It's been nearly a month since the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, shut down the city for days, and fears of a similar attack in Brussels. It also raised global questions about the refugee crisis as more and more people flee war-torn areas of Iraq and Syria.
Suzette Grillot, the regular host of KGOU's World Views, is in Paris this week, and says from the start of her trip on the Eurostar high-speed rail line from London to Paris, she noticed increased security and much more strict regulations than her several previous trips to France.
"There's a very visible military and police presence on the streets of Paris compared to what I've seen in the past," Grillot said. "But I would say, it's been a few weeks, the holidays are coming, everything's lit up, people are out. I don't detect that it's quiet like it had been before. People I think are starting to ease up a little bit."
Grillot has been in Paris visiting with students and alumni in her capacity as dean of the University of Oklahoma'sCollege of International Studies. As she visited with students over dinner Thursday night, they told her beyond the initial shock, sadness, and disappointment over the attacks, the silence of the city after the attack was unnerving.
"They were kind of surprised at just how awkward and eerie it was, and how quiet this city is, Grillot said. "Paris is a big city. It's very populous. There are a lot of people here. It's never quiet."
People are still nervous and on-edge though, especially in the days immediately after. But one thing that struck Grillot was the defiance of both Parisians, and the American students studying abroad.
"They said they will never leave this city. They will never leave this country, and they will be happy," Grillot said. "As they said, this is a quote from one of the students, to die for her country if she needs to."
KGOU and World Views rely on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service with internationally focused reporting for Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
