The discussion was held at the Brookings in Washington, DC, Wednesday, July 17, 2019--Introduction by Natan Sachs of Brookings, findings of a survey of 9,000 Algerian respondents, mostly protesters, conducted by Sharan Grewal, a Brookings visiting fellow; and discussants Alexis Arieff, Congressional Research Service, frm. Ambassador to Algeria, Robert Ford with Moderator: Tamara Cofman Wittes of Brookings.
As presented by Grewal, the survey showed the protesters, mostly students or protester-sympathizers, drawn from the military lower ranks, were in agreement: clean out the old regime, including the "2 Bs" still in power but leftovers, hold new elections and possibly, author a new constitution with significant institutional changes.
The military as a group did seem not all that far apart from the protesters as indicated by responses regarding policy, After all it was the military that sought ouster of the former president following his declaration for a fifth term in office. However, Grewal thought the military were unable to identify particular protesters with whom they might work to influence the street mob. Anyway, he suggested the two groups were not all that far apart.
From what was said, I surmised the military was in command and should do forthwith, if they are not already so proceeding, (1) issue a timetable for the return of the political arena, identifying those who will govern, and (2) call for a constitutional committee to make changes via a vote by the people.
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