hamas wants if it ever wants to see Sgt. Gilad Schalit again.
  2. NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks during a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow December 16, 2009.
  3. Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims as he leads his weekly audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 16, 2009.
  4. NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen, right, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev shake hands in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Rasmussen told President Dmitry Medvedev that it is in Russia's vital interest to contribute more actively to NATO's mission in Afghanistan because failure would raise the terrorist threat throughout the region.
  5. Laborers tie used plastic sacks with a rope, for recycling on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Environmental activists in Asia literally have beaten the drum to pressure world leaders to reach a deal at the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen to combat global warming. A week of talks among 192 countries has produced a draft agreement on climate change but without firm figures on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
  6. A sorts used polythene bags for recycling, on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Environmental activists in Asia literally have beaten the drum to pressure world leaders to reach a deal at the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen to combat global warming. A week of talks among 192 countries has produced a draft agreement on climate change but without firm figures on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
  7. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: EDITORS NOTE: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white. ) Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters poses during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.
  8. Dutch-born 106-year-old German actor and singer Johannes Heesters poses during a photo call to promote his new movie, a biography, 'Johannes Jopi Heesters' in Munich December 16, 2009.
  9. England's captain Andrew Strauss points during the first cricket test against South Africa at Centurion Park, Centurion, Gauteng, December 16, 2009.
  10. A laborer carries used plastic containers for recycling, on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Environmental activists in Asia literally have beaten the drum to pressure world leaders to reach a deal at the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen to combat global warming. A week of talks among 192 countries has produced a draft agreement on climate change but without firm figures on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
  11. European Union Commissioner for Competition Neelie Kroes is seen during a press conference at the EU Commission headquarter in Brussels, Wednesday Dec. 16, 2009. The EU Commission has adopted this Wednesday a decision that renders legally binding commitments offered by Microsoft to boost competition on the web browser market.
  12. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters poses during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.
  13. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters (C), his daughters Nicole (R) and Wiesje Heesters (L) pose during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.
  14. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters looks on during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.
  15. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters smiles during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.
  16. MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Dutch-born entertainer Johannes 'Jopi' Heesters poses during a photo call on December 16, 2009 in Munich, Germany.