The new Franco-Algerian tensions

Abstract

The events that are occurring in Algeria today, are the result of Algeria's turbulent history. The years between 1978 and 1992 led to today's civil-war. Algeria's poor economy, social divisions, corrupt political life and, the spread of Islamic fundamentalism led to the crisis of 1988. With the cancellation of the 1992 elections, hell broke open in Algeria. A civil-war between the military backed junta and the Islamic extremists has left more than 60,000 dead. The conflict spilled over the Mediterranean in 1994 into France. The French government unofficially backs the Algerian regime. French security forces have moved rapidly to isolate any extremist activities in France. A solution that suits both the Islamic extremists and the present government, is still far from being found. In my study of the state of affairs that has developed between these two nations whose pasts are stained with so much blood, I will try to shed some light on the salient points of today's conflict, on how it came about and on its repercussion on both states.