Let me first say what everyone already knows, even the colons and the nationalists: that terrorist actions and repression in Algeria are two purely negative forces, both of them devoted to pure destruction, with no future other than the increase of furor and folly.

—Albert Camus, “Terrorisme et répression,” L’Express (July 9, 1955)¹

Innocents are blown to pieces. But which innocents? Who is innocent? Dozens of Europeans peacefully drinking in a bar? Dozens of Arabs strewn along the road near a blown-up bus? Terrorism, counterterrorism, terror, horror, death, blood, desperate cries, cries of atrocious sorrow, death rattles. Nothing more. Peace.

—Moloud Feraoun, Journal (October 6, 1956)