Algeria: Rescue Operation Shows the Limits of Cooperation

The Jan. 17 Algerian rescue operation at an eastern energy facility is meant to demonstrate that Algiers would defend its national security regardless of foreign nationals' safety or international opinion. This runs counter to the Western convention that safeguarding the lives of hostages during kidnapping situations is the paramount objective. The operation shows that Algeria will cooperate with the West but not at the expense of its own imperatives.