Algeria’s Shadow Hangs Over Egypt’s Revolution

Algerian Islamists advise supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi to resist militarization in avenging a military coup, or that could lead to civil war and foreign jihadists hijacking Islamist agendas, advise Algerian Islamists. “This was sound counsel from a North African state that suffered more than 10 years of civil war after a 1991 Islamist electoral victory was abruptly cancelled by the army,” writes Roula Khalaf in an essay for the Financial Times. “Two decades on, Algeria remains traumatised and autocratic, with neither Islamists nor liberals empowered.” She explains that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is more disciplined and political than Algeria’s FIS, or Islamic Salvation Front. Resorting to violence is the surest path for destabilizing Egypt and eliminating Islamists from the political process. On the other hand, Egypt’s current leaders must resist repression and contribute to democratic order. – YaleGlobal