Don’t be too quick to judge. Even the Pentagon used the film The Battle of Algiers (1966), in 2003, which shows the French when the kid gloves come off, and how they won the battles in Algeria, but lost the “hearts & minds” war.
An interesting film, it is balanced enough to show the ruthlessness involved on both sides. Well worth a look.
France also still has a Napoleonic era national “Examining Magistrate”, who is often called “the most powerful man in France.” Even Napoleon himself said in jest that his was just the power of an Emperor, and that if he wanted real power, he would have been the Examining Magistrate.
The former EM was central to the French anti-terrorism effort, as he could investigate anyone, as long as he wanted, put them in prison for a very long time, and he also deported thousands of bad Muslims.
There is no parallel at all in the US.
Hmmm..... I think your post was aimed at petenmi?