A lot has been happening in North Africa. In Algeria, its president of 20 years has stepped down in the face of unprecedented mass protests, and in Libya, the battle between its two rival governments is coming to a head as an infamous general has begun an offensive to take the capital city of Tripoli. Whew! Just reading that sentence is a lot to digest, so Phil and Cooper break down the timeline of events, and what might come next.

• Algerian protesters reject military's gambit to maintain power (Simon Cordall)
• Is Bouteflika’s resignation enough to quell Algerian protests? (Simon Cordall)
• Protests drag on as Algerians demand real change (Simon Cordall)
• The emerging frontrunners in Algeria’s uncertain election (Ghada Hamrouche)
• The backstory to Hifter’s march on Tripoli (Jason Pack)
• US eyes bigger role for Libyan warlord as civil war looms (Jack Detsch)
  

Extra Listening:

• Episode #91, The Fifth Time’s the Charm (3/14/2019): Phil and Cooper discuss the growing protests in Algeria over President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to run for a fifth term.
• Episode #55, From Tripoli to Tobruk (5/31/2018): Libya currently has two rival governments fighting to be recognized - one in Tripoli, the other in Tobruk. Who are they, and why can’t they get along?

Music: Souad Massi - “Ghir Enta” (Spotify | Apple Music)