ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

Relations between Algeria and Morocco during the Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) were far more complex than the romanticized narrative of “Maghrebian unity” often promoted in Moroccan historiography. A recent publication titled “The Algerian War of Liberation in the Moroccan Press: Aspects of Moroccan Support for the Algerian Struggle for Independence”, authored by Mustapha El Aïdi and Abdelilah Kenka, aims to portray Morocco as a key supporter of the Algerian Revolution. However, this interpretation overlooks the historical realities, minimizes Morocco’s ambivalent and often opportunistic stance, and overstates the actual impact of its so-called support. This academic article responds point by point to the claims made in that publication, relying on Algerian, French, and international sources, as well as testimonies from leaders of the Algerian Revolution. 1. The Moroccan Press: Symbolic Sympathy or Opportunistic Coverage? The publication argues that Moroccan newspapers such ...

From a Naval Miscalculation to a Strategic Catastrophe – A Reflection on a Long Legacy of Neglecting Vital Interests On October 20, 1827, the Battle of Navarino unfolded in a small bay off the southwestern Peloponnese (in present-day Greece), significantly altering the balance of power in the Mediterranean. Yet, for Algerians, the true significance lies not solely in the military events of that day, but in the deeper question of how Algeria—then an autonomous maritime power under nominal Ottoman suzerainty—became entangled in a war that did not concern it directly, ultimately paying a staggering strategic price from which it would not recover for more than a century. 1. Historical and Political Context of the Battle of Navarino The early 19th century witnessed a surge of national liberation movements across Europe, among them the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule, which broke out in 1821. This uprising gained widespread support from European powers, who saw it as an opport...

The narrative surrounding Morocco’s relationship with the Algerian Revolution has long been shaped by biased historical accounts , mostly propagated by Moroccan state discourse . This version of events portrays King Mohammed V as an unwavering ally of Algeria in its struggle for independence. However, a deeper examination of historical facts reveals that this support was neither unconditional nor altruistic . Rather, it was a political tool , used by the Moroccan monarchy to strengthen its position, gain leverage in negotiations with France, and pursue territorial ambitions at Algeria’s expense. Strategic, Self-Interested Support When the Algerian War of Independence erupted in 1954, Morocco had just gained its own independence in 1956. Still grappling with internal instability and political uncertainty, King Mohammed V saw the Algerian struggle as an opportunity —both to consolidate his rule and to extract concessions from France. By offering limited assistance to the FLN (National ...

The assertion that modern Algeria is a continuation of ancient Numidia is rooted in the shared historical, cultural, and geographical foundations of the two entities. This article argues that despite political, social, and religious transformations, contemporary Algeria retains key elements inherited from Numidia. By exploring historical, geographical, and identity dynamics, we aim to demonstrate how ancient Numidia serves as a crucial framework for understanding present-day Algeria. Numidia, the ancient Berber kingdom, holds a fundamental place in the history of North Africa. Situated primarily in what is now Algeria, it played a strategic role between the Mediterranean world and the African interior. Founded by prominent figures like Massinissa, Numidia represented a local political and cultural power that interacted with major civilizations like Carthage and Rome. This article defends the hypothesis that modern Algeria, in its territorial, cultural, and identity dimensions, is a dir...