Not until she was 21 did Messaoudi learn about it when she was in France. All this is fertile soil for the fundamentalists who make all kinds of promises if only the Islam is restored to its pristine glory. However, says Messaoudi, the FLN hates democracy more than it hates fundamentalism. To appease fundamentalists the FLN has given them power over education and restored Islamic family law. According to Messaoudi government and fundamentalists are two sides of the same coin.
Fundamentalism is an excellent medium for the one-party state to restore itself.
Naturally, fundamentalists also have the support of the people, because they are desperate after years of FLN regime. They think the FIS will make a difference. Family law especially cripples women. Early 1981 there was a ministerial directive that forbade women to leave the country without the escort of a man. The power of the father or brother passes over on to the husband.