Algeria: Militants and Repentance and US $100 billion dollars.

By Younis Suleimani

London, Asharq Al-Awsat- Talk of security has made a striking return to the Algerian arena, highlighting fears of the advent of terrorism  something the country is unaccustomed to. This raises questions regarding the efficacy of the reconciliation policy, which is firmly adopted by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in counteracting new threats such as these.

After consulting the opinions and views of security officials and experts who are studying this issue, Asharq Al-Awsat found that militant activities are following a new course that is impacted by climates other than the local one, and that the number of militants refusing to repent is approximately 300.

( and USA is spending $100 million dollars for what? )

However, this figure is subject to increase by virtue of new recruitment factors that have emerged in Algeria over the past few years. Meanwhile, the number of those who have renounced their former ways is 8,000 since 1999 [Islamist militants who surrender are granted a presidential pardon under President Bouteflika’s policy].

Many agree that the recent escalation is primarily linked to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) joining forces with the al Qaeda organization, which is notoriously led by Bin Laden, at the beginning of this year.

Suleiman Shenin, the director of ‘al Raed’ research center (based in Algeria) told Asharq Al-Awsat that the fact that Algerian militants were resorting to suicide bombing operations denotes “the unmistakable mark and signs of being affiliated to al Qaeda and a pledge of loyalty [to the organization].” He added that the GSPC wanted to use these new operations to demonstrate that “it had unequivocally become affiliated to al Qaeda.” .........

.......According to experts interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, confronted by these new security threats, the national reconciliation efforts remain rational and persuasive. There is a necessity to introduce amendments to the policy that can expand upon the economic, development and ideological levels. President Bouteflika has displayed signs that he is strongly adhering to this approach, “I will not for a single moment renounce the political project built on national reconciliation and security for all Algerians,” he said in a televised appearance immediately after the attacks that had intended to target his convoy. These efforts towards reconciliation coincide with an openness in the state, whilst development plans have been allocated approximately US $100 billion dollars.

( SOMEBODY TELL ME I read that wrong? )

G

Its a Good read: MORE