Algeria
Date of Independence: 1962
Ethnic Makeup: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
Religious Makeup: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%
Political System: Republic based on French and Islamic law, led by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Regional Role: Algeria plays an active role in African politics. The country hosted the Organization of African Unity Conference (OAU) in 2000, and mediated a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the same year. At the same time, al-Qaeda is gaining power in Algeria through the growing presence of Maghreb al-Qaeda, previously the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). This organization carried out a string of suicide attacks that killed 57 people on September 8th and 9th. Al-Qaeda’s growing strength affects regional neighbors as the organization uses Algerian territory as a staging ground for cross-border attacks. In February, authorities discovered a plan by Maghreb to attack the American and British embassies in Tunisia.
Libya
Date of Independence: 1951
Ethnic Makeup: Arab-Berber 97%, Other 3%
Religious Makeup: Sunni Muslim 97%, Other 3%
Political System: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state led by Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadaffi.
Regional Role: Libya’s support of terrorist groups in the 1990’s ended in 2003 when the UN lifted its sanctions against Libya. By 2004 the United States had resumed full diplomatic relations with the country. Recently, Libya has played a larger role in regional issues including a brokering of peace between the leaders of Chad and Sudan in 2006. In addition, Tripoli plans to hold a regional meeting scheduled for October 27th to discuss a possible end to the violence in Darfur.
Morocco
Date of Independence: 1956
Ethnic Makeup: Arab-Berber 99.1%, Other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Religious Makeup: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Political System: Constitutional monarchy led by King Mohamed VI. The King controls the appointment of the prime minister and the cabinet members. The country’s bicameral parliament is appointed through a general election.
Regional Role: Morocco is seen as one of America and Europe’s greatest allies in North Africa through its mutual coordination over security intelligence and economic agreements. The country is likely to station the United States future African security headquarters, AFRICOM.
Role in Middle East Peace Process: In 1986 the late King Hassan II invited Israeli Prime Minister Peres for peace talks. Following the signing of the Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles, the countries opened respective bilateral liaison offices. While the offices closed after outbreak of violence in 2000, diplomatic contacts continue between the two countries.
Tunisia
Date of Independence: 1956
Ethnic Makeup: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Religious Makeup: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Political System: One party democracy ruled by the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) and President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (RCD). Presidents generally run unopposed, and the president appoints the prime minister, cabinet, regional governors and local administrators.
Regional Role: Tunisia seeks to maintain strong relations with its neighbors, primarily in the economic and security sectors, including the development of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) comprised of Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya. However, Tunisia’s relations with Libya have often been erratic.
Role in Middle East Peace Process: In 1965 the late President Bourguiba was the first Arab leader to call for the recognition of Israel. In 1993, Tunisia was the first Arab country to host an official Israeli delegation as part of the Middle East peace process. The country served as the headquarters of the Arab League from 1979 to 1990 and also hosted the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) headquarters from 1982 to 1993.