Another beautiful point of commonality between Lawrence, Kansas and Algeria (as dear to my whole heart and soul as both these places are): INDIGENOUSNESS. From the Midwest to the [so-called] 'MidEast':
EXISTENCE IS RESISTANCE.
KU isn't Lawrence's only university, and DON'T YOU FORGET IT. Haskell Indian Nations, the biggest intertribal institution of higher education in the US, is also there (if you're in town, don't miss out on the school's annual February / May pow wows).
Algeria is home to one of the most vibrant North African indigenous communities: the Kabyle (you may have heard the term "Berber," but do us all a favor and use "Amazigh" instead). If you get the chance to visit Algeria between June and August, head to Tizi Ouzou for the Kabyle Music Festival!