Algeria: Current Issues
Abstract
The situation in Algeria is generally good. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was reelected in 2004 after his supporters manipulated the political process in his favor, but without blatant fraud, suggesting modest progress toward democratization. Moreover, the military, the most significant political force since independence, has muffled its voice. Domestic terrorism has decreased after over a decade of civil conflict, yet Algerians continue to be implicated in terrorism abroad. The Armed Islamic Group (GIA) and its more active offshoot, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), which seek an Islamist regime, are the main terrorist groups. Both are on the U.S. State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Terrorism provides a rationale for Algeria's uneven human rights record. Bouteflika has energized foreign policy and broadened cooperation with the United States. This report will be updated if warranted. See also, CRS Report RS20962, "Western Sahara: The United Nations Shifts Course."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA457338
Entities
People
- Carol Migdalovitz
Organizations
- Library of Congress