World cup 2010 – Stora: Franco-Algerians are facing "multiple loyalties"

PARIS - The enthusiasm of the Algerians and Franco-Algerian Wednesday night after the qualification of Algeria and France for the World Cup-2010 reflects the sense of "multiple loyalties" of these supporters, says French historian Benjamin Stora, a specialist of Algeria.

•    Q: How do you explain the enthusiasm generated by the qualification of Algeria?
  
     A: Algeria did not participate in a World Cup since 1986. Algeria is living in a feeling of isolation, withdrawal from the world because of the tragedy of the 1990s, the terrible confrontation between the army and terrorist groups. This victory marks a return to the club of important nations, a kind of rebirth. Sport has the function, momentarily, a sense of national bond, in the absence of strong political projects.
      
     Q: The Franco-Algerians were both happy with the qualification of Algeria and France, how to explain it?
  
     A: We now live in a world of multi-membership where you can support both a national team and a club, and another national team. There may exist, at the same times, patriotism of neighbourhood and a strong national feeling. It is a world of multiple loyalties. If France plays against Algeria, I am not sure there will be whistles like ten years ago, times change.
      
     Q: Why such exuberance on the part of Algerians and friends of Algeria, compared to the silence of the French towards their qualification?
  
     A: For Algeria, it is the affirmation of a powerful neo-nationalism in relation to Europe, but also in relation to Moroccans and Tunisians. For France, the victory of the “Blues” invokes a sense of unease, of undeserved success. Moreover, the French team does not express enthusiasm; it failed to win the hearts of the French. We can see the problem of national link in France; we are in a country that questions the meaning of a new Republican plan.
      
    Ennaharonline/ M. O.