A generation of leaders who won their spurs during Algeria's 1954-62
independence war against France remains in power, having defeated a violent
challenge by armed Islamists in the 1990s and, at least for now, seen off the
rebellious spirit that toppled Arab autocrats in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya last
year.
Among the old guard is President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 75, who has
served three terms and is thought unlikely to seek a fourth, if only for
undisclosed health reasons.