Islam, Democracy and the State in Algeria: Lessons for the Western Mediterranean and Beyond - Michael Bonner, Mark A. Tessler & Megan Reif (Eds.)

ISBN: 047173876X

As a country modern Algeria has had a turbulent birth, a troubled youth and is now embarking on an uncertain coming of age. In a broader context, this vast North African state is a reflection on the wider Arab and Muslim worlds, granting an indication of how these two synonymous worlds undergo and react to change. Algeria’s struggle for liberation and independence, although more violent and prolonged than those of its regional neighbours, was almost an embodiment of the wider transition from the colonial to the independent era. The decades of authoritarian rule that followed were very much a common feature of the Middle East in the same period. Yet, the same social and political movements that seemed to be active across the region were once more acted out on the Algerian stage in the run-up to the civil war of the 1990’s. The bold move towards democratisation, which was unparalleled in 1991 when civil war erupted, was a case study for other regimes in the Arab world toying with the idea of political reform.

By Arwa Brook

Following the growth, break-out and conflict of the Islamists in Algeria and the end of civil war, a new era of political reform and controlled liberalisations has since prevailed. But where is Algeria heading now? Democracy? Radicalism? Prosperity? Stagnation? This is a vital point that is of great interest to many in the Arab and Muslim worlds as Algeria continues to set the marker by which social trends are checked. Questions about governance, political Islam, national identity, the nature of the state and the international relations of a troubled, yet recovering, Arab state are once again atop the agenda.

 

Previously published as a special issue of the reputable Journal of North African Studies, Islam, Democracy and the State in Algeria is an acclaimed analysis of relevance far beyond the case of Algeria alone. It is written in a style that academics and political observers will find easier to grasp but is nevertheless a truly interesting and informative text. It will be of use to those interested in understanding social and political movements across the Middle East and how they can both develop and be managed. Naturally however, this book serves as a solid base upon which to understand the complex state and society of Algeria.

 

Islam, Democracy and the State in Algeria establishes a series of well-defined arguments and explanations written by established academics from which it gains significant integrity, which will again serve professional and academic readers well as a basis to further research and analysis. A solid read, which comes highly recommended for all those interested in Middle Eastern Studies.

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ISBN:   1590172183

ISBN: 0803280289

ISBN: 073911204X

TWILIGHT IN THE DESERT: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy - Matthew R. Simmons

By Murad EL-Anis

Saudi Arabia is quite literarily at the heart of the global energy market but can it continue in this role in years to come? This question acts as the basis for Matthew R. Simmons’ arguments in this provocative account of Saudi oil and gas resources. Simmons’ primary conclusion comes down to the inevitable translation of his title: that Saudi energy reserves are closing in on exhaustion and when this happens the world economy will have to deal with the consequences. Coherent and engaging, this book builds on extensive research and an insider perspective of the global energy market to deliver a series of warnings that compel us to at least consider the potential crisis just around the corner. Whether or not critics may refer to this book as alarmist, a lengthy list of glaring facts presented that simply cannot be ignored, ranging from over-production, mismanagement and technological trial and error that unfortunately has not paid-off.  Simmons basis his analysis on over 200 papers produced by the Society of Petroleum Engineers adding to the credibility of his arguments. The assertions Simmons makes warn that the Saudi energy sector is heading for a catastrophic collapse, which, we are told, could occur in the near future.

ISBN: 047173876X

While being provocative and disturbing at times this extensively researched work strives, at the end of the day, to forewarn of the coming oil shock. However, no answers are given regarding how this critical problem might be fixed as it is argued there is no realistic solution to halting the decline of Saudi energy resources. Unfortunately, excessive growth in world oil and gas demand cannot be addressed in any comfortable way. Rather, it is explained that better management of these resources should be pursued to delay the onset of a decline in the oil miracle of Saudi reservoirs and so this is the route to be taken. In the meantime, global energy markets must prepare and adjust pre-emptively.

 

Twilight in the Desert covers the historical breadth of Saudi Arabia’s energy industries, revealing the development and management of these resources under the authority of western oil firms, the transition to Saudi nationalisation under Saudi Aramco and the continued pursuits of other oil and gas players. Not only does the reader acquire an understanding the historical development of Saudi energy but also an insight into the global energy industry, the actors behind it and the technologies that it has produced. All of these aspects are accessibly compounded into a book that is neither drawn-out or over-bearing. This highly readable account is endowed with technical experience and expertise but is very well presented and plainly explained. The reader will not have to have years of energy industry experience under their belt to understand and relate to the material in this book, which is a thoroughly enjoyable – if not troubling – read.

 

Matthew R. Simmons is the Chairman and CEO of Simmons & Company International, an investment bank specialising in the energy market, based in Houston, Texas. He also serves on the board of The Atlantic Council of the US and Brown Forman Corporation and is a member of the National Petroleum Council and the Council on Foreign Relations.