By Ali Ihsan Aydin, Algeria:

Algeria, with its energy resources, is one of the Africa’s richest countries. However, the civil war that broke out in the 1990s, signaling the end of 132 years of French occupation in 1962, has destroyed the country.

The country isolated itself during the years of terror, referred to as the "dirty war," and was devastated during this period. Social reconciliation projects launched a few years ago to leave this unfortunate period in the past have begun to bear positive results.

Algeria has taken giant steps towards political and economic stability, and life is rapidly returning to normal. Algerian streets, once filled with the fear of death, are now filled with joy. The country is still under French influence although years have passed since the occupation. The country’s aged live with the “pains of history,” and demand an apology from France, while its youth seem "indifferent" to the past. Young Algerians believe the way to a secure future is through France and admire them despite the painful experiences.

Although it has been almost half a century since Algeria, which was under French colonization between 1830 and 1962, won its independence, the French influence can be seen everywhere. The official language is Arabic, but in Algeria’s capital, everyone speaks French. Posters, and streets signs and names are in French. Some are written in both languages. Most official correspondence is still done in French. The capital is more like Marseilles than an African city when viewed from the coast. Algeria has only state-run TVs, and the French channels attract more viewers. Façades of apartments are adorned with satellite dishes pointed at French satellites. Some French channels, coded even in France, are viewed freely here, which seems a little strange. Aside from the every day lives of Algerians, French influence is especially apparent in architecture. Many buildings in the center of Algeria date back to the French period. Most of them house state institutes. In politics, economy, and daily life, many French traditions have become the culture of the Algerians. Politically leaving Algeria in 1962, France still says "I am here" with its ingrained cultural influence.

Living in French colonized, Algeria, and joining the war of independence, the aged Algerians rage at France, but the younger generation Algerians think differently. The older Algerians, still living with "pains" from the past, seek an apology from France, while their descendants feel attracted to France and the French language, with who they feel an affinity even through theirs a great distance between them. Kamel, 31, returned to Algeria after living in Britain for nine years, is a taxi driver. He relates the French "admiration" among the Algerians youngsters is a product of their sense of helplessness. He said the younger generation lost any hope for the future during the last terror period and added, "They have no other choice. Everyone dreams of establishing a new life in Europe. They first think of going to France since they know French. It is easier for them."

Kamel, who also lost his family during the war of independence, believes that what France did in Algeria will never be forgotten. Many youngsters we met in Algerian streets share these thoughts. However, living conditions, though showing signs of improvement recently, push the nation’s youths to look ahead rather than look at the past. In Mad Ibrahim suburb of the Algerian capital, senior high school students like Wahab, Calal, and Adel, who we spoke to about the 1945 massacres, confess they are indifferent to the past, saying,: "We are not interested in history. The future is our only concern."

We saw French symbols on many Algerian cars while driving from Constantine, known as "the Turkish-origin city" by Algerians, to Guelma. In Algeria, most people live in poverty despite the country being rich in oil and gas reserves, and minds of a nation have turned to France, just like its satellite dishes. Algerian’s younger generation wait for an opportunity to escape to France, a country follow closely from their television sets.

When we asked their opinion about the Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s accusation that France committed genocide, and then traveling to Paris for medical treatment, they responded saying it is quite normal, business and other issues should not be confused. Bouteflika's treatment at a French military hospital after his statements fuelled debate in Paris as well. Turkish origin Algerian Riza Bey Ibrahim terms Algerian-French relations "extraordinary" and said they are difficult to understand. "In fact, Algerians also think like the French. Many Algerians feel close to France, though they are angered by it."

Algerian youth, indifferent to history, seek future in 'Colonialist' France