Maghreb bloggers react to the bombings in Algiers

14/12/2007

Maghreb bloggers discuss the terrorist attacks in Algiers.

[Getty Images] One blogger wrote, "the media is failing to educate people of the extent of the danger."

The recent terrorist attacks in Algeria have dominated the Maghreb blogosphere in recent days. "Terrorism persists ... Mr Bouteflika," wrote Adel, "Algeria is not yet free of terrorism as you say in your speeches; here is the proof."

"Once again we are hit in our flesh," blogged Anaisdaly. "Once again we are plunged into uncertainty, and once again we unanimously condemn the attacks." Asking what would follow the attacks, the blogger noted that a paralysis "has taken hold of us, like a rampaging, pestilential and sordid beast."

In a discussion of photos of the aftermath posted by Mon journal a moi on dzblog.com, Atika expressed fear of the "Iraqisation" of Algeria. "We must act. We must involve ourselves actively in the struggle against the monsters!"

In the same discussion, Slimane T. asked the government to instruct imams to dedicate their Friday sermons to the fight against terrorism. "We must talk of nothing else; otherwise people will return to their old habits. Mosques have to fight the sleepiness of people, against their greed and selfishness."

The media was also blamed for not playing a more active role. Commenting on Malika's blog post, "Algiers I think of you! I am thinking about you all", Amri, an Algerian expat living in Tunisia wrote, "the media is failing to educate people of the extent of the danger".

The media should investigate "the source of this illness, of those who shelter the terrorists and give them resources." People should know, Amri added, that those killing children receive "religious teaching without guidance…and are marginalised".

Chawki Amari from Les Chroniques argued that the "death has not ended and 11, the evil number, becomes a day to avoid". The blogger expressed belief that by targeting the "UN, the world's federal bureau and the local Supreme court," the terrorist group demonstrated their affiliations to the Algerian president, and that "the adversaries of the third mandate … gave their opinion."

"Hitting the Constitutional Council headquarters, cradle of law and the constitution…brings us straight to the debate over Bouteflika's third mandate," agreed Mounir Boudjema, also from Les Chroniques.

The message, continued the blogger, was sent "to foreigners, who gave approval to the return of security and dissipated the fears over coming to Algeria. By targeting the UN, terrorism attacks the symbol of the international community". The blogger suggested it might be time to change strategy. "National Reconciliation [is not] a miracle solution to our misfortune."

"Do not talk politics while corpses are still smouldering," begged Farah Maamar. "The time is for mourning. Silence, please."

"The youngsters who died were your age and the child who caused this carnage is from your generation," she continued. "When they are not throwing themselves in the ocean to go somewhere else, they blow themselves to pieces. This is a very sad story of youth… and we are all responsible. But we will talk about it later."

A request for silence was also sent from Tunis. In her post, "Keep silent, we are killing," Tunisian blogger Nadia asked the Maghreb to play its role and "not play blind. Let us all be Algerians tonight," concluded the blogger.