ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

On August 23, 1957, a confidential CIA document was drafted, revealing crucial insights into French policy toward Algeria, then in the midst of its war of independence. Recently declassified, this document sheds new light on France’s intentions regarding the oil-rich Saharan regions and its post-independence strategies. Through diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical maneuvers, Paris sought to maintain its grip on this strategically vital territory. An Indispensable Algerian Sahara for France According to the document, France regarded the Algerian Sahara as a region of paramount importance—not only for its oil and gas resources but also for its strategic position in North Africa. With this in mind, Paris was determined to secure its control over the area at all costs, administratively detaching it from the rest of Algeria. This policy materialized in 1957 with the creation of two separate Saharan departments—an initiative designed to ensure that even in the event of Algerian independenc...

The growing prominence of Elnet (European Leadership Network) in French politics is now undeniable. Yesterday in Paris, this pro-Israel lobbying group gathered nearly 2,000 attendees, including several ministers and leading figures from the French political landscape. The event, centered around the theme “For the Republic, For France, Against Islamism” , underscores Elnet’s increasing sway over national decision-makers. Among the speakers were Manuel Valls, Bruno Retailleau, and Éric Danon—regulars at such platforms. These figures, known for their strong stances on security and international affairs, illustrate Elnet’s ability to rally high-ranking political support. Officially, the organization presents itself as an “independent network” aimed at “strengthening relations between France, Europe, and Israel.” Unofficially, however, its ambitions appear more far-reaching: to become a European counterpart to AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby in the United States. A Growing Politica...

The expulsion of Morocco’s Vice-Consul in Oran, Mohamed El-Soufyani, announced by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is yet another illustration of the threat posed by Moroccan consular representations in Algeria. This decision, justified by "suspicious acts" deemed incompatible with the mission of a consular office, strengthens the argument that maintaining Moroccan consulates after the 2021 diplomatic break was a strategic misstep. Tangible Proof of Subversive Activities by Moroccan Consulates Algeria had already warned of Morocco’s hostile actions, which led to the severance of diplomatic ties on August 24, 2021. However, allowing Moroccan consulates to remain open provided Rabat with operational bases on Algerian soil, enabling subversive activities under the guise of consular missions. The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is unequivocal: the vice-consul’s conduct constitutes a violation of Algerian laws and international conventions, particularly ...

Relations between Algeria and France are facing a major diplomatic storm, exacerbated by Paris’ recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024. This decision, which aligns with France’s continued support for Morocco, has been perceived by Algiers as a direct threat to its strategic interests and a challenge to its long-standing position on the Sahrawi issue. In response, Algeria has recalled its ambassador from France, marking a sharp break with Paris. This strong diplomatic move reflects growing frustration over what is seen as France’s increasingly pronounced alignment with Morocco’s stance. A Firm Algerian Stance Like Never Before While some observers, particularly on the Moroccan side, have interpreted recent statements by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as a sign of a softening Algerian position on Western Sahara, the reality is quite the opposite. Far from any shift, these statements underscore a deliberate and resolute strengthening of Algeria’s stance. By...

Éric Zemmour, a controversial figure in the French media and political landscape, has exhibited a persistent fascination with Algeria’s history. Through his statements, he seeks to deny the existence of an Algerian nation prior to French colonization, embracing an ideological narrative that disregards the most well-established historical facts. Why such insistence? What underlying motives drive this denial of an undeniable historical reality? Born in France in 1958, Éric Zemmour comes from a family of Algerian Jews . His ancestors, originally from the Constantine region, were among those granted French citizenship through the Crémieux Decree in 1870 , during the colonial era. Yet, despite these roots, Zemmour categorically rejects any connection to Algeria and claims an exclusively French identity. A staunch critic of dual nationality and any notion of multiple identities, he upholds assimilation as an absolute principle and champions a vision of France in which colonial heritage is ...

The diplomatic standoff between Algiers and Paris continues to escalate, fueled by repeated accusations of non-compliance with international commitments. The latest episode unfolded after Algeria published its response rejecting France’s new initiative—a list of Algerian nationals subject to expulsion orders. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to lash out at Algeria once again, accusing it of violating its international obligations. However, repeating an accusation does not make it true. This ongoing blame game demands a thorough examination of the facts to determine, once and for all, who is truly upholding international law and who is flouting it . Five key elements shed light on this issue. 1 – A Legitimate Algerian Refusal Based on Solid Legal Grounds Contrary to France’s claims, Algeria did not reject the expulsion list out of sheer opposition. Its stance is based on a simple yet crucial legal reality : no bilateral agreement mandate...