Algeria was considered by some as holding a key to peace in Syria.[4] Because Algeria also faced a destructive civil war against Islamic factions in the 90s, known by Algerians as the 'black decade', Algerians view Syria with solidarity and intend to restore peace as well as 'entrench a sentiment of national reconciliation', so they chose to quietly support the Syrian government.[4] Algeria had also acted as mediator between Syria and Turkey.[5]