BASICS
Safety

It is quite some time since Algeria was considered a safe country to visit, but things now are at least much, much better than in the 1990's.
So, writing this right before the Summer 2009 season, the question is: Is this beautiful and interesting country ready to receive the normal traveller, and allow them to return safely at the end of the journey?
Well, it depends on where, not so much how and when. Kabylie, which is the coast and mountains between Algiers and Bejaia, is considered potentially unsafe. Algiers, the capital, has had its share of terrorism in recent years, but it seems wrong in today's world, to flag it. Algiers is at least a place where foreigners do come, and where local authorities do their best at keeping everyone safe.
Travelling in desolate regions is not recommended. The fact that it now is 7 years since the highjacking of a group of foreign travellers, must not be seen as an indicator of improved safety, rather it tells that hardly any foreigner is travelling this way anymore.
The coast and mountains west of Algiers and Blida seems to be safe, and the region to the east of Bejaia too. This allows travels starting from large cities like Oran and Constantine.
Measures that should be taken for your security involve: Keeping a low profile, avoiding cheap hotels, staying indoors at night, and move around busy, crowded streets. Use public transportation, and ask around for information.