Two distinct politico-religious movements emerged in Morocco in the 1960s and 1980s. The first was a radical movement, which was confronted by the government thus forcing it to break up, change, and adapt. The second was characterized by its confrontational and inflexible stance vis-à-vis the status quo. Thus, while the former became integrated at the expense of its early radical glamour, the latter remained adamant in refusing to become integrated in the political system. Despite the … [Read more...]
Israel-Maghreb Relations: Realities and Possibilities
By September 2, 2009
Israel’s relations with the three core Maghreb states--Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia--have been shaped by a combination of factors: the region’s French colonial legacy and distance from the historical cross-currents of Arab nationalism and from the Arab-Israeli conflict, geopolitical exigencies, the state-building enterprises within the three Maghreb entities and the competition between them, and the particular status of their respective Jewish communities. The Madrid-Oslo years were … [Read more...]
Morocco’s 2007 Elections: A Social Reading
By December 6, 2007
?¯?»?¿ MOROCCO'S 2007 ELECTIONS: A SOCIAL READING Samir Ben-Layashi* This article discusses the social and political context of Morocco's 2007 parliamentary elections, which brought surprising results. It attempts to explain why the moderate Islamic party, the PJD, did not achieve an overwhelming victory as was expected. It also explores why the formerly undefeatable socialist party, the USFP, lost popularity. Finally, it examines the remarkable comeback of the historically … [Read more...]
A Difficult Inheritance: Moroccan Society Under king Muhammad VI
By September 1, 2003
A Difficult Inheritance Volume 7, No. 3 - September 2003 A Difficult Inheritance: Moroccan Society under King Muhammad VI By Michael M. Laskier This article addresses King Hasan II's legacy and the central problems facing his son and successor, Muhammad VI. These problems include the need for reform in human rights and democracy, the Islamist challenge, the role of women, and the Berber awakening. While Morocco has begun making key reforms over the past decade to … [Read more...]
State and Islamism in the Maghreb
By March 6, 2003
STATE AND ISLAMISM IN THE MAGHREB Volume 7, No. 1 - March 2003 State and Islamism in THE Maghreb By Aziz Enhaili and Oumelkheir Adda Read this article in French Each of the three Maghreb states--Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco--dealt differently with internal Islamist movements. This study explains how these differences are derived from three factors: each state?¯?¿?½s distinctive political framework, historical context of formation, and development level of their own … [Read more...]
Israel and the Maghreb at the Height of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: 1950s-1970s
By June 7, 2000
Israel and the Maghreb states--Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia--have never technically been in a state of war, nor have they ever enjoyed a real peace. For decades, though, secret contacts between Israel and these states have led to greater understanding and limited cooperation against the backdrop of turbulent Arab-Israeli politics. Israeli ties with Tunisian, Algerian, and Moroccan nationalists originated in the 1950s at the initiative of Israeli government officials and diplomats, including … [Read more...]
