We criticize the French far-right, but we forget our own « extremism »

Hello everyone
We hear more and more from our fellow Algerians in France, from everywhere, and even from Algeria, that the far right is the one deteriorating Franco-Algerian relations to the breaking point. This is true, but only partially. Because, as everyone knows, the recognition (by Macron, and not by all French officials) of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara remains a thorn in the throat of the Algerian government. But there is also—and this is very important—the French public opinion, which has completely shifted in a negative way towards Algeria and Algerians. And this does not concern only far-right French people.

I already know that I’m going to be insulted, but it doesn’t matter. Regarding the state of relations with France, I think that even if the current ministers (Bruno Retailleau, Darmanin, or others) who make extremist statements were dismissed or if the entire government were changed, a large majority of French citizens would still remain, as some say, « Algerianophobic » and « Islamophobic, » primarily due to colonial history but also for other reasons that I will try to summarize here.

First, we see that a large majority of French public opinion is increasingly anti-Islam (whether extreme or moderate Islam) and anti-Muslim (whether extremist or moderate). Historically speaking, many French people have never accepted decolonization. Additionally, political Islam and proselytizing Islam have managed to infiltrate a large part of our community in France over the years (and more broadly in some European countries like Belgium, etc.), a phenomenon that has particularly affected the suburbs. Fortunately, this has not affected all Algerians in France in the same way, but a significant number nonetheless.

To recall, we should not forget the strong rejection, in the form of violent street demonstrations, of the law banning conspicuous religious symbols in public schools, which was perceived as being directed solely against Islam, even though this is not entirely obvious. Nor should we forget the street prayers (to demand more mosques, even though there are currently over 4,500) that have greatly inconvenienced many French citizens. I can cite a town of 45,000 inhabitants in the Paris region where there is only one church and three mosques. I am not lying. There have also been horrific terrorist attacks, the assassinations of teachers and religious figures, all committed in the name of God and Allah.

Now, whether these crimes were orchestrated or instigated by French, American, or Mossad intelligence services, that’s not my problem. But these acts were not committed with cries of « Heil Hitler » or other war cries but rather with « Allahu Akbar. »

As for the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (as he is referred to in the West), I find them unacceptable and condemnable on many levels because they are offensive to believers. And regarding the attacks on the « Hyper Cacher » store or the Bataclan, massacres of this kind are not the right way to respond; there are other ways to condemn and denounce them.

It is also known that for a majority of Algerian Muslims living in France, the Quran and Sharia law are considered above the laws of the Republic. This is the very essence of our religion, which is somewhat « unique » compared to other religions. And all of this is unbearable for a French person, a European, or a Westerner in general.

In any case, I believe that what is called « Islamophobia » (a term I still do not fully understand), racism, and xenophobia towards Muslims will unfortunately increase and worsen because North African and Sahelian Muslims are becoming more and more numerous, as they primarily choose France as their preferred destination (whether legal or illegal migrants).

This rejection by the French will also intensify due to the fact that our religion is overtly visible. Our Muslim culture does not go unnoticed with our Islamic veils, djellabas, kachabiyas, henna-dyed beards that are increasingly seen in public places (including at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées…), not to mention the five daily prayers and the month of fasting, when many neighborhoods and public sidewalks suddenly start resembling those of « back home, » like our towns and villages. Yes, it is lively, cheerful, peaceful, and offers delicious things that we love, but the French see it differently! In my opinion, the Algerian is not hated because he is « Algerian » but much more because he is… Muslim.

At some point, enough is enough. So, we can understand the rejection reaction from many French people (fortunately, not all) who feel overwhelmed and, in some way, frightened by it. And then, just because our governments are anti-democratic, dictatorial, corrupt, suppress freedoms, fail to create jobs for young people, or ignore their hardships and distress, does not mean that France (or other European countries) must welcome « all the misery of the world, » as Michel Rocard said a very, very long time ago. And yet, we refuse to hear that, even though it is the reality.

Note: In Algeria, as soon as we notice a small concentration of Africans from the Sahel in our streets and intersections, we cry out about « invasion, » and there are even mass deportations by bus to their home countries, sometimes abandoning them right at the Algerian border. Fortunately, most of the time, the authorities of these countries accept them after agreements with the Algerian government.

See you later, and Saha ftourkoum.

(Don’t forget, and this is another matter entirely, that when a Christian is found praying or an Algerian citizen is caught smoking during Ramadan, our rapid intervention forces are there to quickly resolve the issue without going through the justice system.)