File photo of a woman wearing a niqab walks at Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris June 24, 2009. As France considers banning full facial veils such as the niqab and the burqa, which President Nicolas Sarkozy has said is not welcome here, the fact that it is a major exporter of couture abayas may seem odd. But that is just one of the many contradictions exposed by the latest clash between secularism and religion in the home of Europe's largest Muslim community. Picture taken June 24, 2009. Reuters Pictures 4 months ago

File photo of a woman wearing a niqab walks at Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris June 24, 2009. As France considers banning full facial veils such as the niqab and the burqa, which President Nicolas Sarkozy has said is not welcome here, the fact that it is a major exporter of couture abayas may seem odd. But that is just one of the many contradictions exposed by the latest clash between secularism and religion in the home of Europe's largest Muslim community. Picture taken June 24, 2009.

More Photos of Sarkozy AND burqa OR burqas OR Muslims

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  1. FILE - In this Nov.11, 2009 file photo, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is seen after Armistice Day ceremonies in Paris. Film director Woody Allen has successfully courted France's first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who says she's agreed to be in the famed movie director's next film, without knowing what part she may play. The former supermodel and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy announced on French TV that Woody asked her to be in his next movie and she accepted.
  2. Protesters wearing face masks depicting, from left to right, France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso take part in a protest on climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Conference, outside of the building housing the European Union representative office in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 3009.
  3. A student chants as teachers and students take to the streets in protest over the government's education policies, in Paris November 24, 2009. Thousands of French postal workers and teachers went on strike on Tuesday in separate protests over the future of two of France's biggest public sector institutions. The protests are the latest in a series of strikes by public sector workers angered by reforms President Nicolas Sarkozy says are necessary to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The placard reads "The rotten reforms of Sarkozy".
  4. A postal worker with a union sticker on his hat demonstrates in Paris November 24, 2009. Thousands of French postal workers and teachers went on strike on Tuesday in separate protests over the future of two of France's biggest public sector institutions. The protests are the latest in a series of strikes by public sector workers angered by reforms President Nicolas Sarkozy says are necessary to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  5. A student chants as teachers and students take to the streets in protest over the government's education policies, in Paris November 24, 2009. Thousands of French postal workers and teachers went on strike on Tuesday in separate protests over the future of two of France's biggest public sector institutions. The protests are the latest in a series of strikes by public sector workers angered by reforms President Nicolas Sarkozy says are necessary to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  6. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  7. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  8. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  9. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  10. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  11. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris November 24, 2009.
  12. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (C) and Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie (R) visit the French Local Territorial Security (DTSP) headquarters in Bobigny, a Paris suburb November 24, 2009.
  13. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy holds a weapon seized by police, Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009 in Bobigny, outside Paris, during a visit to the DTSP headquarters (Directions territoriales de securite de proximite). Man at left is unidentified.
  14. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (2ndL), French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux (3rdL), Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie (4thL) and Paris Police Prefect Michel Gaudin (5thL) visit the French Local Territorial Security (DTSP) headquarters in Bobigny, near Paris, November 24, 2009.
  15. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (R) holds a rifle seized by the police during a visit to the French Local Territorial Security (DTSP) headquarters in Bobigny, near Paris, November 24, 2009. At left is French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux.
  16. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) looks at arms and drugs seized by the police during a visit to the French Local Territorial Security (DTSP) headquarters in Bobigny, near Paris, November 24, 2009.

Explore Photos of Related Topics

  1. PARIS - NOVEMBER 11: In this handout provided by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets with French President Nicholas Sarkozy on November 11, 2009 in Paris, France. Netanyahu was invited to visit France by Sarkozy on his return from his trip to America.
  2. PARIS - NOVEMBER 11: In this handout provided by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets with French President Nicholas Sarkozy on November 11, 2009 in Paris, France. Netanyahu was invited to visit France by Sarkozy on his return from his trip to America.
  3. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) tastes a piece of cheese as he visits the National School of Dairy Industries in Poligny, eastern France, October 27, 2009. President Sarkozy said on Tuesday he will seek tougher European regulation in the milk sector from the start of next year as part of a package of measures to help France's struggling farmers.
  4. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) visits the National School of Dairy Industries in Poligny, eastern France, October 27, 2009. President Sarkozy said on Tuesday he will seek tougher European regulation in the milk sector from the start of next year as part of a package of measures to help France's struggling farmers.
  5. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) speaks with France's Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand (R) before inaugurating a major exhibit of art from Turkey at the Grand Palais in Paris October 9, 2009. Culture Minister Mitterrand is facing calls for his resignation for having written about paying boys for sex in Thailand, revelations that were made in a 2005 autobiography "The Bad Life". Jean-David Levitte (2ndL) is President Sarkozy's diplomatic advisor.
  6. A member of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, writes on a board the 2008 French President Nicolas Sarkozy' promises as the workers prepare a symbolic meeting with the president. In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider. Sarkozy, who visits other factories in the eastern region on October 8, 2009, promised to go later in ArcelorMittal sites, according to Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez.
  7. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, answer to journalists as they wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, preparing a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider. Sarkozy, who visits other factories in the eastern region on October 8, 2009, promised to go later in ArcelorMittal sites, according to Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez.
  8. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, answer to journalists as they wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, preparing a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider. Sarkozy, who visits other factories in the eastern region on October 8, 2009, promised to go later in ArcelorMittal sites, according to Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez.
  9. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, answer to journalits wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, preparing a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider. Sarkozy, who visits other factories in the eastern region on October 8, 2009, promised to go later in ArcelorMittal sites, according to Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez.
  10. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy where they prepare a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider. Sarkozy, who visits other factories in the eastern region on October 8, 2009, promised to go later in ArcelorMittal sites, according to Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez.
  11. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the factory where they prepare a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider.
  12. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, answer to journalits wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the factory where they prepare a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider.
  13. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the factory where they prepare a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider.
  14. Members of French CFDT trade-union from the world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal in Hayange, eastern France, answer to journalists as they wait for the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the factory where they prepare a symbolic meeting (with President's chair vacant). In 2008, President Sarkozy engaged to come back to the ArcelorMittal nearest Gandrange site, threatened of closing. Plans for a partial shutdown of the Gandrange steel factory were postponed last year after Sarkozy urged owner Lakshmi Mittal to reconsider.
  15. French President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local officials about planned military reorganizations as part of a visit to the 1st Equipment Regiment in Woippy, northeastern France, on October 8, 2009.
  16. French President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local officials about planned military reorganizations as part of a visit to the 1st Equipment Regiment in Woippy, northeastern France, on October 8, 2009.

Recent Photos From The Wire

  1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he speaks during a press conference in his Jerusalem office, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2009. Israel will halt construction in its West Bank settlements for 10 months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday, in an effort to restart peace talks, but Palestinians rejected the freeze as insufficient because it did not include east Jerusalem. The freeze applies only to new construction, meaning housing already underway will continue. Also, Netanyahu said, only new homes are included.
  2. Wolfsburg's Obafemi Martins, right, vies for the ball with CSKA's Sergei Ignashevich during their UEFA Champions League Group B soccer match at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009.
  3. People ice skate at a Christmas market in Berlin November 25, 2009.
  4. Damir Kaan Mrsic (R) of Fenerbache Ulker dribbles past Mantas Kalnietis of Zalgiris during their Euroleague basketball game in Kaunas November 25, 2009.
  5. MOSCOW, RUSSIA - NOVEMBER 25: Tomas Necid (L) of CSKA Moscow competes for the ball with Josue of VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Champions League group B match between CSKA Moscow and VfL Wolfsburg at the Luzhniki Stadium on November 25, 2009 in Moscow, Russia.
  6. Wolfsburg's Eden Dzeko, left, and Obafemi Martins selebrate a goal against CSKA's during their UEFA Champions League Group B soccer match at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009.
  7. Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, rear, battles for the ball with CSKA's Vasili Berezutski during their UEFA Champions League Group B soccer match at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009.
  8. Wolfsburg's Eden Dzeko, left, scores against CSKA's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during their UEFA Champions League Group B soccer match at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009.
  9. MOSCOW, RUSSIA - NOVEMBER 25: Alan Dzagoev (L) of CSKA Moscow battles for the ball with Josue of VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Champions League group B match between CSKA Moscow and VfL Wolfsburg at the Luzhniki Stadium on November 25, 2009 in Moscow, Russia.
  10. Britain's Queen Elizabeth is escorted to the entrance of the Clocktower Centre in the dockyards in Bermuda November 25, 2009. The Queen's three-day visit commemorates the 400th year anniversary of the island.
  11. Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip pose onboard a ferry leaving Hamilton Harbour in Hamilton, Bermuda November 25, 2009. The Queen's three-day visit commemorates the 400th year anniversary of the island.
  12. Asseco Prokom's David Logan, left, loses the ball while tyring to score as Khimki's Timofey Mozgov, center, and Kelly McCarty, right, block him during their Euroleague Regular Season group D match in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009.
  13. ROME - NOVEMBER 25: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (not in frame) greets NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during a meeting in Palazzo Chigi, on November 25, 2009 in Rome, Italy. The meeting focused on NATO military alliance involvement in Afghanistan and in the Balkans.
  14. ROME - NOVEMBER 25: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (L) shakes hands with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen (R) during a meeting in Palazzo Chigi, on November 25, 2009 in Rome, Italy. The meeting focused on NATO military alliance involvement in Afghanistan and in the Balkans.
  15. Gen. Lie-Ping Chang (L) presents an American flag to Jose Caraveo (R), son of Major Libardo E. Caraveo, during burial services for Caraveo's father at Arlington National Cemetery November 25, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia. Caraveo was killed during the recent shooting at Fort Hood.
  16. ARLINGTON, VA - NOVEMBER 25: A caisson team carrying the casket of Maj. Libardo Caraveo proceeds through Arlington National Cemetery during burial services November 25, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia. Caraveo was killed during the recent shooting at Fort Hood.