Algeria's current political crisis serves as a reminder of the fragility of attempts to reform governments in search of "democracy." Algeria experienced two rounds of multi-party elections in 1990 and 1991. Broad-based political participation may indicate "fast-track" democracy, but questions about the feasibility of political Islam clashes with traditional notions of democracy. This thesis will argue that Algeria's decision for a political opening was due to social pressures and exacerbated by economic difficulties posed by falling oil prices rather than motivated solely by political reform rationale. The events leading up to the riots and subsequent reforms will support this argument. Additionally, U.S. and regional policy implications will be examined.