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Morocco Bets on Reform By Peter Pham
Morocco Bets on Reform
By Peter Pham
At a time when, as the experts assembled at a symposium earlier this month hosted by the Atlantic Council's Ansari Africa Center noted, the fate of both the "Arab Spring" in general and the North African revolutions in particular remain far from certain, Morocco has made an audacious bet with the new constitution that King Mohammed VI unveiled in a televised speech last Friday. If the proposed charter is approved by voters in a refer-endum next month, the country will once again prove itself to be an exception, both in the Arab world and on the African continent, where integral transformation voluntarily undertaken and carried out both with respect for history, religion, and culture, and at an appropriate speed can offer a path to the future that balances the competing demands of stability and openness to change.
Morocco is no stranger to reform, with many already underway during the latter part of the reign of the late King Hassan II. These, however, were vastly expanded under an ambitious program put in motion when the current monarch succeeded his father nearly twelve years ago. In one of his first acts of office, Mohammed created an independent commission to compensate those who had suffered arbitrary detention and other human rights abuses under his father. The panel, the first of its kind in the region, heard more than 7,000 cases and awarded more than $100 million in reparation payments. In contrast to its Maghrebi neighbors in what hitherto have been de facto one-party states in Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt-to say nothing of the bizarre political system in Libya-Morocco has already achieved an impressive degree of political pluralism, with a dozen or so major parties representing every possible tendency on the policy spectrum between moderate Islamists to the secular center-left. There is a free press and a climate of respect for human rights. The reform of the family code (Moudawana) which was championed by the king-who invoked his religious authority as Amir al-Mu'minin ("Commander of the Faithful") descended from the Prophet Muhammad against conservative opponents of change-significantly advanced women's rights.
The constitutional changes now being proposed are even more dramatic. The new framework shifts power significantly away from the monarch-described in the royal speech as the "Citizen King"-to a prime minister who, like his homologues in other parliamentary governments, will be the leader of the party that wins the most legislative seats in elections. The parliament itself will be strengthened with expanded powers and will also be responsible for passing legislation to further devolve power to the country's regions. An independent judiciary shorn of special tribunals for government officials will ensure the equality of citizens before the law. In a first for an Arab country, international human rights conventions, including the ones covering gender equality, will be explicitly given preeminence over national legislation in the constitution.
One of the mistakes made by pundits in recent months, riveted by the fate of the Tunisian fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi, whose self-immolation literally sparked the Jasmine Revolution and the wave of protests across North Africa and the Middle East, is to overemphasize the role of economic marginalization in spurring the dissent. If this were the case, the Moroccan royal family would have been sent packing long before the Ben Alis and Mubaraks. GDP per capita (purchasing power parity) in the kingdom is three-fourths of what it is in Egypt and barely half of what it is in Tunisia. Whereas both Egypt and Tunisia have a large, well-educated middle class, the literacy rate in Morocco, while improving substantially in recent years, still hovers at just above 50 percent. The average Moroccan woman can expect to have six fewer years of schooling than her Tunisian sister and two years less than her Egyptian sister. Morocco has a higher infant mortality rate than both Egypt and Tunisia and a lower life expectancy than the latter.
To the contrary, the events of the past few months are best understood as what Moroccan-American political scientist Anouar Boukhars termed in a recent eponymous journal article the "Arab Revolutions for Dignity." And what King Mohammed and the Moroccan government are betting on is that by meeting the legitimate aspirations of ordinary citizens for a real opportunity to have a say in their own government, they can nip the extremist temptation at the bud while harnessing the youthful populace's energies to advance the country's growth and development, politically, economically, and socially.
It is a gamble that has drawn favorable attention not only from the Obama administration, where the State Department spokesman said it was "encouraged by the proposals" put forth last week, but also among America's European allies. French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed a "resolute and attentive process" that clears the way for a "profound, peaceful, and modern transformation of Moroccan institutions and society, while the European Commission in Brussels praised it as "a significant step [that] signals a clear commitment to democracy and respect for human rights." It such is the case, then the United States and its European partners would do well to invest their resources, political and economic, in supporting Morocco as it undertakes the necessary-but far from risk-free-transition to a more open and democratic political process. While Morocco does not seek to position itself as a model for others, the path it is undertaking is one which, if its neighbors followed, would prove most likely to obtain for the peoples of the Middle East and Africa the freedom, dignity, and progress they aspire to and to secure for the international community the sustainable stability it needs in a geostrategically important region. That is near-certain bet.
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Featured Articles
Morocco Comes to Easton, Maryland – Saturday, May 5, 2012 By Norman L. Greene*
The day began with a flag ceremony and ceremonial ribbon cutting at noon where attendees heard from the organizers of the event and the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Rachad Bouhlal, and the preceding day, from the former U.S. Ambassador Edward Gabriel. (The ribbon cutting was performed by Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey and Moroccan Ambassador Bouhlal.) The presentations set the stage for the rest of the day which continued with a souk featuring Moroccan tea, cookies, music, rugs, and clothing, and more. It was a perfect day to wander along Harrison Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland, and peruse the Moroccan wares that were being sold.
paint the town Moroccan Video
Paint the Town Moroccan
Paint the Town Moroccan by Fouad Arif, MAP
La ville américaine d'Easton (Etat du Maryland) s'est mise, ce weekend, aux couleurs du Maroc, dans le cadre d'une série d'activités culturelles baptisées « Paint the Town Moroccan », mettant en avant les liens historiques unissant les Etats Unis et le Royaume du Maroc, ainsi que les relations privilégiées entre les deux peuples.
Paint the Town Moroccan
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m. the Academy Art Museum will host its annual Paint the Town fundraiser for Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD. This year's theme, PAINT THE TOWN MOROCCAN! Promises an exotic adventure to the Kingdom of Morocco. The day begins at souk with the enchanting music of the five key regions of Morocco, a Moroccan flag ceremony and more.
Memory of Resistant Abdelkrim El Khattabi Honored in Washington By Adnane Bennis
Morocco World News
New York, February 21, 2012
The Al Hewar Center, in collaboration with the Washington Moroccan American Club led by Hassan Samrhouni and journalist Said el Ouafi, is organizing a panel discussion on the life of Morocco's famous resister Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim el Khattabi. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 22 at 8 pm and will consider the pivotal role played by Abdelkrim el Khattabi in fighting Spanish colonialism in northern Morocco.
Understanding Morocco- opportunities for Business and Trade by WMAC
Washington Moroccan American Club Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
&
Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University.
Speaker: Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Topic: Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
Location: American University, Washington, DC
Read more French version & English version bellow
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 1/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 2/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 3/3
Washington, (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Organisé à l'American University à l'initiative du Washington Moroccan American Club, le débat a été notamment axé sur les réformes entreprises par le Maroc pour favoriser un cadre propice pour les investissements, les différents accords signés par le Royaume avec plusieurs pays, la main d'oeuvre qualifiée, le développement d'infrastructures de qualité et la stabilité politique.
"L'emplacement stratégique du Maroc, son économie croissante, le développement des infrastructures et les accords commerciaux avec plus de 40 pays font du Maroc une plateforme pour les investissements et l'exportation vers les pays du Moyen Orient, de l'Afrique et de l'Union Européenne", a souligné Jean AbiNader, du Moroccan American Culturel Center.
Il a cité, à cet égard, l'Accord d'association avec l'Union Européenne, l'accord d'Agadir signé avec l'Egypte, la Jordanie, et la Tunisie, ainsi que l'Accord de libre échange avec la Turquie.
Le Maroc compte également parmi les Etats bénéficiaires du Partenariat de Deauville, ajoute-t-il.
Le Royaume est aussi lié aux Etats-Unis par un accord de libre échange (ALE) qui offre une panoplie d'incitations, notamment fiscales et douanières ainsi qu'une protection du capital pour les sociétés américaines qui investissent au Maroc.
"Cet accord-phare permet aux exportateurs et investisseurs américains un accès presque illimité à des marchés en Europe, en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient et en Turquie", explique M. AbiNader.
L'ALE, en vigueur entre le Maroc et les USA depuis 2006, a permis d'éliminer la plupart des droits à l'importation, alors que les opérations commerciales US bénéficient des zones franches dans les ports marocains.
L'intervenant s'est également arrêté sur le statut d'allié majeur non-Otan accordé au Maroc.
Sur un autre registre, M. AbiNader a mis l'accent sur la tolérance religieuse qui caractérise le pays. Le Maroc est "un exemple dans la région en termes de tolérance religieuse, de reformes économiques et de promotion de la société civile", a-t-il fait remarquer.
Les derniers changements constitutionnels ont conforté davantage le processus de réformes du Maroc, considéré comme un modèle dans la région, affirme AbiNader.(MAP).
********
English version by Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Held at American University by the Washington Moroccan American Club, the debate focused, in particular, on the reforms undertaken by Morocco to promote a safe environment for investment, the various agreements signed by the Kingdom with several countries, its skilled workforce, the development of high quality infrastructure and political stability.
"Morocco's strategic location, its growing economy, infrastructure development and trade agreements with more than 40 countries have turned the country into a platform for investments and exports to the Middle East, Africa and European Union, "said Jean AbiNader, of the Moroccan American Cultural Center.
The speaker also addressed the status of major non-NATO ally granted to Morocco.
On another note, Mr. AbiNader focused on the religious tolerance that characterizes the country. Morocco is "an example in the region in terms of religious tolerance, economic reform and promotion of civil society During the conference, AbiNader also cited different trade pacts, including the Association Agreement with the European Union, the Agadir Agreement signed with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, and the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey. Morocco, in addition, is among the beneficiary states of the Deauville Partnership, he added.
The Kingdom is also linked to the United States by a free trade agreement (FTA), which offers a variety of incentives, both regarding taxes and customs as well as capital protection for U.S. companies investing in Morocco.
"This agreement ensures leading exporters and U.S. investors almost unlimited access to markets in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Turkey," said AbiNader.
The FTA, set up between Morocco and the United States in 2006, has eliminated most import duties, while US trade operations benefit from tax free zones in Moroccan ports.," he stated.
The latest constitutional changes have strengthened further the reform process in Morocco, considered a model in the region, said AbiNader.
Translated from French by Louise Riondel-Editing by Benjamin Villanti
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
Morocco's economic strengths highlighted in Washington
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Les atouts économiques du Maroc mis en exergue à Washington( french version)
Washington, 7 oct (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Understanding Morocco – Opportunities for Business and Trade
You are invited! Washington Moroccan American Club & Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University Understanding Morocco - Opportunities for Speaker:
Present
Business and Trade
Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Note from Joseph Braude to WMC, Dear members of the Washington Moroccan American Club,
In 2008 the Moroccan police became the first Arab security service to grant sustained, inside access to a writer, enabling him to spend four months reporting on their operations from inside a police precinct in Casablanca. I am that writer, and my new book on the experience is both a real-life murder mystery and an unusual examination of Moroccan society and government in the 21st century. It's called The Honored Dead: A Story of Friendship, Murder, and the Search for Truth in the Arab World. You can pick up a copy in most bookstores, or online via www.josephbraude.com .
"Honored dead" booking signing by Joseph Braude and WMAC
Joseph Braude and the Washington Moroccan American Club
Present
“the making of the “The Honored Dead”, by Joseph Braude”
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
"the making of the "The Honored Dead", by Joseph Braude" sponsored by WMC
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
After a very successful decade as the Moroccan ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Aziz Mekouar will be returning to Morocco in September 2011.
Members of the Moroccan Community will host a Dinner party in his honor to bid him farewell and to thank him for all he did for Morocco and the Moroccan Community in the USA.
Please join us to celebrate this important event.
Date: Wednesday September 14, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Place: Maggiano’s Restaurant
5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20015
Washington 'encouraged' by the new draft constitution in Morocco
Washington - The United States is "encouraged" by the new draft constitution, whose basic elements were outlined by HM King Mohammed VI in a speech to the nation on June 17, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
Interview of Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco
On June 17, 2011, King Mohammed VI of Morocco announced a series of proposed amendments to the country's constitution. The announcement followed a three-month review of the Moroccan constitution at the order of the King, after protest calling for reform began in February 2011. The Moroccan constitutional reforms are significant and unprecedented in the Arab world, as King Mohammed VI is clearly attempting to get in front of the demands for change sweeping the Middle East. Some skepticism remains, however, as to the extent of constitutional checks placed on the King's powers and whether Morocco will become a true constitutional monarchy.
Morocco Bets on Reform By Peter Pham
At a time when, as the experts assembled at a symposium earlier this month hosted by the Atlantic Council's Ansari Africa Center noted, the fate of both the "Arab Spring" in general and the North African revolutions in particular remain far from certain, Morocco has made an audacious bet with the new constitution that King Mohammed VI unveiled in a televised speech last Friday. If the proposed charter is approved by voters in a refer-endum next month, the country will once again prove itself to be an exception, both in the Arab world and on the African continent, where integral transformation voluntarily undertaken and carried out both with respect for history, religion, and culture, and at an appropriate speed can offer a path to the future that balances the competing demands of stability and openness to change.
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco by David Ottaway from the Wilson Center
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco pushing King Mohammed VI to put forth in lightning speed a new constitution requiring an elected rather than an appointed prime minister, the first such step in any of the eight monarchies or even most of the "democratic" republics of the Arab world
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
Amb. Marc Ginsberg
Former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
It is the tale of two Arabian cities. As the crow flies, Morocco's capital Rabat and Syria's capital Damascus are about 2,500 miles from each other. But judging by the context and content of the respective national addresses delivered within hours of each other this weekend, Morocco's King Mohammed and Syria's Bashar Al Assad might as well have been a million miles apart from each other.
In Morocco: A Quiet Revolution?
North Africa, Middle East, Middle East Unrest, Democracy Promotion
Kenneth M. Pollack, Director, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
The Brookings Institution
You probably won't be surprised to hear it, but there is something potentially very important going on that isn't getting the attention it deserves. It's happening in Morocco, where King Muhammad VI recently began to lay out the key provisions of a new constitution--something he first promised several months ago in response to popular protests as the Arab spring swept across his Kingdom.
The New Moroccan Constitution: Real Change or More of the Same?
Marina Ottaway Commentary, June 20, 2011
The constitution King Mohammed VI announced to his country on June 17 has been greeted by Moroccans with a great deal of ambivalence. Although it appears to be a foregone conclusion that a majority of Moroccans will vote "yes" in the referendum announced for July 1, many will do so with reservations. The young protesters who have been organizing periodic demonstrations beginning on February 20-hence the name, February 20 movement-have already announced that they do not intend to stop their actions. In fact, protests took place on June 19, drawing thousands of protesters in Casablanca and smaller numbers in other cities.
All Articles
Morocco Comes to Easton, Maryland – Saturday, May 5, 2012 By Norman L. Greene*
The day began with a flag ceremony and ceremonial ribbon cutting at noon where attendees heard from the organizers of the event and the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Rachad Bouhlal, and the preceding day, from the former U.S. Ambassador Edward Gabriel. (The ribbon cutting was performed by Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey and Moroccan Ambassador Bouhlal.) The presentations set the stage for the rest of the day which continued with a souk featuring Moroccan tea, cookies, music, rugs, and clothing, and more. It was a perfect day to wander along Harrison Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland, and peruse the Moroccan wares that were being sold.
Moroccan newspapers
- Maghrb Arab Press
- Al massae
- AL akhbar
- Wydad Athletic Club site
- Al Ahdath
- Le Matin
- Nichane
- Al Bayane
- AlAlam
- Al Ittihad Al Ichtiraki
- Bayane Alyoume
- Al Sabah
- Attajdid
- ALmaghribia
- Aujourdhui
- L'economiste
- Le Repoter
- La Gazette Du Maroc
- La Nouvelle Tribune
- La Vie Economique
- Tel quel
- Maroc Hebdo
- Aufait Maroc
- La Chronique on-line
- Al Watan AL An
- Al Mountakhab
- Annoukhba Sport
- Le Monde diplomatique
- Haraka
- Sharq Aawsat Arabic
- sharq Aawsat English
- Morocco sport
- Morocco Daily
- Morocco Star