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Reconciliation
Because
of the divisions which segment the Islamist movement, and in
particular the differences between the statist and societal schools,
it may be impossible to reverse the trend toward fragmentation and
return to a united but diverse Islamist front. The FIS has declined
offers to join unified groupings in the past and Hamas and an-Nahdha
are unlikely to reintegrate into the Rabita. Yet given the present
crisis situation in Algeria these parties and organizations may not
have the luxury of pursuing their own paths. Things are likely to
get worse before they get better. The Algerian people, who recognize
the severity of the nation's problems, have little or no patience
with petty political infighting and if the Islamist movement wants
to retain the public support it has worked so hard to achieve, it
must begin to come together.
A
first step toward some kind of reconciliation is to agree that there
will be disagreements. The idea of dialogue also requires that there
be two different positions and that an exchange of ideas take place
between them. The FIS, Hamas, an-Nahdha, the Rabita and others have
the ability not only to compete among themselves but also to
compliment one another. Compromise, reconciliation and a commitment
to cooperate will not be easy steps for those involved, whether at
the elite or the grassroots level, but they may be essential for the
well-being of the movement.
A
second step is to emphasize the values and goals shared by all the
Islamists. Members of the movement agree that the shari'a is a
viable political, economic, legislative, social and cultural system
which represents the only solution for the country's problems.
Algerian society must reactivate its Islamic character, extending
personal piety into the realm of public affairs and joining
spiritual devotion with a renewed activism. This common platform
transcends the movement's ideological and organizational divisions
and should form the foundation for reconciliation.
Finally,
Islamists have a shared history upon which they must build. This
means allowing Sahnoun to use his prestige, seniority and position
as an apolitical "honest broker" to guide any attempt at
reconciliation. This rapprochement of Algerian Islamism must be
based upon three concepts.
First,
the movement must open itself to new ideas and concepts rather than
turning in upon itself. A new interpretation of Islamism could
transcend personal and organizational barriers within the movement
as well as revive and strengthen a population ravaged by civil
strife and political paralysis. Intellectual efforts must be geared
towards practical application, combining reflection with action.
Second,
the Islamists must develop a consensus among Algerians about the
need for action and the direction that action should take. Islamists
and others would argue that this kind of activity is just what
Algeria needs to move beyond its present crisis and begin the
process of political, social and economic recovery.
Finally,
Islamist activists and thinkers must be more pragmatic in their
approach to Algeria's needs, though no one advocates compromise on
the ideals of Islam or Islamism. The movement's freedom of action is
limited by conditions beyond its control and certain options are not
possible. Islamist leaders must counsel patience and forbearance
even in the face of provocation. Political and social justice must
be weighed against the threat to society from the creation of
discord. To ignore the need to fight injustice is to shirk a
religious and moral duty, but to pursue that fight at all costs is
reckless and puts at risk the very society one is attempting to
liberate from oppression.
The
Islamist movement in Algeria can boast an inspiring number of
intellectuals and political leaders, as well as a variety of
well-organized groups and parties. At the same time, the challenges
it faces are immense and threaten the considerable advances it has
made over the last decade. Islamism in Algeria is at a crossroads,
and the movements' leaders face an array of difficult choices. The
actions that are taken and the results they produce will affect
Algeria profoundly, but will also have ramifications across the
Muslim world.
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