Since last summer, relations between France and Algeria have deteriorated day by day. Latest events: the convictions of French journalist Christophe Gleizes and writer Boualem Sansal to seven and five years in prison respectively. And as is often the case in these moments of tension, we try to look back to try to better understand current events. At L’Express, three journalists looked into the ambivalent relationship between these two countries. But they were interested in a somewhat particular story: that of espionage battles.
For their investigation, they collected numerous documents in files, classified in chronological order. Photos of undercover spies, written proof of kidnappings, archives on hidden assassinations… these files contain all the elements to tell the story of the secret Franco-Algerian wars.
The first archives present in our file of the day concern neither Algeria nor France, but Iran. And they date from 1978. That year, the country was covered by massive strikes and increasingly violent daily demonstrations. This revolution forced the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, into exile.
Ayatollah Khomeini, who orchestrated these events from France, returns to his country, where he is welcomed as a hero. Iran then radically transformed itself to become an Islamist regime. A major turning point for the region, but also for the world.
FIND ALL THE EPISODES OF THE MAGNIFIER
Listen to this episode and subscribe to La Loupe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, Podcast Addict and Amazon Music.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
This episode was presented by Charlotte Baris, written and edited by Solène Alifat and directed by Jules Krot.
Credits: INA, LCP
Music and design: Emmanuel Herschon/Studio Torrent
Logo: Jérémy Cambour
How to listen to a podcast? Follow the leader.
To go further:
“I was constantly followed”: what the French ambassadors to Algeria say quietly
General Toufik, the ruthless “spy-god” of Algeria
Who really governs in Algeria? Between President Tebboune and the army, investigation into an unstable agreement
 "Lille Close Gap to PSG After 3-2 Victory Over Toulouse")
