Algeria: Does the Military Really Rule in Algeria? · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

A recent post in this blog described the Algerian army's purchase of $4 billion worth of modern fighter jets, tanks, and STA missiles from Russia, at a time when Algeria is in desperate need of renovation of its infrastructure and an economic boost for its civilians. The fact that the army can spend billions that way indicates that the Algerian army wields more power than wielded by armies in most democracies, Hale said.