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Night of the Carving Knives: Second Battle of Amgala

The Night of the Sharp Knives , which took place on November 14, 1976, was one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of the conflict between Algeria and Morocco. This event, also known as the "Battle of Amgala II," witnessed a surprise attack by Algerian special forces on Moroccan forces stationed in Amgala. Background of the Conflict The conflict over Western Sahara began after Spain withdrew in 1975, when Morocco and Mauritania divided the territory amidst opposition from the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, which demanded complete independence for the Sahara. Tensions between Morocco and Algeria escalated due to Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front, leading to armed clashes. Events at Amgala On January 31, 1975, Moroccan forces attacked Algerian troops present in Amgala to supply the Polisario Front, killing more than 100 Algerian soldiers. This attack enraged Algeria, which vowed a severe military response. The Algerian Response On November 14, 1976, Algeri...

Algerian Projects in Africa: Realistic and Profitable vs. Morocco's Fantastical Projects

Over the decades, Algeria has demonstrated its ability to launch and complete major projects in Africa, characterized by their realism and profitability, primarily relying on autonomous funding. In contrast, Morocco proposes ambitious but often unrealistic projects with obscure financing, hiding political motivations rather than genuine development intentions. 1. Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) Project Description : The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is a major project connecting Nigeria to Algeria via Niger, transporting 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Warri (Nigeria) to Hassi R'Mel (Algeria), where it will be transported to Europe. Advantages : Realism and Feasibility : The project is technically feasible and has passed feasibility and opportunity study phases . Financing : The project is primarily financed by Algeria and Nigeria, two countries with the financial capacity and necessary resources . Security : Significant progress has been made in securing northe...

Impact of Morocco's Name Change on Algeria and Historical Appropriation: A Critical Examination

This article examines the consequences of Morocco's official name change during the French colonial era on Algeria and the broader Maghreb region. It highlights the complexities introduced into historical interpretation and the contentious appropriation of key historical figures and symbols such as Tariq Ibn Ziyad, Sidi Boumediene Al-Ghout, and the Gate of the Maghrebi in Jerusalem. The study underscores the implications of these changes for national identity and historical narratives in Algeria. Introduction The renaming of Morocco to its current official title during the French protectorate was a significant colonial administrative decision with far-reaching implications. This change not only facilitated colonial governance but also impacted the historical and cultural landscape of the Maghreb, particularly affecting neighboring Algeria. The resultant uniformity in nomenclature came at the cost of historical specificity and regional distinctions. Historical Context and Administra...

Obsession of the French Extreme Right and Morocco: Algeria a French Creation?

To understand the obsession of the French far-right and Morocco with the thesis that Algeria was created by France and never existed as a nation, it is crucial to recall that Algeria was a powerful and independent political entity before French colonization. Furthermore, Algeria was the cradle of many influential civilizations that dominated the Maghreb. This article provides a detailed analysis of this rich history based on academic sources. Modern Algeria maintains deep continuity with ancient Numidia, both geographically, historically, and culturally. Geographically, present-day Algeria largely corresponds to the historical boundaries of Numidia, an ancient region encompassing North Africa. This geographical stability demonstrates persistent territorial continuity through the centuries (History of the Berbers, 1952). Historically, the Berbers, the indigenous people of Numidia, played a central role in shaping the cultural identity of modern Algeria. Their heritage is evident in the ...

Morocco as a Military Dictatorship: An Analysis of Royal Powers and Media Dynamics

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy where the king holds significant powers, unlike many constitutional monarchies in Europe, such as Spain and the United Kingdom, where monarchs play primarily symbolic roles. This article examines the lack of democracy in Morocco by analyzing the exceptional role and powers of the king and how these powers contrast with those of monarchs in democratic countries. Additionally, we will explore why Moroccan media constantly scrutinize Algeria, a nation where the president is elected, and why Moroccans do not seek to limit the king's powers to establish a symbolic monarchy similar to those in Spain or the United Kingdom. Theoretical Framework To understand the lack of democracy in Morocco, it is essential to examine the theoretical framework of liberal democracy and constitutional monarchies. According to the principles of liberal democracy, sovereignty resides in the people, who elect their representatives through free and fair elections. Modern con...

Algeria's Upgrade to Upper Middle-Income Country: A Technical and Comparative Analysis

Algeria has recently progressed from the status of a lower-middle-income country to an upper-middle-income country, according to the latest update of the World Bank's economy classification. This improvement is based on key indicators such as Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and demographic growth. This article delves into the technical details of this transition while comparing Algeria's situation with its neighbors. Economic Classification and World Bank Thresholds The World Bank classifies economies into four main categories based on GNI per capita: Low-income economies : GNI per capita of $1,135 or less. Lower-middle-income economies : GNI per capita between $1,136 and $4,465. Upper-middle-income economies : GNI per capita between $4,466 and $13,845. High-income economies : GNI per capita of $13,846 or more. By increasing its GNI per capita from $3,900 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023) to $4,960 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024),...

The Recovery of Algeria's National Sovereignty: A Pivotal Moment in the Nation's History

July 5, 1962, marks a crucial date in Algeria's history, symbolizing the end of 132 years of French colonization and the recovery of national sovereignty. This day represents the victory of a united and resilient people, whose determined struggle brought an end to one of the most oppressive forms of colonialism. The Resilience and Unity of the Algerian People The Algerian War of Liberation is emblematic of the determination of the people not to submit to the French occupiers. The moudjahidine, these freedom fighters, along with history teachers, emphasize that the Algerian struggle intensified through different forms of resistance, culminating in the long-desired recovery of national sovereignty. Moudjahida Saliha Djeffal recalls the immense joy that filled the people on July 5, 1962, a day marked by the achievement of the supreme goal: national sovereignty. The Sacrifices of the Algerian People The recovery of Algeria's national sovereignty would not have been possible without...