The Islamic extremists in Algeria were using the democratic election as a mere vehicle to seize absolute power in Algeria and institute their insane vision of the utopian, sharia based Islamic society (without democracy of course). They were no more democratic than Adoph Hitler and the Nazis who also using elections in the 1930's to get a foothold into power. Excluding them from the democratic process did NOT radicalize the FIS, for they were already far beyond that point. These are the same people who held protests and chanted, "Saddam, gas the Jews!" during the Gulf War.

The Algerian military acted responsibly to protect the nation. They can't be blamed too much for preventing Algeria from becoming like Afghanistan, a barbaric regime where minds are closed, tolerance and human rights vanish, women are reduced to slavery, and a breeding ground for international terrorists.

The real solution for the future of this part of the world is the long awaited Islamic Reformation. The current crisis may, I hope, be the catalyst for deep reflection and reform among Islamic scholars and leaders, and give way to a new age of tolerance, respect, equality,and a place for secular thought and practice within Islamic societies.