Algiers: A cheeky tabloid for romance-thirsty young Algerians hit news stands this weekend, another sign life is returning to normal for a Muslim country isolated by more than a decade of a bloody holy war. The twice-monthly publication breaks with tradition by explicitly writing about sex, pre-marital relationships and other social issues which are publicly taboo in Algeria. "It's very frustrating to be young here. We have to hide a lot of what we do privately so these tabloids relate to us," said Nacera Brahim, a 19-year-old student.
Love Mag comes hot on the heels of several publications to emerge in recent years for Algeria's restless youth, which now make up three-quarters of a population of 32 million. Algeria has one of the most liberal print medias in the Arab world with more than 40 newspapers but it has no private television or radio networks and publishes few magazines. Militants launched a holy war or "jihad" after the army cancelled elections an Islamic party was set to win in 1992. Since then more than 150,000 people have been killed, according to human rights groups, and much of social and cultural life was put aside as Algerians focused on daily survival. "It's a new channel for expression. There's a huge desire for information and debate, particularly on issues that are taboo but a reality for many young Algerians," said Daho Djerbal, historian and director of the social review Naqd. In its first issue, Love Mag has a cartoon depicting a father in conservative dress asking his crying daughter to show her suitors a certificate proving she is still a virgin. |