Wither Bouteflika?

Flying below the radar screen of much of the international media is the story of Algerian President Bouteflika's extended hospitalization in Paris. He checked in nearly three weeks ago and has not been seen or heard from since.

Rumors are now flying that Bouteflika may be about to kick the bucket, though the Algerian government insists all is well. The AFP reports:

The 68-year-old Algerian leader was operated for a "bleeding stomach ulcer", according to a medical statement issued on December 5 -- the only official information about his condition since he was hospitalised on November 26.

Algerian officials have since said Bouteflika was recovering normally in hospital, but there has been worried speculation that his condition may be more serious than publicly admitted.

The elderly gentleman seen above was photographed yesterday outside a news stand in Algiers. The headline on the government-backed newspaper: "Bouteflika still rules the country."

Doth the regime protest too much? And if Bouteflika (cult of personality photo gallery here) is down for the count, what next for Algeria?

[SNEAK PEAK: Don't miss tomorrow's post on the civil rights of Iranian transsexuals.]

Comments

Some of the pictures in your gallery are taken out of context. The one where you say "Unfortunate Gesture" and "the salute is not idea" is not a salute at all. He was waving to the crowd if you watched the actual speech.