Algiers residents immobilised by shock after terror bombings

11/12/2007

Exactly eight months after a twin attack in Algiers, the indescribable drama was replayed today. After a few months of calm, suicide bombers have returned to spread panic in Algiers.

By Achira Mammeri for Magharebia in Algiers – 11/12/07

[Getty Images] Algerian rescue workers evacuate a victim from a building destroyed by a bomb blast

Eleven. It will forever be a cursed number for Algerians.

Eight months ago, to the day, a twin attack shook the capital. The first targeted the government palace and the second a police station.

That was Wednesday, April 11th. On Tuesday morning, December 11th, another drama dashed Algeria's hopes for calm. At 9:50, two deadly attacks rocked the capital, killing scores of innocents. Algiers the White weeps for its victims.

The fear is immense. "It's a bomb," some ventured. "No, it is two bombs," others said.

The first images broadcast on foreign television channels confirmed the drama and shocked Algerians who had spent the last few months getting used to the idea of being safe. "Peace in Algeria is a utopia, an illusion. Without a doubt, our country has been condemned to live with terror," exclaimed Said, a taxi driver.

Employees who had arrived early for work were heading home at noon, whether or not they had permission. "I couldn't stay in the office. It’s dangerous," says Farida, a secretary at Andi, the national investment promotion agency. "You can’t tell whether this building will be a suicide bomb target."

The capital itself looks miserable. The week of sunny winter weather gave way to rain and drizzle. "Look! Even the sky is weeping for the dozens of innocent people who have left this world forever. Good God, what have we done to deserve this?" wondered Ali, a pensioner. "No. I’m sure we’ve done nothing. Nothing at all."

Amine, a university student, is wrought with tears over the students who were killed in the carnage. "The terrorists have dragged dozens of families into mourning, and along with them a whole nation that wants to live in peace. No one has the right to deprive us of this, our right."

"The terrorists want to isolate the country," said Said, a journalist for Ouest Tribune. "They managed it during the black decade. I’m really worried they could achieve their aim again this time."

Algerians wonder the same thing after each attack: What is the purpose of these crimes? Who is being targeted? Why now?

"Terrorist groups are hiding behind Islam," says Mounir, who is unemployed. "I say that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and co-existence. They are criminals with a craving for blood and power."

An imam with El Taqwa mosque in the Algiers suburb of Bab El Oued roundly condemned the two explosions. "These attacks are attacks on the Islamic religion and present a completely false impression of Muslims," he said, preferring to stay anonymous. "Islam will remain a religion of tolerance for all time. These criminals have nothing to do with Islam. In fact, they are Islam’s greatest enemies."