The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

Now for the post-election purge

Now for the post-election purge
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika preparing purge of senior military officers? This would be the final push in Boutef's remarkably successful marginalization of the rival clans that have controlled Algeria over the last two decades to put the presidency at the center of the regime. Many people might see in this a positive step for Algeria, because the in-regime competition was paralyzing. But it can't be a positive step if it merely leads to one-man rule and inheritance of power along family lines. Interesting times in Algiers... and good post at the always interesting Maghreb Politics Review.