In the aftermath of the Egypt vs. Algeria qualification games, more profound issues than ‘ancient rivalry’ come to the fore.

This photo depicts a ‘barbaric Algerian’ in front of, what appears to be a typical Algerian landscape, a construction site covered in garbage. In attempting to capture what ‘truly’ reflects Algerian society, the photographer has accused Algeria of being a barbaric and disorganized state. Although it should be noted that these opinions are not at all representative for the majority of the population, some have even gone so far as to accuse Algeria of ‘not being a true Arab nation’, and have called Algerians ‘slaves of France’. What is remarkable, however, is that the landscape in this photo is not typically Algerian, indeed this photo could have been taken in Egypt. Moreover, it appears the huge pile of garbage represents socio-economic problems which plague both countries, such as poverty, unemployment, housing and education.

In relation to recent events prior to and in the aftermath of the Egypt vs. Algeria game, one could argue that the situation has escalated because of, but not solely, the problems mentioned above.

As has already been argued extensively in several articles, the media on both sides has incited the public. Dr Amr Magdi of Cairo, told BBC that ‘the media had played a major role in triggering the unrest’ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8377211.stm). Arguably, profiles on Facebook such as ‘ACT TO END RELATIONS BETWEEN EGYPT & ALGERIA’ that call for cutting off diplomatic and even commercial ties with Algeria have a rather negative impact upon the situation.

The role of the government is also unclear in this as Egyptian politicians are accused of ‘playing the nationalist card’ for their own gain, and Mubarak’s speech which appeared on national television has done little to calm matters down.

Most certainly, it would not be just to argue that either one of these factors can be indicated as the main cause. However, it is important to point out that less favorable socio-economic conditions in both Egypt and Algeria have significantly contributed to this ‘madness’. As many people have little but a passion for football, losing a football game is considered a great loss. The media cleverly taps into this and out of its own (financial) interests, exploits this feeling and even feeds it by reporting on events concerning the game in a way that puts the other party in a bad light.  

Therefore, bringing this situation to a peaceful end requires accurate and objective reporting from the media, and an active role of the Egyptian and Algerian governments in calming the people down. But most of all, this situation expresses the need for government attention to issues concerning poverty and education. Arguably, education alone can go a long way for preventing a situation like this from happening again in the future.

Picture from ACT TO END RELATIONS BETWEEN EGYPT & ALGERIA: www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&gid=182387866115&so=90#/photo.php?pid=944759&op=10&o=global&view=global&subj=182387866115&id=1184619790