From February 6th, I will begin a ten part serial on the Suez Crisis of 1956.  After Egyptian President Nasser nationalise the Suez Canal, Britain, France and Israel come to a secret agreement to attack Egypt.  The result is the Second Arab – Israeli War and the Anglo – French invasion of Port Said.  The American Government opposes this and does what it can to undermine the entire enterprise.

The suitcase or the coffin

The streets of Algiers and Oran become a terrorist battleground between the OAS and the FLN.  The French Government and its President Charles De Gaulle agrees to the FLN demands for Algerian independence and effectively give the FLN all they want.  A million members of the Pied Noir community leave Algeria to live in France, Spain, Israel or another country, it is seen as a choice between the suitcase and the coffin.  A look at the history of Algeria after independence and a biography of Algerian President Boumenience.

To be published on Saturday 30th January

The Army revolt against De Gaulle

The French Army leadership became increasingly concern that President De Gaulle might agree to Algerian independence.  A coup by the French Army is planned in Algeria. two former commanders of the French Army in Algeria are among the plotters General Salan and General Challe, also General Zeller is leader of the coup, his biograph is included.  The coup collapses within four days.  Some of those involved go on to launch a right wing terrorist group the OAS, who try to kill De Gaulle.

to be published on Saturday 23rd January

The Pied Noir Revolt against De Gaulle

In January 1960, there is an uprising among the Pied Noir in Algiers.  For a week barricades line the main streets.  A biography of Joe Otiz, a militant Pied Noir leader.  However the revolt fades out and the leaders are jailed or flee into exile.  De Gaulle begin peace talks with the FLN but they end unsuccessfully,

To be published on Saturday 16th January.

Peace of the Brave, War to the end

The French Army launches a number of offensives in Algeria, to defeat FLN guerrilla fighters, these attacks inflict losses on the FLN but do not destroy it.  A biography of the commander of the French Army in Algeria, General Challe.  Meanwhile French President De Gaulle becomes increasingly doubtful as to whether the war in Algeria can be won.  He begins to reaches out to offer a comprise peace to the Algeria independence movement.

To be published on January 9th.