I think this article resonates with my sentiments over the riots, although it doesn't say anything very concrete about what the long-term solutions are.
Of course, the riots themselves are a problem that need dealing with promptly and with a balanced degree of force, but they are certainly also a symptom of a bigger problem.
It's not a problem I can pretend to understand (not being that read up on politics and social affairs), but that our society has produced so many people capable of these atrocious acts is a reflection of our society.