People Vs. Pouvoir: Demonstrators take on Algeria's shadowy forces of power

In late February, just as protests against a fifth term for Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika were gathering momentum, the country’s prime minister warned ominously of a “Syrian scenario”. By this, he meant a peaceful protest movement turning into a civil war and destroying what had been a stable, placid nation.
“Demonstrators offered roses to the policemen,” Ahmed Ouyahia told lawmakers, speaking of the Algerian protesters who have been taking to the streets week after week. “But we should remember Syria also began with roses.”
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