Le Homme du Minute

Neighbors patrol riot-scarred French towns

ASNIERES, France - As night falls, residents-turned-sentinels are setting off on rounds of their riot-hit towns looking to prevent more arson and attacks. Several towns in the suburbs of Paris and elsewhere are organizing themselves to restore order after France's worst violence since the May 1968 student riots. Unlike police, the key to their success is gentle persuasion and a watchful eye.

"We are not Rambos!" Manuel Aeschliman, the mayor of this town northwest of Paris, reminds a dozen volunteers as they set off for their rounds. "No intervention: If you see something, call it in."

Hmm. Day 13? They're no Rambos that's for sure.