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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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