“In conclusion what does this add up to: to decolonization. But if I have undertaken and pursued this task for a long time, it is not only because we could foresee and later because we witnessed the vast movement toward freedom which the world war and its aftermath unleashed in every corner of the globe, and which the rival bids of the Soviet Union and America did not fail to emphasize.” (de Gaulle, 287)

               After World War II, tensions from a rise in anti-colonial sentiment from among the Algerians pressured France into relinquishing its colonial claim to the French-Algeria. French President Charles de Gaulle spoke on the subject in his address known as “Comments on Algeria” on April 11, 1961. Gaulle’s words highlight France’s economic policy of neocolonialism as well as the economic and political benefits of colonization. The French president argues that Algeria is too much of an economic burden and is not even worth the effort to maintain by force. He also argues that France’s political policy towards Algeria should be to support the establishment of Muslim rule in Algeria and that the future and fate of the country should rest in the hands of the Muslims who inhabit it. Decolonization seems to be the only answer for peaceful resolution to conflict as the best means necessary. Finally, de Gaulle pledges “economic, administrative, financial, cultural, military and technical aid” to its former colony (de Gaulle, 288). All of these friendly promises expose the true reality of France’s weak position.

            Behind all of these kind gestures and remarks, France is simply cutting its economic losses and hoping for the best in political relations. France plans on investing the money back into its own country while simultaneously establishing a neo-colonial position in which the newly developing Algeria becomes economically and financially dependent on its previous colonial master. The economic and political policies of western European France have been tailored in a way to not loose power over Algeria but to adapt and alter itself as to be at an advantage through the methods of neocolonial practice. Though Islam may be seen as primitive to western philosophy or radical, as in the case of Algerian Muslims taking up arms for their country, there is no doubt that the effect of European policies of neo-colonialism, even as they are not called such, constitute an immense source for the continued polarization of the West and the Middle East. Only time will tell what will come of the events of today through the happenings of tomorrow.