The Difficulties of North African Reform

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended Stratfor articles from the week that was.

By highlighting the country’s severe vulnerability to global market shocks, the pandemic is increasing pressure on Algeria’s government to quickly diversify its oil-dependent economy.

Allowing the dirham to float could help Morocco as it looks to further diversify its trade relationships beyond Europe.

Long the second fiddle in the Maghreb, Morocco is making a push to bolster its military. That, however, won't go down well in neighboring Algeria.

Newly elected Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune promised voters he would address their concerns, but a bad economy will limit his ability to deliver.

Escalating violence risks forcing France and its allies to rethink their counterterrorism efforts in the vast African warzone, as the question of whether foreign involvement can even improve the crumbling situation looms ever larger.

Algeria's powers that be are set to force through a presidential election on Dec. 12. Whether the public buys into it is up in the air.

The results of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, held amid chronic economic struggles and increasing political fracturing, will go a long way in determining whether its democracy has staying power.