Book Reviews 135 

An Inquiry into the Algerian Massacres 

Youcef Bedjaoui, Abbas Aroua, Meziane A it-Larbi, eds. 

Geneva: Hoggar Books, 1999. 1,473 pages. 

The book under review offers a monumental, exhaustive and judicious 
account of"who are the agents behind the 'horrendous violence' that has fol­

lowed the consolidation of the military over incumbent authorities?" The 

answer provided by the victors, those with the power to institute their choic ­

es and interpretations, is that the paroxysm of "Islamic fundamentalism" is 
exacting grisly, gratuitous and ghastly violence on a society they have been 

unable to conquer. On the contrary, scholars insist the beneficiaries of the 
resource rich regions of Algeria, largely unscathed in the carnage, are indica­
tive of the faceless murderers behind the monstrosity. Moreover, the prima­

ry importance of these resources to foreign states and corporations indicates 
complicity. Amidst this confusing scenario, An lnqui!J' into the Algerian 

Massacres provides a clear analysis of the beastly culprits. 
Major international human rights organizations and outstanding jour­

nalists have not found the "Islamic fundamentalist" argument compelling 
and continue to raise the same question: "Who is behind these grisly atroc­

ities?" The evidence unearthed strongly suggests that the unseen hands, 
responsible for the bloodbath, belong to the Algerian army. In addition, 

striking corroboration has come from defectors and victims which incrim­
inates the Algerian military apparatus and such foreign co-conspirators as 

the French government. This allegation is firmly supported by the environs 
of the savagery, taking place in close proximity to military and police 

installations, yet raging for long periods with no interference. 
Further disturbing, this charge against the Algerian authorities becomes 

increasingly credible against the backdrop of the hideous record of rape, tor­

ture and mutilation perpetrated by Algerian mjlitary authorities, well docu­

mented by independent human rights monitors and reputable reporters. 
Noam Chomsky, in his insightful foreword to the book, collaborates this