File:Algerian War of Independence (1960) CIA Archives French President Charles De Gaulle.

Description
French President Charles De Gaulle and the Six-Year War. covers the era from the November 1, 1954 (Toussaint Rouge) to the Algiers coup d'Etat of May 13, 1958 (putsch d'Alger de 1958). U.S. documentary, about the Algerian war, written by Maurice Schonfeld in 1960, hence the era of 1960 to 1962 which saw a rebel faction of the French army with French settlers (OAS) fighting the French Army is not included.Algerian War of Independence from the French - 1954-1962 24 minutes documentary about the Algerian war. Great vintage footage and interviews of veteran French men who were drafted, of Harkis (Algerians fighting for the French) and European settlers who had to leave Algeria after it became independent again in 1962. Many Algerians in turn immigrated to France and all who were involved one way or another in the fight bear the scars of the conflict even to this day. Until 1999 this war was unacknowledged by the French government. It was only after Jacques Chirac recognized it officially that the oppressive silence was lifted and people concerned started to talk about it. What strikes me the most is to see old men weep? Men are supposed not to let their emotions out but how good is it for a society when mental agony remains a taboo subject? How good can such a man be to his wife and children? To society at large? What values will he transmit to the generation that is following him if essential issues of human rights expressed through war and foreign policy cannot be addressed? This conflict bears striking similarities with the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. People, men, fight to free their country from foreign occupation. As simple as that. They are "irregulars" because they are not part of a state-ruled army but what if their leader is corrupt and a traitor, then who will fight to free their country? Are they supposed to accept the occupation? Of course not! But by joining the resistance they become "unlawful combatants" and are not protected by the Geneva Convention. The French used this reasoning, just like Busk Jr did after the invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan. History repeats itself,.