Next Arab Domino May Be Oil Darling Algeria: Reuel Marc Gerecht

Oct. 21 (Bloomberg) -- The death of Muammar Qaddafi isa cause for joy in Libya, and for concern. Some worry thatthe ruling National Transitional Council will force its wayto permanent power; others that Islamist elements will seekto put the country under Shariah law; and there is also thedanger of the nation splitting into three parts.

But there is another tremendous threat to Libya’sprogress waiting quietly next door. Algeria’s militaryjunta is terrified that a rebellious spirit may finallycross its borders. Ever since the Tunisian revolt dethronedPresident Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Washington’s foreign-policy establishment has paid little attention to Algeria,the lodestar of “the Arab West.”