leaving his country gripped by political uncertainty after 10 months of pro-democracy protests.Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah died Monday morning in the military hospital of Algiers after a heart attack Salah was 79 or 80 years old.Algeria’s army plays a central role in decision-making in this gas-rich country that is a key ally to Western powers in fighting Islamic extremism.Gaid Salah was seen as the main power player in Algeria, especially since protesters with his backing pushed out the country’s longtime president in April.
