Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 2, 2019

Katharine Poppe and Rachel Cook, National Interest: Puppet Wanted: Why Algeria's Ruling Elite Sought to Oust Abdelaziz Bouteflika

The Algerian people must stand together in preventing the regime from delaying the upcoming elections and the necessary, peaceful transition of power.

For over a month, protestors have flooded the streets in Algeria, calling for change. These protests, by some estimates the largest Algeria has seen in decades, were initially ignited by the announcement of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s candidacy for a fifth term in office.

In reality, Bouteflika is nothing more than a straw president, having been rendered infirm by a debilitating stroke in 2013. Since that point, a powerful group consisting of generals, businessmen, politicians, and Bouteflika’s brother, Said, have coalesced around him, ruling the country in his name. His bid for a fifth term is nothing more than an attempt by this elite group— called le pouvoir—to maintain their grip on power.

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 2, 2019

Algeria’s Bouteflika Is on His Way Out. Here’s What’s Next. -- Foreign Policy

Algeria’s longtime dictator just resigned amid massive protests -- Alex Ward, VOX

A look back at Abdelaziz Bouteflika's years in power -- AFP

Turkey’s democracy wakes up -- Ömer Taşpınar, Asia Times

China Is Testing the United States -- Seth Cropsey, RCD

China’s sea moves roil Philippine election politics -- Richard Javad Heydarian, Asia Times

India and Pakistan's Crisis Means a New Arms Race -- Mansoor Ahmed and Maimuna Ashraf, National Interest

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak faces more than 100 years in jail — here's why -- Holly Robertson, ABC News Online

Kazakhstan: What is Nazarbayev's transition plan about? -- Arkady Dubnov, Al Jazeera

Billions in the Ground: The Race to Harvest North Korea's Rare Earth Reserves -- Patricia Schouker, National Interest

Is Ethiopian PM Abiy's reform drive running out of steam? -- Merga Yonas Bula, DW

Abiy's year one: Ethiopia faces the threat of ethnic conflict -- Yohannes Gedamu, Al Jazeera

As a close US ally in Africa teeters, what comes next in Gabon? -- Gyldas A. Ofoulhast-Othamot, University of Tampa

War of Words Pushes Belarus-Russia Relations to the Brink -- Artyom Shraibman, Carnegie

Is Colombia’s fragile peace breaking apart? -- Ted Piccone, Brookings