Tunisians react to bombings in Algeria and Morocco
2007-04-15
Recent bombings in Morocco and Algeria have left many wondering whether Tunisia could be next in line. Analysts, politicians, and other citizens voice their opinions.
By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis – 15/04/07
 [Getty Images] Algerians inspect the Algiers government palace after the bombing last Wednesday. |
The recent bombings that rocked Algeria and Morocco have provoked considerable uproar in neighbouring Tunisia, among people from every segment of society. Tunisians are still coming to terms with the fact that a group of Islamist extremists had taken up residence in the suburbs of Tunis. The clash with security forces that ensued in late December and early January left 12 terrorists dead, and remains fresh in people’s minds.
Following the attacks in Morocco and Algeria, analysts were intent on dispelling the likelihood that the operations would spread to Tunis, which has until now remained safe from any dramatic operations since the announcement of the creation of the al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb. This was the view of Islamist groups expert Slaheddine Jourchi, who, in an interview with Magharebia, downplayed the likelihood that operations similar to those in Morocco and Algeria would take place in Tunisia. "Certainly what happened in Casablanca and Algiers will have a psychological impact in Tunisia," Jourchi said, adding, "The groups that carried out the attacks in Algeria on Wednesday morning belong to an organisation that has successful roots in spreading and expanding, and was thus able to train sleeper and non-sleeper cells, whereas, in Tunisia, the confrontations late last year revealed the security forces’ ability to abort the first armed movement, which kept the groups from spreading. I think repeating this attempt will require a long time."
Jourchi noted that what occurred in Morocco on Tuesday indicates that the armed groups there are going through a state of major confusion and disarray.
Journalist Asia Atrous wrote in Friday’s Assabah newspaper that, while the government may claim the attackers in Morocco and Algeria are unrelated, there are reasons to believe otherwise. "There is no doubt," she wrote, "that… terrorist threats over the past months invite raising anew many questions with more directness and accountability".
Atrous claimed that the "international situation" had some role in the turn of Maghreb youth towards violence, "but, in truth, there are other, local causes that have a role in this phenomenon." She cites poverty, unemployment, political and social marginalisation, the absence of mentoring, and the lack of responsible educational and religious dialog—not only within the educational establishment, but also within the family institution itself—as reasons young people may be particularly susceptible to manipulative propaganda from violent organisations.
Senator Samir Abdullah also dismissed the possibility of events in Algeria and Morocco being repeated in Tunisia. "Terrorism in Algeria can be attributed to internal causes and the settling of scores between conflicting powers," he told Magharebia. In Tunisia, according to Abdullah, "The middle class is very large, the regime was able to eliminate haphazard and marginalised neighbourhoods, and Tunisia is small and not mountainous. All of these factors protect the country from terrorist bombings." Nevertheless, Abdullah called on all Tunisians—the government and the people alike—to be vigilant in defending the country.
Journalist Sara Abdelmaksoud said she does not feel any fear after hearing of the terrorist bombings that took place in Morocco and Algeria. "I think the file was closed for us after the thwarting of the extremist group’s attempts in Tunisia at the beginning of the year, and I don’t think they will repeat it."
Housewife Amana al-Boughanmi was not so certain. "I felt much pain for what happened in Algeria, and I believe everything’s possible with these criminals. I don’t think they’ll leave us in peace here in Tunisia," she said.
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maher Posted 2007-04-15
Hi. We would like some public investigation on these attacks. We dont want to be told about terrorist groups. Who are these groups? Stop talking about al-Qaeda. Is it Bin Laden, on which hatred and defiance against an entire religion has been built? Why does he only show up when the US needs it? Thanks.
faissal Posted 2007-04-15
In fact I'm very sorry and sad for what's happening to us in our country the Arab Maghreb. Why all this hatred and against whom? Against your Muslim brothers this isn't our culture it's an extraneous culture I'm very sorry for our young people who had their brains washed and the criminals filled them with ideas of accusing people of infidelity to kill whom? I and all Moroccans and all the Arab Maghreb in general we won't allow any person to destroy us or dissipate our resources or destroy our future and we'll fight them fiercely the proof is the thwarted attempts which were in vain, they were thwarted by the security first and with the help of citizens jealous over their country thanks to God for their presence. Here I address a call to all associations and all institutes to raise awareness of the young people and help them so that they don't fall in the trap of frustration and thus become victims of the groups accusing people of infidelity and May God save us from their evils.
Toufik Posted 2007-04-15
I would like to tell that phony Tunisian senator:"Had Algerians not contained the bulk of islamic terrorism, mind you at a very heavy price, GSPC would have turned Tunisia into a sand pit already. Tunisians owe their peaceful life to us. And Morocco would be in greater trouble today. I still recall the days i was part of the middle-class and i do not wish the Algerian tragedy to our sisters and brothers in Morocco and Tunisia". Be well.
hichem Posted 2007-04-16
God bless our Tunisia!
نجيب Posted 2007-04-16
With reference to the article on the attacks in Algeria and Morocco, and from our follow-up of the event throughout the media, we conclude clearly it is impossible to link between the attacks in the two countries. Algeria as we know well suffers from these waves of violence for years, and it was the State who has created this conflict, by eliminating the Islamists from managing the affairs of the state, together with other political currents, by legitimate violence, as the army is still controlling politicians up to now, it orders politicians who support it its wills which of course are contrary to democracy and rule of the people as stipulated by the constitution of the country. This is quite evident, which has led the country to enter this crisis (civil war) which has caused the emergence of more radical and extremist groups, namely because the way was paved for them, as the Algerian authorities were tightening the noose around the most open groups that accept the other and prevent them from exercising their functions, this is my personal impartial view. As to Morocco, the attacks are mainly related to the deteriorating economic and social conditions in Morocco since the 1990s and to the present. This has negatively affected the way of life of social classes namely those belonging to the most vulnerable classes, who are usually living on the marginalized outskirts of the cities, where the informal dwellings and shantytowns are mushrooming, where the overcrowding of population is quite evident, as a result of the flow of people from rural areas because the state didn't take any steps towards improving the conditions of life of villagers and help them to develop their primitive means especially in the remote areas. It hasn't built exemplary villages that will ensure for them a dignified life as if they were living in cities. It has however focused its interest on the development of cities alone; this has pushed active villagers, namely young people, to desert their families and lands in search of a better life in the cities. Moreover, the natural reproduction rate in these streets is very high despite the low incomes of the families living there, as there’s an absence of family planning, which causes the spread of misery, crime in all its forms, namely violence, robbery, drug dealing, fraud via begging, …..prostitution….all these social evils give birth to other social phenomena such as family separation which leads in turn to the vagabondage of children and they become prone to lost and easy prey to the professionals of crime and terror. The rate of vagabonds has highly increased and this phenomenon touches all age categories – children, teens, youth, men, women and old people. Statistics have estimated that around 40 thousand children and teens in Morocco are in a state of loss in the avenues and streets of the cities, they usually survive on domestic waste, and they sniff chemicals…., I’m quite sure that most of them prefer to leave this world and relinquish this life full of wealth and luxury?? To the afterlife which in their opinion is better, and if someone offers them assistance in order to take revenge from this society which has denied them their humanity and ignored them, they would accept it immediately and without discussion, and so they strike two birds with one stone. [...]and get rid of the shabby life, torture and suffering especially if their minds are spoilt with destructive ideas that have nothing to do with religion. This is a warning to all Moroccans namely those with power and money, to think about these deprived classes, to take some responsibility, solidarity and cooperate with local authorities in order to fight these social crises namely unemployment, poverty and marginalization. Najib.
superuser Posted 2007-04-16
Tunisian are busy with fOOTBAL season and Mihrajan alghani and films: KARTHAGE FESTIVAL...i dont see them craying or even sympetising with moroccan and algerian. Tunisia for us is like midle brother who is never there he is doing his things and moving along he does not get involved with first and 3brother (morocco-algeria)...he just there taking it day by day ...One this brother grew up and get really involved seriously in our affaires (lime SAHARA ISSUE) that time may be we can do something all togetherAND WE CAN TALK ABOUT MAGHREB...
nezha Posted 2007-04-16
Be careful my brothers I'm really concerned about you
ABU DARR AL GHAFARI Posted 2007-04-17
Terrorists who kill Muslims and innocents in the name of religion base their ideology on hatred, not tolerance and peace, Islam (from the word salama). Too bad people do not react to this threat. The US is another thing. Terrorists give it all the reasons to intervene in our societies. In the name of which religion are all these Algerians and Moroccans killed? Only for ideology, demagogy and hatred. Conspiracy theories are deeply anchored in our mentalities, we should stop seeing evil everywhere. The only evil today is the ideology of hatred and fear that ruins young lives and turns families into nothing in the name of religion. Let us fight, governments and governed. Let us unite against barbarism, violence and destructive rage.
Amine Posted 2007-04-17
Each time Algeria faces problems, it appears as a martyr for the whole Maghreb.
Amin - Morocco Posted 2007-04-18
I agree with most of the comments. However, as a country (Morocco) we must ensure that our younger generation have a future and job to look forward to. We must train them and give them a good education to prepair them for their lives. Much terrorism results from disgrunted young people who have very little or even work to do. Unemployment is one element that needs to be tackled.
mokhtar Posted 2007-04-20
To my friend, SuperUser, please leave our lovely Tunisia alone. And, you are welcome here any time. I personally invite you to my home to have a discussion together. And, don’t forget, Tunisia is a part of Grand Maghreb.
de faycel a toufik Posted 2007-04-28
[I would like to tell that phony Tunisian senator:"Had Algerians not contained the bulk of islamic terrorism, mind you at a very heavy price, GSPC would have turned Tunisia into a sand pit already."] You are dreaming, Algerian. You don’t know the Tunisian security services or the police forces. Furthermore, the Tunisian people themselves are always the first to oppose terrorists in Tunisia. That’s the difference. Stop playing the hero. This story is over. Be rational in your next reaction so that you can make some progress.
احمد Posted 2007-11-26
A comment on the Algerian attacks: The collision or conflict between the right and wrong on earth. Neither Bouteflika, Bush nor US intelligence can stop this conflict or settle it by itself. So Bouteflika should rule with Islam. And if there's still someone who commits attacks, all the people will be with him. And then we'll say to the bomber, you have no right. But if he remains and goes to the toilet three time a day, and then comes out and rules disregarding the law of God, what he reaps is the results of his actions in his life and the afterlife. Finally I think, and even confirm that Bush has neither paradise or hell in the other world, and neither do you.
رونكي Posted 2007-12-13
As we know Tunisia is the weakest and most vulnerable State in the Arab Maghreb. We say may God protect it from terrorism, if it enters it, it will be a catastrophe. Tunisia wasn't even able to face the football supporters who came from Algeria, so how can it face terrorism?
taha Posted 2008-02-01
Hello Everybody, I think that all the bombings in the Islamic world and even in other countries could honestly be easily stopped. It is the established politics of the Arab, Islamic and other governments that are doing this. I do not think that there is any mathematical unknown here, rather it is part of their goals. There is no coincidence here, just politics established to gain face. And, the losers, on the other hand, are faced with the aforementioned’s personal gains. So who is the exploiter and who is the opposite?
zico Posted 2008-02-20
Tunisia is weak. It cannot face terrorism. If it faced ten years of terrorism like Algeria did, we wouldn’t see a country of Tunisia today. I think Algeria has shown that it is a great and strong nation by its people, martyrs and firm steadiness. So long live Algeria, free and independent. Algeria is the capital of the Arab Maghreb, whether you want Moroccans and Tunisians or not. It is the most complex figure in the Maghreb equation. If you love Algeria, you love the Arab Maghreb, and if you hate it, you hate it as well. We notice that its policies in the Arab Maghreb are 100% successful and this is due to its weight in the region. You’ve become great our dear Algeria.
lim passmoi Posted 2008-04-15
We need to throw this [expletive] president out. He really [expletive] this country over. He has done a lot of stupid things. Moreover, he has been around for 21 years. That is too long.
muuny Posted 2008-04-24
What is this talk people. What terrorism and what rubbish, what if Algeria and Tunisia weren’t neighbours, may God protect us? I am wondering by God why are there differences between sisterly Arab countries and how come they are good with European countries namely France. The only thing we can say is God protect us. God suffices us and He is the best protector against the presidents who support disputes between countries and who don’t try to solve the Arab problems.
أيوب المغرب Posted 2008-05-21
Peace and mercy upon you. I welcome the opinion of the brother Najib posted on 16-04-2007 and I appreciate it. A logic and constructive approach. The need for reform is present and we are aware of that and notice the action of officials towards that goal.
أيوب المغرب Posted 2008-05-21
Peace and mercy of God upon you. Algeria is the only cause and fertile and healthy ground for the emergence of all dangers. This is due to many factors. Continuous conflict between two regimes, an oppressive military regime, absence of the pillars of the state, unhealthy social education based on the principle of violence instead of dialog. Solutions – an urgent international intervention to drop the totalitarian regime, democratic elections under the supervision of an international committee. “God does not change the afflictions of people until they change what is inside them”. God speaks the truth.
غيور على وطنه Posted 2008-06-05
God’s curse on the bawdy, I don’t say this from the principle of logic, I said it from the principle of hatred and abhorrence against Algeria because despite its miseries, it is supporting the oppressed for whom you are preparing the worst torture. You pretend the ownership of a land which doesn’t belong to you, it was liberated with the blood of peoples who were aspiring to their independence. It is the policy of the kingdom there which stands as a stumbling block for building the Great Arab Maghreb. Do you know why, because it is an oppressive policy. May be you remember when Algeria got its independence, Morocco used the situation and tried to enter the lands of Tindouf to occupy them as it does now with the Western Sahara under the pretext of the sanctity of the land and territorial integrity with what accompanies this from the fervour of the regime and the people. Here I ask my question, why don’t you ask for the independence of the territories of Ceuta and Mellilla since they are an extension to the territories of Morocco, or are you scared of the Spanish whereas the Sahraoui people are poor and weak and against whom you are innovative in intimidating and threatening them… As long as the Sahara is the neighbour of Algeria, it won’t be touched by any harm. And you know when there is a military manoeuvre in Tindouf, everything is mixed up on the bordering lands to Morocco.
Marie S Posted 2008-06-15
Why are you all saying who is weak? Weak is those you do not come together under ALLAH! Tunisian people are kind and gentle but yet still is strong in force just that they believe in peace. That is what everyone truely believes in all countries. So find peace within yourself and you will see through ALLAH's eyes. Love yourself as well as those around you. INCHA ALLAH
الصحبي الصحبي Posted 2008-06-19
We the Tunisians sympathize with our brothers in Algeria and in every country where civilians are killed. We strongly believe that these acts are carried out by the American and French intelligence services. They have mobilized armies of agents internally and even among the elite. This site which is attempting in vain to poison the environment in all Maghreb countries reflects the madness of the American policy which thinks that in this way it can shake the trust of the people in their regimes or create conflicts between regimes to reach the constructive chaos they are aspiring to. Finally, I say to American politicians, stop wasting money and take care of the protection of your country from collapse which is clear from the weakness of your armies in Afghanistan and Iraq, in addition to the weakness of the dollar and the economy. As regards us, your war isn’t our war. Your interests aren’t our interests. You have merely considered us as enemies though we don’t care about you.
يحب الجزائر Posted 2008-07-17
You should understand, Moroccan and Tunisian people, that Algeria is a great country and has its men. Be sure that whatever happens, we won’t let it down. Be sure because it is the force of the Arab Maghreb. You were just viewers of the sufferings of our dear country. But we haven’t asked for your help even if you wanted Algeria to become total debris. But God is with us because we still hate and curse the Jews unlike Tunisia which has become a Kaaba which they visit for pilgrimage. Days turn and you will see the miracles of Algeria.
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