Since the US attacks, there have been seven arrests in France linked to those attacks. Several of the arrests around Europe yielded evidence of plans to attack US interests in France, including the American embassy in Paris. The attacks on the US took Americans completely by surprise, not just because of their spectacular nature but also because Americans really believed this couldn't, wouldn't happen to them. The French know better - they know that France is a prime target for Islamic terrorism. Police and soldiers are at airports, rail stations and the Paris metro.
Shoppers have their bags searched at major stores.
The French say they feel secure - but many tourists and business travellers are cancelling flights and hotel rooms, amid fears Paris could yet be a target for terrorists, particularly if an eventual US riposte provokes widespread anger among Muslim nations. Some top hotels say bookings are down as much as 40 per cent. Bookings for conferences, seminars and banquets have been particularly hit. Travel agents say people simply don't want to make any plans right now and many companies have issued a temporary ban on transatlantic travel. If business travel is cancelled, so too are expensive dinners with clients.