Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Shadin Maali has been named Emgage’s new Senior Director of Growth and Operations
    Emgage hires former Illinois Congressional aid to help expand their reach Activism
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12 American Arabs
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd American Arabs
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022 Activism
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast Arab News
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols interviewed on live Arab American radio in Detroit with host Ray Hanania Friday Dec. 9, 2022
    Nichols discusses need to improve Arab-Black relations in Chicagoland American Arabs
  • Voting sticker issued to voters in Cook County elections in 2016. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Gov. Pritzker Announces Six Appointments to Boards and Commissions — no Arabs included American Arabs
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Pritzker again ignores needs of Arab businesses in latest appointments Activism
  • Arab American Democratic Club (AADC) official candidate endorsements for the November 8, 2022 General elections.
    Arab American Democratic Club issues endorsements for Nov. 8, 2022 Cook County Illinois elections Activism
  • Arab Democrats urge NO VOTE on Gov. J.B. Pritzker re-election bid Activism
  • Assyrian American GOP issues endorsements in Nov, 8, 2022 elections
    Assyrian American GOP group endorses candidates in Illinois Activism
  • Abdullah Hammoud, elected Mayor of Dearborn Nov. 2, 2021. Photo courtesy of Abdullah Hammoud Facebook Page
    AHRC’s 2022 Spirit of Humanity Gala a Great Success American Arabs
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts Arab World
  • Rep. Cyril Nichols to be feted by supporters at fundraiser Saturday Oct. 22 Activism
al-Amir Square, Algeria. Photo courtesy of Abdennour Toumi

How Political Incorrectness Made Algerians Hate Politics 

Posted on December 30, 2018December 30, 2018 By Abdennour Toumi 1 Comment on How Political Incorrectness Made Algerians Hate Politics 
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

How Political Incorrectness Made Algerians Hate Politics 

The opium though turns out to be pure honey for the fans’ throats to manifest their anger and challenge the cynicism and the narcissism of their “leaders.”

By Abdennour Toumi 

Four months before the April, 2019 Presidential election, where President Bouteflika is running for a fifth-term, despite all the speculation and the talk of the town that he might  not run — a typical Algerian spicy winter dish for the local media, the confused elite, and the lost voters to chase. Whereas the regime has yet to sort out the ongoing mystery whether he will or won’t. 

A political thriller that echoes the death of Mr. Ayache Mahdjoubi in the village of Oum a-Chemel. Trapped for several days in a narrow well, he died when attempts to reach him failed. How he came to be in the well is a mystery in itself and local people offer no sound explanation, only hearsay. Efforts were complicated by the overflow of groundwater around the structure, according to Civil Protection Services. Which pushed protesters to use anti-local government slogans in support of Mr. Ayach on Twitter, using a hash-tag: “We all are Ayach”, and later they chanted: “The people want the local governor (al-Wali) to fall.”

A number of Algerians criticized the government over the pace with which they reacted to the incident, saying Mr. Mahdjoubi could have been rescued if Civil Protection units were deployed on time. “This incident was added to the last summer’s cholera outbreak about the incompetency of the government.” shouted Salim, a local protester. 

al-Amir Square, Algeria. Photo courtesy of Abdennour Toumi
al-Amir Square, Algeria. Photo courtesy of Abdennour Toumi

However, the President’s entourage in Zeralda-sur-Mazafran is intelligently focusing on a strategy to move its pawns into their rivals’ zone, in this case the generals in Ali Khoja Castle. The President’s entourage has been using tactics to overcome Algeria’s political turmoil of the 90s. Initially the President put the country back on track, yet the country continues to face many unresolved challenges — failing educational and healthcare reforms, national security threats on the eastern and southern borders, and the government’s misjudgment on migrants policy.  

More to the point, a wildly bazaar economy based on hydrocarbons that has long been the backbone of the economy; this base accounts for around 30% of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product) and 60% of budget revenues, but the sector produces few jobs for an expanding population of 41 million where 26.4 % of under-30-years-old are unemployed. 

Hence Algeria is on the brink of a severe economic crisis according to the International Crisis Group’s latest report on Algeria. 

Algerians believed in the change that was taking place from 1989-91. For instance, the adoption of a modern Constitution, pushing for freedom of expression and press, multi-party system and importantly ending an era of the monist society and mentality of the FLN party. Algeria felt the breeze of the Algerian glasnost and Perestroïka, thus an Arabs‘ Spring. 

Yet these reforms divided the political and the military establishment in the country. The country is still divided today. Twenty-five years ago, pros and cons were arguing not with pens, but with rifles and knives. The situation dates back to 1962, dealing with the dialectic: Whether the country should turn East or West. Decades later, in spite of the Baraka of the oil revenues that occurred during President Bouteflika’s first two terms, politicians still have not figured out how to lift the country up. People live under the poverty line, unemployment is high as the sky; consequently, the dream of the post-89 generation is to swim out on the Mediterranean stream. 

President Bouteflika’s four terms in office have had mixed results. His main challenge was first how to subjugate the sacrosanct pact between the military and the so-called “democrats.” He has been using his Machiavellian style to weave alliances with opportunist “democrats”, legalist utopian Islamists, and the old-guard FLNists. This ruse has led to putting all his cronies and trustees in the highest security and administrative positions in the land. 

The “velvet” opposition crossing the ideology line is making noises about a scenario of a national dialogue conference to overcome what its calls “the gravity of the situation”, a Presidential entourage feint to assess the President’s deteriorating health. As one hears about the potential extension of his fourth term. In the fog of politics, excitement creates anxiety —  in Algeria, politics is a continuation of doubt by other means. 

“The prospect for a fifth-term seems increasingly dubious as the Algerian President appears weakened by disease and age. All speculations are allowed, including a postponement of the presidential election and an extension de facto of its term,” according to Ms. Rachida Azzouzi’s article on Mediapart, Dec, 29.

The fundamental question that many analysts have in mind: Who is going to succeed President Bouteflika? Lately, there have been rumors that he is paving the road for his youngest brother, who is also his special adviser at al-Mouradia Palace or Zeralda-sur-Mazafran. These rumors have been on the surface for awhile in a country where rumor is a credible source of news! 

Mr. Saïd Bouteflika, however, did not hesitate to transgress the President’s clan to remain active and decisive in the ongoing battle in the pre-election season and after — even to the point to pick Algeria’s next President. Or work tirelessly for another term for his brother; which if gained would give a ruling FLN party and its swiss cheese ally parties (RND, TAJ, and MPA) — the so-called Presidential coalition — the generals who are in wait-and-see mode, the business tycoons/profiteers, and the regime’s honey-tongued Imams time to organize a smooth succession. This political charade is likely to be a source of frustration for Algerians worried about unemployment and austerity in a state-controlled economy suffering from low oil prices and reckless management. 

Politically, the country went back to the one-party State system and the cult of personality; economically, it is in a state of total anarchy; socially, it is on the edge of an explosion. 

In sum, Algerians, notably the youth, are weekly expressing their exasperation from the soccer stadium bleachers, using these bleachers as a political rally podium, in a country where the soft francophone and arabophone elite alike has been criticizing the regime for using soccer as an opium for [his] people — the opium though turns out to be pure honey for the fans’ throats to manifest their anger and challenge the cynicism and the narcissism of their “leaders.” 

Because the voters are not trusting any political party nor any leader nor have they a political agenda: Alas, the majority of Algerians is sick and tired of political incorrectness and social injustice. 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Abdennour Toumi
Follow me:
Abdennour Toumi
Abdennour Toumi:
- France correspondent for The Arab Daily News.
- www.bareed-areej.com Editor-in-Chief
رئيس تحرير مجلة بريد الأريج
- Political consultant at IMPR a Think-Tank based in Ankara, Turkey.
- Member at the European Observatory for Arabic Language Teaching based in Paris, France.
- Affiliated with Sociology of Islam Journal and contributor at Middle East Studies / International Studies, Sociology of Islam and Muslim Societies Center, Portland State University in Portland, OR.

EDUCATION: Diplôme des Études Approfondies (DEA) in Political Science from Toulouse University I, France. Master’s degree in Law from Algiers University, Algeria.

Email im at: nourhty@gmail.com
Abdennour Toumi
Follow me:
Latest posts by Abdennour Toumi (see all)
  • The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Is the Neither-Peace-nor-Security As-sumption Dominating Again? - June 7, 2021
  • Algeria: “I Can See Clearly Now” - August 5, 2019
  • Majesty Mohammed VI and General Gaïd Salah Tear Down This Wall! - July 29, 2019

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Abdennour Toumi, Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Middle East, North Africa, Opinion Tags:Algeria, Ayache Mahdjoubi, elections, President Bouteflika, Zeralda-sur-Mazafran

Post navigation

Previous Post: Palestinians should accept and build on Trump’s peace plan 
Next Post: The need to undo anti-BDS laws

Related Posts

  • حرب إسرائيل على الفلسطينيين هي حرب على الحقائق Arab News
  • Video proves Israeli targeted and killed four Palestinian children on Gaza beach Ali Younes
  • Obama argues the Iraq war only helped strengthen Iran Arab World
  • 5th Army USS Sgt. George Hanania in Europe. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Arab Americans celebrate 100th Anniversary of Veterans Day American Arabs
  • Ustar Erdoğan, Stronger Than Ever Abdennour Toumi
  • Mordechai Vanunu: Uncensored and Enshrined Arab World

More Related Articles

Yemen and Arab Uprising: Fissures and Repercussions Arab World
Photos: Refugee Beach Camp in the Gaza Strip Arab World
Trump, Golan Heights, This American, USS Liberty and Mordechai Vanunu Arab World
Peoples march in Algiers Streets to protest Pdt Bouteflika fifth-term. Photo courtesy of Abdennour Toumi A Cri-de-coeur for Dignity and Stability  Abdennour Toumi
Palestinian Film “The Wanted 18” speaks to Israeli occupation American Arabs
Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council The Flood of 2021: A Time to Reflect and Seek Solutions American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Tiktok.com/@RayHanania
    Israeli-push behind effort to ban Tiktok in the United States
    January 19, 2023
  • Ghassan Rubeiz
    To what extent is Hezbollah responsible for the current crisis in Lebanon?
    January 17, 2023
  • Image from Rashid-al-Din Hamadani's "A Compendium of Chronicles. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
    Why allow religious extremists to re-define Islam in the West?
    January 10, 2023
  • CAIR Executive Director and co-founder Nihad Awad
    This Thanksgiving, let’s use our Blessings for good
    November 23, 2022
  • NEWS
  • Shadin Maali has been named Emgage’s new Senior Director of Growth and Operations
    Emgage hires former Illinois Congressional aid to help expand their reach
    February 8, 2023
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Shadin Maali has been named Emgage’s new Senior Director of Growth and Operations
    Emgage hires former Illinois Congressional aid to help expand their reach
    February 8, 2023
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme