Dear Mr. Galloway,
Your recent podcast titled “Two kinds of Arabs now, Islamist fanatics or slaves” presents a stark dichotomy that, respectfully, fails to capture the depth and specificity of Algeria’s experience and current reality. Algeria stands as a striking counterexample to this binary. It is neither a slave nor a fanatic. It is a sovereign nation with a proud history of resistance, a present defined by self-determination, and a future rooted in dignity and justice.
From the outset, Algeria’s national project was one of liberation—not only from colonial rule but also from the chains of foreign dependency. The people of Algeria fought one of the most grueling wars of decolonization in history, and their victory left an indelible mark on global anti-colonial movements. This legacy is not a relic of the past; it continues to inform Algeria’s present stance on sovereignty and self-determination.
Unlike many other nations, Algeria’s refusal to bow to external pressure is exemplified by its policy of non-alignment and its rejection of foreign military bases on its soil. It owes no debt of submission to any power, and its sovereignty is non-negotiable. This is not the posture of a slave. As one Algerian reflection put it, “Son souci, c’est qu’elle ne veut pas être à votre merci. N’avoir qu’un pouvoir : ne rien vous devoir. N’avoir qu’un devoir : n’avoir aucune leçon à recevoir.” Algeria’s philosophy is clear: it owes nothing to anyone and will not accept lessons from a world driven by dividends.
To reduce the Arab world—and by extension Algeria—to a choice between enslavement and radicalization ignores Algeria’s complex socio-political landscape. Unlike nations plagued by sectarian violence or total subservience to foreign powers, Algeria has forged a path of internal cohesion and social welfare. Its policies have prioritized modernizing its military, reducing food dependency, and upholding social democracy. These are not the signs of a nation enslaved or radicalized. These are the actions of a nation fortifying itself against both external subjugation and internal extremism.
The source of Algerian pride does not lie in material exports or the display of power. It lies in its people—its children who raise the flag high even when they have little material wealth. As one reflection eloquently states, “De mes enfants qui t’exaspèrent, qui agitent leur drapeau pour te déplaire. Avec rien ils sont fiers d’être Algériens !” Algerians do not need a “Made in Algeria” label to prove their worth. Their worth is inherent, unshakable, and undeniable.
Moreover, Algeria’s foreign policy positions it as a defender of just causes, not a participant in servility or extremism. Algeria has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people, a supporter of Western Sahara’s self-determination, and a champion of African solidarity. These are not the actions of slaves or radicals but of a sovereign state that acts according to its principles, not the dictates of others.
Algeria’s pluralism and diversity are still intact. It is a land where Amazigh, Arab, and African identities coexist, and where social cohesion remains a national priority. While the region has seen the rise of extremist ideologies, Algeria’s resilience against such movements is well-documented. The “Black Decade” of the 1990s was a painful yet defining period during which Algerians collectively rejected extremism and reclaimed their society from the grips of terror.
Mr. Galloway, while your portrayal of the Arab world may find resonance in certain corners, Algeria’s reality offers a powerful counter-narrative. Its path—marked by resistance, dignity, and sovereignty—stands as a living refutation of your claim. Algeria’s story is not one of submission or fanaticism, but one of balance, self-reliance, and an unyielding refusal to be reduced to anyone’s caricature.
To conclude, Algeria is neither a slave nor a fanatic. It is a nation that—despite challenges and adversities—refuses to surrender its dignity. As one Algerian reflection declares, “Je ne suis pas une marchandise. Je suis libre, toujours libre… jamais soumise.” Algeria is not for sale. It is not a product to be consumed or a pawn to be moved. It is a sovereign state with a history of defiance, a present marked by perseverance, and a future defined by self-determination. Algeria’s answer to your binary classification is clear: We are free. We are sovereign. We are Algeria.
Respectfully, [Hope & ChaDia], Inspired by …
