Behind The Battle of Algiers

Michael T. Kaufman's "Film Studies"

The main idea that this article has taught me about are the similarities between the conduct of the french in regards to Algeria, and the current conduct of the U.S. military it Iraq. The article talks about an invitation within the pentagon, to watch The Battle for Algiers with a sub label saying "How to win the battle against terrorism and lose the war of ideas." I think what the author is getting at is that using torture and other barbaric tactics of war may reap you some temporary rewards, but eventually, they will catch up to you. One thing that this article caused me to wonder about and probably could have acknowledged is the public's reaction to the torturous practices of the French. It seems that public opinion is causing some change in the way that the military operates in Iraq so i wonder is there was any kind of call for change from the french or algerians.