“The Algerian mentality is characterised by the right-angle. There are no contours or compromises,” explained the Algerian leader, Abderrazak Chentouf, to an American professor. Complexe et complexé, the Algerian is allured by ceremony, military parades and decorations (a susceptibility readily exploited by the Europeans), but at the same time antipathetic to any showy, “cult of the personality” leadership (a Bourguiba would never hold sway in Algeria). He is distrustful by nature, reluctant to place himself under the authority of another — and exceptionally secretive.

QUESTION: This is a sweeping national-character generalization from a single leader — worth questioning its validity and origins.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 150