More than 24 hours after two devastating suicide car bombs exploded in Algiers on Tuesday, the death toll was still a matter of dispute. The Algerian government said 31 people had died, including five foreigners. Hospitals put the figure at more than 60.

The confusion and lack of transparency is typical of Algeria. Of all the main sources of oil and gas in the world, the north African giant has one of the most opaque political systems, and one of the most confused and confusing economies.