Algeria Demands Apology for Colonialism. Where's America's?
Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring French colonization from 1830-1962 a crime, demanding an apology and reparations. This move, reported by The Guardian, highlights a global push for accountability for historical atrocities. Yet, compare this to the United States, where discussions about reparations for slavery or Indigenous genocide often meet with performative
handwringing, rather than legislative action, let alone financial restitution for its own centuries of state-sanctioned violence. One might observe that nations are only quick to condemn the imperialism of others, especially when there's no immediate political or economic cost. The U.S. continues to fund nations actively perpetrating violence, while simultaneously refusing to address its own
foundational crimes. It appears historical accountability is a dish best served... only after other countries are done cooking.