Algeria lies in the heart of North Africa, sharing land borders with the Maghreb states, Libya and much of the Sahel. It is the second largest Arab state after Saudi Arabia. The country's riveting centrality and relative stability present many opportunities for it to serve as a gateway for the international community into North Africa. With abundant natural resources, a strong Francophone tradition, and a large labor force coupled with low wages, Algeria should be a magnet for foreign investors. But despite healthy international interest, there is a reticence about allowing too much foreign participation in domestic economic affairs -- the question of security remains paramount, especially given the country's long borders and expansive territory. The apex of the Algerian leadership -- a mix of revolutionary-era politicians, military commanders and increasingly a private business class -- is often referred to as le pouvoir, itself a nod to the country's long...
