The giant from afar [Ressource électronique] : visions of Europe from Algiers to Tokyo

This article explores the links, either economic, social, cultural or political, that Europe has with its former colonies. In Algiers, Algeria, French continues to dominate the language and thoughts of the people. French traits such as national arrogance and pride have been inherited by Algerians. Most important, France's Charles de Gaulle is reveled in Algiers as a hero. And although they have suffered terrible, tangible hardships under the French, there is remarkably little actual resentment against the French. Meanwhile, Cairo, Egypt is permeated with feelings of despondency. Egyptians are very close to the Arabs. Hence, Egyptians are geared towards negotiating with Europeans as their Arab counterparts are. In time, they feel that there will be strong relations between Egypt and Europe. Anti-American feelings are strong and alive. I contrast, people in Jerusalem, Israel resent Europe. This resentment stems from what the Israeli's feel as abandonment during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict. Similarly, Iranians have negative views toward Europe. Although Germany is a close economic partner of Iran, most view Iran as weak power. In India, ambivalence towards Europe is a dominant perception. Some feel sorry for the decline of the British; they blame it on socialism. Others are impressed by the wealth and technological superiority of Europe. Turning to Indonesia. the people are remarkable free of anti-Dutch sentiment. However, other European partners are gaining ground in Indonesia, especially the Germans while the Dutch are losing theirs.