Even on the edges of Algiers, fake roadblocks are used to launch attacks, making it dangerous to travel outside the city. As Algeria tries to find its way out of a dark decade, the country remains racked by many of the ills that contributed to the conflict. The eight-year battle with the guerrillas continues to steal precious resources. Seven in 10 Algerians are younger than 30. Thirty percent are jobless.
Inadequate housing remains a serious problem.
Many politicians, journalists and intellectuals said this crisis must be solved to pull Algeria back from the edge. While Algeria tries to reduce its problems by moving from a socialist to a market economy, no one sees easy solutions. But it will take time to get investors in here. Algeria is a market increasingly eyed by investors. Officials in Washington encourage American investment in the country, Eizenstat said.