Catégorie : Maroc

  • Maroc : colère et indignation après l’arrestation d’un ancien ministre

    Maroc : colère et indignation après l’arrestation d’un ancien ministre

    Topics : Maroc, Mohamed Ziane, répression, ministre des droits de l’homme,

    L’arrestation puis l’incarcération, lundi, de l’ancien ministre des droits de l’Homme et ex-bâtonnier de Rabat, Mohamed Ziane, ont suscité la colère et l’indignation des défenseurs des droits humains au Maroc, pointant une nouvelle fois « la politique de musellement des voix et l’instrumentalisation de la justice » par le régime du Makhzen, dans le but de faire taire toute voix discordante.

    La Cour d’appel de Rabat a confirmé, lundi, le jugement rendu contre Mohamed Ziane en première instance, à savoir sa condamnation à trois ans de prison ferme à la suite d’une plainte portée contre lui par le ministère marocain de l’Intérieur.

    Aussitôt informés de son arrestation dans son cabinet à Rabat, de nombreux militants et défenseurs des droits humains au Maroc se sont mobilisés sur les réseaux sociaux, en lançant un hashtag de solidarité avec le militant et une campagne de condamnation de la politique de « vengeance et de répression » du Makhzen, affirmant que « l’arrestation de l’ancien ministre est intervenue suite à ses activités et ses déclarations audacieuses ».

    En effet, le hashtag « Nous sommes tous Mohamed Ziane » s’est vite transformé en une tribune pour les militants et défenseurs des droits humains au royaume, en exprimant leur indignation et ras-le-bol quant à la politique répressive du Makhzen, reprenant aussi des vidéos et déclarations audacieuses de l’ex-bâtonnier dans lesquelles il fustigeait les pratiques mafieuses du régime marocain et de ses appareils judicaire et sécuritaire.

    Dans le même contexte, la Commission nationale de soutien aux prisonniers d’opinion et victimes de violation de la liberté d’expression au Maroc a publié un communiqué dans lequel elle a exprimé son « extrême stupéfaction » face à l’arrestation « arbitraire et injustifiée » de l’ex-bâtonnier de Rabat et ancien ministre des droits de l’Homme, Mohamed Ziane (80 ans).

    « Ce procès s’est déroulé en une seule séance. Me Ziane n’a pas eu l’occasion de se défendre. Le tribunal ne l’a pas écouté, ni lui, ni sa défense », a souligné la Commission dans son communiqué, condamnant « l’arrestation musclée de Me Ziane dans son cabinet par une vingtaine de policiers en tenue civile, sans présenter le moindre papier de la justice ».

    « Cette méthode constitue une violation flagrante du Code de procédure pénale, de la Constitution et des Chartes internationales pertinentes », s’est-elle encore indignée, affirmant qu’elle a suivi dès le début, la campagne de dénigrement orchestrée par les relais médiatiques du Makhzen à l’encontre de Mohamed Ziane, en conséquence à ses déclarations mettant en cause des personnes influentes du régime et sa solidarité avec les journalistes et défenseurs des droits humains au Maroc.

    « Une véritable folie »

    Commentant également l’arrestation de l’ancien ministre, l’historien et militant des droits de l’Homme, Maâti Monjib, a déclaré que « ce procès est une véritable folie », soulignant qu’ »il s’agit d’une pure vengeance politique contre un octogénaire ».

    Dans un post sur son compte Facebook, Monjib a écrit que « Mohamed Ziane est puni plutôt pour ses déclarations cinglantes contre les hommes puissants du Makhzen et sa défense indéfectible pour le militant et les journalistes en prison, respectivement Nasser Zefzafi, Hamid El Mahdaoui, Afaf Barani et Tawfik Bouachrine ».

    Pour sa part, le journaliste marocain Ali Lmrabet a fustigé, sur Twitter, la politique de « terreur » du Makhzen érigée en mode de gouvernement, à l’encontre des militants des droits humains et des journalistes, dans l’optique de les réduire au silence.

    Affirmant, en outre, que « le Maroc est devenu une immense prison à ciel ouvert », Ali Lmrabet a indiqué que « les prisonniers politiques se comptent par centaines, dont certains sont connus, et d’autres, la plupart, sont totalement inconnus ».

    Pour le journaliste, « cette prétendue exhibition de force n’est en fait que la preuve éclatante du désarroi croissant d’un régime aux abois, et qui ne survit que grâce à la protection de ses maîtres occidentaux ».

    #Maroc #Mohamed_Ziane

  • Morocco / United States Strategic Partnership

    Morocco / United States Strategic Partnership

    Topics : Morocco, Unites States, USA, strategic partnership, cooperation,

    Political dialogue

    High-level political dialogue:

    -Secretary of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to meet once a year in Washington or in Rabat.

    Share assessment and analysis on :

    -regional issues such as African Affairs, Middle East Peace Process, Maghreb, Sahel-Saharan region

    -multilateral issues such as Peace Keeping, Terrorism, Environment and Human Rights.

    -Coordinate actions at the UN and other international forums

    Human rights dialogue:

    -Strengthening of the existing Human rights dialogue and extending it to thematic meetings on Press freedom, civil society, freedom of speech, etc.

    -Extension of the dialogue to cooperation, capacity building and exchange of best practices.

    Regional cooperation

    -Morocco/US cooperation in the MENA region:

    -Morocco provides experts and advisors on developing civil society and political cooperation (regional training center for Governments officials, NGOs, community leaders, youth, etc.)

    -Triangular aid on the advancement of the role of women

    -Establishment of a Gender institute in Morocco

    Morocco/US cooperation in the Maghreb :

    -Implementation of the US/North Africa Entrepreneurship initiative:
    Next summit to be held in Morocco in October 2011$

    Morocco could host a Regional Enterprise Fund, similar to the SEED banks set up by the US in Eastern Europe (capacity building of small and medium sized enterprises, equity capital investments, extension of financial services, etc.). One of the first actions taken could be to invigorate the Morocco-US FTA to develop enterprise activities in target countries to accelerate economic growth and job development

    -Regional scientific cooperation. Morocco to host the US Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (Cairo initiative), to be held in June 2011.

    -Morocco/US cooperation in Africa

    -Triangular cooperation towards African countries:

    -Cooperation between the development agencies of both countries (USAID and AMCI)

    -Cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water, health and environment.

    -Dialogue on crisis management / resolution in Africa.

    Security cooperation

    -Establishment of a bilateral security committee addressing a wide range of issues, such as drug trafficking, terrorism and human trafficking (3 reports of the State Department)

    -Morocco to join the Global Counter Terrorism Forum to be officially launched in September 2011

    -Economic and trade cooperation

    -Establishment of a US/Morocco Business Council:

    -Composed of private sector representatives from both countries
    That issues recommendation for an enhanced cooperation in the field and a better implementation of the FTA

    -Strengthened cooperation on agriculture and renewable energies.

    -Scientific and Cultural cooperation

    -Establishment of “Excellence centers” in the field of public health, on the basis of the existing health centers and in cooperation with counterparts in the US

    -Joint initiatives aiming at the promotion of tolerance, religious dialogue and the fight against racism and anti-Semitism.

    -Strengthening of exchange programs for scholars, students, artists

    -Increasing the number of beneficiaries of Fullbright scholarships

    -Intensifying the learning of English language

    #Morocco #USA #Strategic_partnership

  • The 2012 Elections for the US House and Senate: What’s At Stake For Morocco?

    The 2012 Elections for the US House and Senate: What’s At Stake For Morocco?

    Topics : Morocco, United States, USA, Congress, Senate, lobbying,


    1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    To: His Excellency Rachad Bouhlal
    Moroccan Ambassador to the United States
    From: Toby Moffett
    Chairman, The Moffett Group
    Date: August 28, 2012

    Re: The 2012 Elections for the US House and Senate: What’s At Stake For Morocco?

    Mr. Ambassador,
    The goal of this analysis is to provide you and Moroccan officials in Rabat with various scenarios related to the upcoming United States elections and how the results might affect the U.S.-Moroccan relationship. In other words, who are the likely winners among those with jurisdiction over issues of interest to Morocco?

    As you know, this is not an exact science. We have no way of knowing who will win in certain races where the races are close and the campaign is hard-fought. As we have seen in recent days, a number of unforeseeable events and circumstances can shift the fortunes of individual candidates and even of an entire party, i.e. the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan as Governor Romney’s running mate, the damaging remarks by Rep. Todd Akin in the Missouri Senate race, and the economic data that indicates the economy is not improving.

    Please note that this analysis is based on what we are observing at the moment and the reality on the ground. Nonetheless, our assumptions are that the House of Representatives will remain under Republican control (the Republicans currently hold a 49-seat advantage (242-193). We believe a new Republican House majority in the 113th Congress will have a margin of only a handful of votes.

    With regard to the U.S. Senate, we believe that either party could control the Senate, with no more than a one or two vote margin. Currently, the Democrats currently hold a 6-seat advantage (53-47). Given the races that are considered “toss-ups,” we view a Democrat majority in the Senate as slightly more likely than a Republican one.

    COMMITTEES MOST IMPORTANT TO MOROCCO AND POSSIBLE LEADERSHIP CHANGES

    Both the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House and the Foreign Relations committee in the Senate are vitally important to Morocco, especially with regard to matters relating to the Western Sahara dispute and any un-related issues.

    At the same time, the Appropriations committees – particularly the Subcommittees on State-Foreign Operations – are extremely relevant as all foreign assistance money, both military and civilian, are approved by these committees in the House and Senate. 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    Aditionally, given the increasing importance of security-related matters, especially relating to the Western Sahara but also in Mali and other parts of North Africa, the Select Committees on Intelligence in both chambers are becoming more and more important to Morocco.

    MOST LIKELY CHANGES IN COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

    Two key committees in the House and Senate may both have new leadership when the 113th Congress convenes in January 2013. Both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could have new chairmen/women.

    In the House, the current chairwoman, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL) faces a party-imposed term limit, so there certainly will be a new chairman. Please see below for our analysis of the prospects for new leadership.

    In the Senate, with the departure of Secretary Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State following the November election, there is a distinct possibility that Senator John Kerry (MA), currently the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would become Secretary of State should President Obama be re-elected. This would automatically leave the senate chairmanship vacant.

    SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

    DEMOCRATS

    If the Democrats retain control of the Senate, and Senator Kerry is not chosen as the new Secretary of State, he would remain the leader of the committee. But if Kerry departs, there are several veteran Democrats who might become chair of the committee.

    Currently second in seniority on the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) also serves as chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. It is in our view unlikely, but not impossible, that she would relinquish that position to take over Foreign Relations.

    Another possible chairman is Senator Bob Menendez (NJ). He is currently in a harder-than-expected re-election race in New Jersey, but is almost certain to retain his seat. If so, and if Senator Kerry departs for the State Department, Senator Menendez would almost surely choose the Foreign Relations chair. He is passionately supportive of Morocco. His chief focus, as a Cuban-American, is on matters impacting Cuba, but he would be very positive towards Morocco. 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com


    Behind Menendez in seniority is Senator Ben Cardin (MD). He is another long-time supporter of Morocco and its position on the Western Sahara. He is a Jewish-American and has been positively influenced by various U.S. Jewish groups who support Morocco and appreciate its relationship with Israel and the Moroccan diaspora in Israel.

    REPUBLICANS

    The primary defeat of Richard Lugar (IN), the committee’s top Republican since 1985, has ignited speculation as to which Republican senator would assume their party’s top position on this committee.

    If Republicans win control of the Senate, the most likely new chair of the committee would be Senator Bob Corker (TN). While by no means as skilled and focused on foreign relations as the past two chairman – now-Vice President Joe Biden or Senator Kerry – Corker has increasingly shown more interest and greater knowledge of the world. We have every reason to believe the Senator Corker, as committee chairman, would be supportive of Morocco, specifically on the Moroccan framework for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.

    Corker, however, may choose to forego that chairmanship for another. It is quite possible that should the Republicans control the Senate, Corker would select the chairmanship of the Banking Committee where he occupies a senior position.

    In that case, two other Senators may inherit the Foreign Relations chair, and neither have a great deal of experience in foreign affairs. Both are relatively junior members: Senator Jim Risch (ID) and the other is Senator Marco Rubio (FL).

    With regard to the Subcommittee Near Eastern and South and Central Asian (which has jurisdiction over Morocco), if current Ranking Member Sen. Risch does not assume the chairmanship of the full committee, it is expected that he would become chair of that subcommittee. Another possible chair of the subcommittee is Senator Mike Lee (UT). From all indications, both of these Senators would be supportive of Morocco’s approach on the Sahara.

    HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

    The House Foreign Affairs Committee faces significant change next year because of Republican term limits for its chairwoman and an uphill re-election battle for its ranking Democrat. There are also a slew of senior members retiring from both parties. So, regardless of who controls the chamber, the committee is poised to feature an almost entirely new lineup in its upper ranks in the 113th Congress. 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com


    REPUBLICANS

    Despite only getting one Congress as chairwoman of the committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL) is coming up against House Republican term limits for committee leaders at the end of the 112th Congress. Republican leaders count time served as ranking member toward their three-term cap on committee chairmanships, and Ros-Lehtinen served as the senior most Republican on the panel in the 110th (2007-2008) and 111th (2009-2010) Congresses. Unless the party leadership grants her a waiver – which is a very rare occurrence – she will be forced to give up the gavel.

    There is a chance that Rep. Ros-Lehtinen could make a legitimate pitch for a term-limit waiver based on the fact that she is the only female and only Hispanic member chairing a House committee. Both GOP members who sought waivers from their party last Congress, however, were rejected and that is not expected to change in the 113th Congress.

    Rep. Chris Smith (NJ) is next in seniority and actually has more seniority in Congress than Ros-Lehtinen. He was passed over, however, for ranking member when Rep. Ros-Lehtinen took the top Republican spot in 2007. He was also stripped of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairmanship at the start of the 109th Congress, after a standoff with GOP leadership over veterans’ health care funding.

    Rep. Smith has a tendency to go his own direction on the issues he is passionate about – most notably abortion and human rights – regardless of the political or diplomatic implications, which is a significant obstacle to any chairmanship aspirations. There is a chance, however, that Republican leadership would bow to his decades of experience on the committee. He is currently the chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights (AGHHR).

    It is important to note that Rep. Smith has joined virtually every call for religious freedom in Morocco made by U.S. officials, particularly his congressional colleagues. He was very outspoken against the Moroccan government when it ordered Christian proselytizers to leave the country.

    A more likely possibility is that Rep. Ed Royce (CA) will leapfrog Rep. Smith and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA) – seen by Republican leaders as too unpredictable – for the top position. The other senior Republicans on the committee, Rep. Dan Burton (IN), Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) and Rep. Donald Manzullo (IL) are all retiring this year.

    Rep. Royce is currently the chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, has been a quiet, but steady, voice on foreign affairs from the committee. He also 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    has been a team player on party politics, kicking in more than $200,000 from his campaign account to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) this cycle. There is a chance, however that Rep. Royce could get the chairmanship of House Committee on Financial Services next year because current chairman Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL) is also term-limited and Royce is third in line in terms of seniority.

    If Royce takes the chairmanship of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Steve Chabot (OH) could become chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Chabot, currently the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, served in the House from 1995 to 2008 before losing re-election, only to win back his seat in 2010.

    With regard to the chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Africa, if Rep. Smith is passed over again for the chairmanship of the full committee, he will most likely retain the gavel of this subcommittee. If, however, he assumes the chair of the full committee, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) is next in line on the subcommittee. The other three Republican members of that panel Rep. Tom Marino (PA), Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (NY) and Rep. Bob Turner (NY), are all freshman members and therefore most likely not in a position to become subcommittee chair.

    DEMOCRATS

    Ranking Member Rep. Howard Berman (CA) is currently in a tough race for reelection against fellow Democrat and Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Brad Sherman (CA), thanks to redistricting in California. Berman finished second to Sherman in California’s new “jungle” primary system in June. Since the two incumbents were the top two finishers, they will face off again in the general election in November. Rep. Sherman has benefited from the newly redrawn district because it encompasses far more of his old district than Rep. Berman’s. As of now, Rep. Berman is the underdog.

    If Rep. Berman somehow manages to come out on top in November, he will retain his position as top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. If Rep. Sherman defeats Rep. Berman (as is expected), he would also be well positioned to take over the top Democratic spot on the committee.

    The two members ahead of Rep. Sherman on the Foreign Affairs Committee are Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY) and Del. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (American Samoa). Ackerman is retiring at the end of the 112th Congress. Del. Faleomavaega has indicated interest in the post should Berman lose his race, but there is little precedent for a non-voting member to serve as chairman of a full committee.

    If Democrats manage to win back the majority of the House the chairmanship would likely go to whichever member survives the Berman-Sherman primary. Democrats tend to stick 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    more closely to seniority for committee assignments than Republicans. The next two Democrats on the committee after Rep. Sherman are Rep. Eliot Engel (NY) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY).

    With regard to the key Africa subcommittee(which in the House has jurisdiction over Morocco-related matters) freshman Rep. Karen Bass (CA) has held the top spot since the unfortunate passing of Rep. Donald Payne (NJ) in March. Rep. Bass is likely to retain this post, though the Democratic makeup of this Subcommittee is likely to change drastically.
    Please note that all of the Democrats mentioned here as possible chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committee have been very supportive of Morocco and, specifically, of the Moroccan framework for resolving the Sahara dispute.

    SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

    DEMOCRATS

    If the Democrats retain control of the Senate in November, Senator Daniel Inouye (HI) is likely to remain as Chairman of the Committee, despite his advanced age (he is currently the second-oldest Senator at 87 years of age).

    The general Democratic makeup over the Committee is likely to remain largely the same: only three of the Committee’s sixteen Democrats are in close races for re-election. Senator Ben Nelson (NE) is retiring, Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) is in a very close race in one of the country’s most hotly contested states, and though he is favored to win at this point, this race could easily change, and Brown could lose. Finally, Senator Jon Tester (MT) is in one of the closest Senate races this fall, and his race will almost certainly be a tossup until Election Day.

    The makeup of the Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations is likely to remain largely intact. Senator Pat Leahy (VT) is likely to remain Chairman of the Subcommittee if the Democrats retain control of the Senate, and only Senator Brown is among the subcommittee members who may lose re-election.

    Please recall that Senator Leahy has not been among Morocco’s staunchest allies in the past, and that this attitude is likely to continue.

    REPUBLICANS

    If Republicans win control of the Senate in November, Senator Thad Cochran (MS) will become the next chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. If the GOP falls short of the 51 seats they need, however, there will be a new top Republican on the committee, as 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    Cochran would have to give up the ranking member slot due to Republican term limits for committee leaders.

    At this point, it is very unclear who would take over the top spot for the Republicans should the GOP remain in the minority. The next three Senators in line – Mitch McConnell (KY), Richard Shelby (AL) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) – all have reasons as to why they would not assume to the top position on the committee. McConnell is currently the Republican Senate leader (a position he’s expected to retain), Shelby is currently the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee (a position he’s expected to retain), and Hutchison is retiring at the end of this Congress.

    With regard to the Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations, Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) is expected to keep the top position for Republicans regardless of which party holds in majority after November.

    HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

    REPUBLICANS

    On the House side, the leadership picture is much clearer with regard to appropriations. Current full committee chairman Rep. Hal Rogers (KY) and subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Kay Granger (TX) will keep their leadership positions no matter what happens in November.
    They have both been strong supporters of Morocco especially on the issue of the Western Sahara and aid.

    DEMOCRATS

    The Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Norm Dicks (WA), has announced that he will retire at the end of this term. The identity of the new Ranking Member (or Chairman, should the Democrats win back the House) remains somewhat unclear.

    Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH) is the second-most senior Democrat on the committee, but has clashed with Democratic leadership in the past. Some Democrats view her support of abortion rights as wavering, and this issue may play heavily in the campaign for the committee’s top spot for Democrats. Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), the former chairwoman of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, and a strong supporter of Morocco, is expected to challenge Kaptur for the post. Rep. Jim Moran (VA) may also make an attempt to win the position. 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    The makeup of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee will be substantially different in the next Congress, regardless of whether or not the Democrats take back control of the House. Rep. Nita Lowey (NY) is likely to win re-election. If she does not take over as ranking member of the full Committee (see above), she is likely to return as ranking member of the subcommittee. Rep. Lowey has been a consistent support of Morocco, especially on the issue of aid.

    Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL) has recently undergone treatment for health problems, the precise details of which have not been revealed. He would be next in line to take over as ranking member of the subcommittee, but there is at least a small chance that he will not return to serve a full term next year. In that case, the Ranking Member post would pass to Rep. Adam Schiff (CA).

    Finally, Rep. Rothman (NJ) was defeated in a primary election by fellow Democratic Rep. Pascrell (NJ) and will not return to Congress in 2013. Rep. Rothman has been a strong supporter of Morocco on the Subcommittee.

    If the Democrats should unexpectedly win control of the House, there will be a strong contest for the chairmanships both of the full committee and the Foreign Operations Subcommittee involving the members mentioned above.

    SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE & HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

    With regard to the leadership of the intelligence committees in both chambers, little is expected to change for the 113th Congress.

    Current Senate Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is expected to retain the gavel should the Democrats maintain control of the Senate. Vice Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) will remain as the top Republican regardless of the outcome of the November election.

    In the House, current Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) will remain as chairman if the Republicans keep control of the House. Ranking Member C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (D-MD) will stay on as the top Democrat. 1801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 p: 202. 299.9599 | www.moffettgroupdc.com

    The biggest change in the House Intelligence Committee will come on the subcommittee level. Currently, the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, HUMINT, Analysis, and Counterintelligence, Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC), will be retiring at the end of year. The next person to fill her spot at the top of the subcommittee, if Republicans hold the House, would be Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX). Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) will most likely retain the top position for the Democrats regardless of which party holds the majority in the 113th Congress.

    Again, in the unlikely event that Democrats capture control of the House, Rep Thompson would be a favorite to win the chairmanship.

    It is important to note that each Senator and Representatives mentioned are supportive of Morocco and, the stabilizing role they play in the North Africa region. Morocco is well positioned with regard to both intelligence committees in the next Congress.

    #Morocco #USA

  • Arrestation du bâtonnier et ancien ministre Mohamed Ziane

    Arrestation du bâtonnier et ancien ministre Mohamed Ziane

    Topics : Maroc, Mohamed Ziane, répression, liberté d’expression, droits de l’homme,

    Mohamed Ziane, 80 ans, bâtonnier et ancien ministre des droits de l’homme, vient d’être arrêté à Rabat alors qu’il était dans son cabinet. Une vingtaine d’agents de sécurité en civil ont pris d’assaut le bureau de son avocat alors qu’il communiquait avec lui, sans lui soumettre de mandat judiciaire.

    Son arrestation après que la Cour d’appel de Rabat a confirmé la peine de trois ans de prison que lui avait infligée le tribunal de première instance de Rabat après un procès basé sur des accusations sans fondement. selon le communiqué du parquet, les onze accusations contre lui ont été retenues.

    Communiqué de l’Instance Nationale de Soutien aux victimes de violation de la liberté d’expression

    L’Instance nationale de soutien aux prisonniers d’opinion et aux victimes de violation de la liberté d’expression a appris, avec une vive inquiétude, l’arrestation arbitraire de l’avocat, bâtonnier, Mohamed Ziane (80 ans).

    Maître Ziane a été arrêté par une vingtaine d’agents de sécurité en civil qui ont pris d’assaut le bureau de son avocat alors qu’il communiquait avec lui, sans lui soumettre aucune décision judiciaire, ce qui constitue une violation des normes légales, de la constitution.

    La Commission a suivi la campagne de diffamation féroce dont maître Ziane a fait l’objet dans les médias affidés au pouvoir, après avoir exprimé ouvertement ses critiques à l’encontre des hommes forts du régime et de la police politique, et sa dénonciation de la répression des journalistes. Il a en fait défendu en tant qu’avocat les journalistes Tawfiq Bouachrine, Hamid Mehdaouyi, Afaf Bernani et de nombreux opposants.

    Nous publierons plus tard un communiqué détaillé sur l’arrestation de Mohamed Ziane

    Fait à Rabat le 21/11/2022

  • Les usines de dessalement : Réponse du Maroc à la sécheresse

    Les usines de dessalement : Réponse du Maroc à la sécheresse

    Topics : Maroc, Séchersse, usines de dessalement, agriculture,

    Les habitants d’Agadir voient leur nouvelle usine de dessalement comme un modèle pour atténuer la sécheresse qui sévit depuis des années au Maroc et qui a desséché les villes et appauvri les agriculteurs, mais les plans d’extension du programme pourraient dépendre des efforts pour l’alimenter en énergie renouvelable.

    Les hivers secs successifs ont vidé les réservoirs qui alimentent les maisons et irriguent le secteur agricole clé du Maroc, réduisant les récoltes, menaçant une migration de la campagne et provoquant des restrictions sévères sur l’utilisation de l’eau dans les villes.

    Bien que de plus petites usines de dessalement fonctionnent déjà depuis des années au Maroc, celle qui a commencé à fonctionner à Agadir cet été est de loin la plus grande du pays et la première destinée à faire face à la réduction des précipitations.

    « Bref, sans le dessalement, Agadir n’aurait pas pu trouver assez d’eau à boire et nous aurions eu des coupures d’approvisionnement plus longues, pires », a déclaré Rachid Boukhenfer, un responsable local.

    Cette première évaluation de l’efficacité de l’usine intervient alors que le gouvernement prévoit 12 autres installations de dessalement, dans le cadre d’un investissement prévu dans des projets d’eau de 12 milliards de dollars en 2020-2027.

    Le Maroc dépend désormais des eaux de surface et souterraines pour la quasi-totalité de sa consommation d’eau douce, utilisant principalement un réseau de 149 grands barrages.

    Cinq années consécutives de sécheresse ont épuisé bon nombre de ces réservoirs et le ministre de l’Agriculture, Mohammed Sadiki, a déclaré la semaine dernière au Parlement que la majeure partie de l’eau serait détournée de l’irrigation pour fournir de l’eau potable.

    Les précipitations sont souvent le facteur le plus important pour déterminer les taux de croissance économique marocains et cette année, la récolte céréalière a été des deux tiers inférieure à celle de 2021 et la production de lait en baisse de 30 %.

    #Maroc #Séchersse #Dessallement

  • Maroc : Elle tue son mari pour l’avoir empêché de se rendre en Espagne

    Topics : Maroc, Sidi Kacem,

    Elle l’a étranglé avec un câble électrique alors qu’il dormait ivre et l’a enterré à côté du domicile conjugal

    Elle a tué son mari parce qu’il ne la laissait pas venir en Espagne pour travailler comme saisonnière. C’est arrivé au Maroc, dans la ville de Sidi Kacem. Le couple a trois enfants et la femme a enterré le corps à côté du domicile conjugal, selon le journal « Al Akhbar.

    L’enquête préliminaire a révélé qu’une femme avait tué son mari en l’étranglant avec un câble en plastique alors qu’il dormait profondément, probablement en raison de son état d’ébriété avancé. Les faits se seraient déroulés, selon le journal, dans la nuit de jeudi dernier.

    Les habitants de la commune ont été surpris par ce qui s’est passé, notamment par la force physique dont aurait fait preuve l’épouse pour pouvoir creuser un grand trou non loin de chez elle pour y enterrer la victime sans que ses enfants ou les voisins ne s’en aperçoivent.

    La femme a fait preuve d’un grand sang-froid avec le père de la victime. Surpris que son fils n’ait pas répondu à son téléphone pendant deux jours, il est rentré chez lui. Sa belle-fille l’a informée que son mari avait décidé de façon inattendue de partir en voyage avec un de ses amis. Et qu’il lui avait assuré qu’il ne retournerait peut-être pas en ville.

    #Maroc

  • Guterres arrive au Maroc pour participer au Forum mondial de l’Alliance des civilisations

    Guterres arrive au Maroc pour participer au Forum mondial de l’Alliance des civilisations

    Topics : Maroc, ONU, Forum mondial de l’Alliance des Civilisations,

    Le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, Antonio Guterres, est arrivé ce lundi dans la ville marocaine de Fès pour participer au IXe Forum mondial de l’Alliance des civilisations des Nations Unies, qui débutera demain avec la participation de hauts fonctionnaires et de ministres de différents pays, rapporte l’agence espagnole EFE.

    Le dialogue interreligieux, le rôle des religieux dans la promotion de la paix et la lutte contre l’extrémisme violent seront parmi les sujets de débat.

    Le forum, qui sera coprésidé par le sous-secrétaire général de l’ONU et haut représentant de l’Alliance des civilisations des Nations Unies (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos, et le ministre marocain des Affaires étrangères, Naser Burita, consacrera également des séances de débat au continent africain, la jeunesse, l’éducation, les femmes médiatrices de paix et la migration.

    « Vers une alliance de paix : vivre ensemble comme une seule humanité » sera le thème de ce forum qui se tiendra pendant deux jours dans la célèbre ville marocaine.

    Plus de 1.000 invités seront présents, des hauts fonctionnaires et des représentants d’organisations internationales, ainsi que des ministres des affaires étrangères d’au moins 18 pays, dont l’espagnol José Manuel Albares, le turc Mevlüt Çavusoglu. ainsi que l’ancien président espagnol José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

    Comme annoncé par l’UNAOC, ce forum -qui a été reporté l’an dernier en raison de la situation sanitaire marquée par le covid- se tient dans un contexte marqué par la recrudescence du terrorisme, de la xénophobie, du racisme et des discours de haine.

    Moratinos, qui est au Maroc depuis ce week-end, a affirmé dans des déclarations à la presse locale que Fès avait été choisie pour être une ville qui préserve « un patrimoine et un héritage historique qui en font un symbole de paix et de tolérance ».

    #Maroc #ONU #Alliance_civilisations

  • « Regardez-nous danser », le nouvel ouvrage de Leïla Slimani

    « Regardez-nous danser », le nouvel ouvrage de Leïla Slimani

    Tags : Maroc, Leïla Slimani, Regardez-nous danser,

    Critique : Un Maroc ambigu

    La franco-marocaine Leïla Slimani s’est fait connaître à l’international avec deux petits romans pointus. Maintenant, elle va plus loin avec une trilogie sur les origines du Maroc moderne, basée sur sa propre histoire familiale. La deuxième partie Watch us dance montre qu’elle est plus que digne d’attention. « Nous avons beaucoup de passé, mais peu de mémoire. C’est pourquoi il est important que nous continuions à apprendre notre histoire», a déclaré l’auteur lors d’une table ronde à la récente Frankfurter Buchmesse.

    Par Miriam Mulder

    Dans Mathilde , la première partie, on a commencé trois générations en arrière, quand la française Mathilde tombe amoureuse du bel officier marocain Amine en 1946. Ils se marient et Mathilde déménage avec lui dans un petit village du Maroc. Alors qu’Amine tente de construire une ferme hors du sol (aride), Mathilde se bat contre le patriarcat en place. Malgré leur mariage mouvementé, ils ont deux enfants, Aïcha et Selim. Pendant ce temps, la sombre lutte pour l’indépendance du protectorat du Maroc contre la France se rapproche de plus en plus de leur région.

    A Kijk ons ​​dansen on reprend le fil en 1968. L’exploitation agricole d’Amine est florissante, et la famille appartient à une nouvelle bourgeoisie. Ils luttent tous à leur manière avec ce statut nouvellement acquis. Le Maroc est maintenant indépendant, et tout le monde prétend que la colonisation avait été un grand malentendu. Par exemple, Amine est invité à rejoindre le Rotary club, qui au départ n’était composé que de membres de la communauté européenne. Si les membres du Rotary insistaient sur le fait qu’ils étaient si attentifs, qu’ils accordaient tant d’attention à Amine, c’est aussi parce qu’il était marocain et que le club, en admettant des Arabes comme membres, voulait prouver que le temps de la colonisation, le temps de vies parallèles, c’était fini.

    Pendant ce temps, Mathilde se sent comme un torchon essoré. Amine n’était pas le seul à avoir travaillé dur toutes ces années, mais il ne semble pas s’en rendre compte. Il pense qu’elle a fait le ménage par amour. « Ce que vous appelez l’amour, c’est du travail ! » elle veut lui crier dessus. Elle est jalouse de sa fille, qui étudie en France, alors qu’elle est emprisonnée dans sa maison. «Pourtant, dans ces moments-là, elle n’a jamais fantasmé sur une autre maison qui serait plus gentille avec elle, moins hostile. Elle a compris que chaque maison était un piège qui se refermait sur elle.

    Outsider

    Dans cette deuxième partie, les deux enfants, Aïcha et Selim, jouent un rôle plus important. Aïcha est partie étudier la médecine en Alsace, où elle est considérée par la plupart comme « l’Africaine ». Surtout, elle essaie de ne pas se faire remarquer et se consacre entièrement à ses études. Mais lorsqu’elle revient au Maroc pour les vacances, elle ne s’y sent plus tout à fait chez elle non plus. ‘Aïcha a été la première de cette famille à étudier. Peu importe à quel point vous avez cherché parmi leurs ancêtres, personne n’en aurait su autant qu’eux », pense fièrement son père. Slimani, qui a déménagé en France à l’âge de dix-huit ans, sympathise clairement avec Aïcha. « J’aime être une étrangère, j’aime cette solitude », a-t-elle déclaré à la Buchmesse.

    Selim est maintenant adolescent et se sent invisible dans la famille, à l’ombre de sa sœur. Il se débat avec les changements soudains dans sa vie. Les ouvriers qui travaillent pour son père le traitent soudain avec une déférence à laquelle il ne s’attendait pas. «Il avait été un enfant et maintenant il ne l’était plus, comme ça, sans aucune explication. (…) La puberté n’existait pas dans ce pays. Il n’y avait pas de temps, pas de retard, pas de place pour cet âge vague, cet intervalle sombre et indécis. Lorsqu’il rencontre une Danoise qui se rend au paradis hippie d’Essaouira avec ses amis, il s’enfuit avec eux.

    Sans peur

    En plus de ces personnages principaux, Slimani laisse parler de nombreux autres personnages. Elle passe sans effort de l’un à l’autre, sans confusion. Parce qu’elle donne à chacun sa propre histoire, on a l’impression qu’ils vivent dans un monde réel, peuplé de vraies personnes. On suit par exemple la dissolue Selma, la soeur d’Amine, avec qui Selim apprend à connaître sa sexualité dans une liaison éphémère. Et Mehdi, surnommé Karl Marx, qui tombe éperdument amoureux d’Aïcha et se croit destiné à devenir un grand écrivain. Et Mourad, l’ancien adjudant et déserteur d’Amine, qu’Amine associe à Selma pour éviter un scandale.

    De cette façon, nous obtenons une large image des différentes expériences des gens au Maroc pendant cette «ère ambiguë», comme l’appelait Slimani à la Buchmesse. Elle le fait toujours de manière honnête et sans peur, en mettant l’accent sur les nuances plutôt que sur les généralisations. « Au cours de mes recherches pour Mathilde , j’ai découvert beaucoup de choses sur ma famille et mon pays que je n’aimais pas. Mais c’est pourquoi je savais que je devais l’écrire.

    A la fin du livre, nous sommes arrivés à l’époque que l’écrivain elle-même a consciemment vécue. Cela nous fait attendre avec impatience le dernier volet de cette trilogie impressionnante.

    Leïla Slimani, Le pays des autres 2. Regardez-nous danser, traduction : Gertrud Maes, Uitgeverij Nieuw Amsterdam, 304 pages (24,99 €)

    Cette revue a déjà paru dans le Boekenkrant, édition novembre 2022 .
    Êtes-vous curieux? Commandez ce livre dans votre librairie Boekenkrant locale . Regardez ici pour un aperçu.

    Source : Boekenkrant, 20/11/2022

    #Maroc #Leïla_Slimani





  • Maroc : De faux comptes Facebook pour attaquer des journalistes détenus

    Maroc : De faux comptes Facebook pour attaquer des journalistes détenus

    Tags : Maroc, presse, journalistes, Facebook, Twitter, réseaux sociaux,

    De faux comptes Facebook utilisés pour attaquer des journalistes marocains détenus dans le cadre d’une campagne en ligne coordonnée
    Fait partie d’une étude plus vaste du GRC/CPJ sur les efforts visant à discréditer et à harceler les journalistes dans le monde.

    Alors que la liberté de la presse se détériore au Maroc, les journalistes sont confrontés à des attaques contre la crédibilité de faux comptes Facebook et de médias alignés sur le gouvernement.

    Par Chris Tenove

    Omar Radi savait probablement que son arrestation allait avoir lieu le 29 juillet 2020. Pendant des années, les médias alignés sur l’État avaient attaqué Radi, l’un des rares journalistes marocains ouvertement critiques à l’égard du régime. Cinq jours avant que Radi ne soit arrêté pour des accusations douteuses, notamment d’atteinte à la sécurité de l’État en recevant des fonds étrangers et en collaborant avec des services de renseignement étrangers, et de viol, le média Chouf TV a publié un article appelant à son arrestation. Cet article et d’autres dénonçant Radi ont été partagés et appréciés avec enthousiasme par les utilisateurs de Facebook. Certains ont ajouté des commentaires qualifiant Radi de « traître maudit », d’ »espion » et de « vendeur ».

    Mais bon nombre de ces comptes Facebook n’étaient pas ce qu’ils semblaient être. Une enquête menée par le DFRLab basé aux États-Unis , en collaboration avec le Global Reporting Center et le projet de désinformation de l’Université Simon Fraser , a identifié un réseau de 43 comptes Facebook qui utilisaient de faux profils, des messages synchronisés et d’autres tactiques dans le cadre d’une campagne en ligne coordonnée pour calomnier Omar. Radi. En réponse à cette enquête, Meta – la société mère de Facebook – a supprimé les 43 comptes en mai 2022.

    Radi n’était pas le seul journaliste marocain confronté à ce genre de harcèlement. Le même réseau de 43 comptes a également amplifié une campagne en ligne contre Soulaimane Raissouni, rédacteur en chef du journal indépendant Akhbar al-Youm. Comme Radi, Raissouni a fait face à des attaques de Chouf TV et d’autres organes d’information alignés sur l’État avant et après son arrestation en mai 2020. Les deux journalistes sont maintenant en prison pour ce que le Comité pour la protection des journalistes (CPJ) qualifie d’« agression sexuelle inventée de toutes pièces ». et des accusations de « morale » à la suite de procès qui ont violé les normes de procédure régulière . DFRLab a publié le rapport d’enquête de notre équipe , qui détaille la situation.

    Des campagnes de diffamation en ligne utilisées pour étouffer la liberté de la presse au Maroc

    Les campagnes en ligne contre les journalistes marocains se sont déroulées dans un contexte de déclin de la liberté de la presse dans le pays, selon le CPJ et Reporters sans frontières . Radi, Raissouni et cinq autres journalistes marocains auraient été ciblés par des logiciels espions , ainsi que plusieurs militants des droits de l’homme et dissidents critiques à l’égard du gouvernement.

    Notre enquête conjointe montre comment les plateformes de médias sociaux sont utilisées comme outils pour faire taire les voix critiques à l’égard du gouvernement marocain, et révèle comment de faux comptes Facebook sont utilisés pour promouvoir des allégations trompeuses et fallacieuses sur les journalistes. Il a également trouvé :

    De nombreux comptes du réseau ont utilisé des photos d’archives pour les photos de profil Facebook, ont « aimé » les messages identiques les uns des autres et ont publié des contenus similaires dans des périodes proches ou identiques, y compris des messages qui amplifiaient des articles provenant de sources médiatiques alignées sur l’État.

    Le réseau ciblant Radi et Raissouni a également publié des messages désobligeants ou trompeurs sur les défenseurs des droits humains, les politiciens de l’opposition et les YouTubers dissidents.
    Meta a pris des mesures sur les 43 comptes identifiés par notre enquête après avoir déterminé qu’ils étaient liés à unréseau précédentde 385 comptes, six pages Facebook et 40 comptes Instagram que Meta a déplateformés en février 2021.

    Les comptes du réseau ont également publié des allégations trompeuses et fallacieuses sur les efforts déployés par Amnesty International et le projet Pegasus pour dénoncer l’utilisation des technologies de surveillance pour espionner les journalistes, les militants des droits humains et d’autres voix critiques.

    Cette enquête collaborative fait partie d’un projet plus vaste du Global Reporting Center examinant les efforts visant à discréditer et à harceler les journalistes dans le monde. Nous avons établi un partenariat avec le Comité pour la protection des journalistes et PEN Canada , ainsi que le DFRLab et le projet de désinformation de l’Université Simon Fraser . Si vous souhaitez être averti lorsque nous publierons nos résultats en 2023, vous pouvez rester informé en vous inscrivant à notre newsletter .

    Source : Global Reporting Centre, 17/11/2022

    #Maroc #Presse #Journalistes #Facebook #Twitter #Faux_comptes

  • Al-Adl Wal-Ihsan: Morocco’s islamists dissidents going legit?

    Al-Adl Wal-Ihsan: Morocco’s islamists dissidents going legit?

    Tags : Morocco, Jamâa Al-Adl Wal-Ihsan, PJD, Islamists,

    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 RABAT 001169
    SIPDIS
    STATE FOR NEA/MAG, NEA/PI, DRL/IRF AND DRL/NESCA
    E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2023
    TAGS: PHUM, PGOV, PTER, PINR, KISL, IT, MO
    SUBJECT: AL ADL WA IHSAN: MOROCCO’S ISLAMIST DISSIDENTS
    GOING LEGIT?
    REF: A. RABAT 462
    B. 07 RABAT 1838
    RABAT 00001169 001.2 OF 004

    Classified By: Ambassador Thomas T. Riley for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

    1. (C) Summary: The banned Islamist religio-political organization Al Adl wal-Ihsan (Adl) (more commonly known as the Justice and Charity or Justice and Good Works Organization) may be moving toward political participation, perhaps as a legal political party. Adl spokesman Fatallah Arsalane highlighted Adl’s political project to PolCouns December 11. Noting stability is Adl’s key goal, he denounced terrorism and violence, while protesting ongoing repression. Democratic politics was meaningless, he said, given the powerlessness of Parliament and royal absolutism, but he did not challenge the legitimacy of the monarchy.

    Arsalane echoed Adl’s charismatic Sufi leader Abdelsallam Yassine’s public disavowal last summer of Adl’s historic call for a Caliphate, reinforced by the Sheikh’s suspension of outreach, reported December 15. In their often symbolic dialogue, the authorities transmitted some positive signals of their own, while still holding some Adl members in jail.

    Were Adl to accept the monarchy and become legal, it could enhance stability but it could also increase Islamic influence on Moroccan politics. Arsalane closed by extending a hand to the new U.S. administration, urging changes in policies toward the region. End summary.

    2. (C) Al Adl wal-Ihsan (Adl) spokesman and executive committee (Majlis al Shura) member Fatallah Arsalane and Hassab Bennajeh, the director of Adl’s public relations office, met with PolCouns and Casablanca PolOff (notetaker) at Arsalane’s home in Rabat on December 11. Arsalane was welcoming and spoke openly and at length about Adl’s political aspirations and its difficult relationship with the GOM.

    ——————————-
    Adl: « Stability » and Good Works
    ——————————-

    3. (C) Arsalane began discussing the organization by stressing, « Our first goal, above all others, is the stability of Morocco. » Both left and right have failed, leaving only Islam as a model. Within Islam there are moderates and extremists and, « we have chosen moderation. »
    He said Adl wanted to work with other groups and political parties to help pull Morocco out of the political, social and economic crises it now faces.

    4. (C) Adl is best known for its grassroots organizational abilities and for its social welfare programs among the poor urban Moroccans. Arsalane admitted that Adl’s social programs were a source of its popularity, which was based more on Adl’s message and ideas. The government ban on Adl’s offering these services has only increased Adl’s popularity.

    (Note: We have heard many of these efforts continue under the guise of Adl-related independent NGOs. Adl also has focused on youth; it gained control of the student unions of most Moroccan universities and the national organization of students. Its activists on campus continue to harass more secular students.)

    ——————————————— –
    Repression and Dialogue: An evolving Approach
    ——————————————— –

    5. (C) Arsalane reported that GOM repression of Adl is widespread and includes bans on all public activities as well as all publications. In recent years police have raided private meetings in homes, but many of activities are tolerated. His own house was kept under surveillance and he was confident that his phones were tapped, but was unconcerned, noting, « We have nothing to hide. » (Note: As we departed, an apparent surveillance team of three made a choreographed exit of their vehicle, parked just behind our embassy car, making sure we noticed. End note.)

    6. (C) Arsalane acknowledged that Adl had over the years maintained informal communication with the Moroccan regime.

    This was only rarely direct, and more often one-way and symbolic. He contended that the « undemocratic regime » was unwilling to engage in a more open and formal dialogue, maintained political red lines and imposed conditions on allowing Adl greater scope for activity. « In Morocco we have the motto: ‘God, Nation, King’ but in fact the only thing that matters here is the King. »

    7. (C) When asked about the historic support of Adl for a Caliphate or Islamic state, Arsalane said this was not Adl’s position, claiming legitimacy and authority comes from the people and the Ulema. He thus substantiated the major but largely unremarked turnaround on this basic question by Sheikh Yassine during an interview this summer with the Arabic satellite TV channel Hiwar that opened the door to Adl’s potential acceptance of the monarchy — albeit not in its current state.

    ——————————
    Condemning the Use of Violence
    ——————————

    8. (C) Arsalane insisted that Adl was a political organization, and opposition to violence was a key principle.

    Adl also demanded that its members reject violence and expelled those who did not. He acknowledged that one participant in a failed bombing of a tour bus in Meknes in 2007 had once been a member, but claimed that the bomber had been out of Adl for a long time before the incident.

    Unprompted, Arsalane raised the detention and subsequent release, at the end of November, of 11 Moroccan immigrants in Italy, including members of Adl. Arsalane strongly rejected that these members were involved in terrorism and charged the Italian police were well aware of their activities. He contended that the arrests took place at the instigation of the Moroccan government, which unable to prove any wrongdoing, falsely continued to try to paint Adl members as terrorists. Arsalane contrasted Adl to Salafist groups truly bent on terrorist violence. « We reject these extremists … they are against us and call us ‘kufar’ (non-believers). » He insisted that Adl regularly condemned terrorist attacks.

    9. (C) PolCouns urged that Adl be more vocal in its condemnation of terrorist attacks, such as the 2007 suicide attacks against the U.S. Consulate General and other sites in Casablanca, and other terrorist attacks around the world.

    Arsalane responded that Adl in fact had denounced the 2003 Casablanca attacks, all terrorist attacks in Morocco and many elsewhere.

    ——————————————
    Intra-party dialogue on its Political Role
    ——————————————

    10. (C) Arsalane noted that there is a constant dialogue within Adl about the extent to which the movement should participate in elections or the political process. He recounted that in 1981 Adl had asked to become a political party, but the GOM refused. In the lead up to the 2007 parliamentary elections, Adl decided not to participate because it believed that the Parliament does not have any real power to effect change. « It does not matter which party is in power, even the Party of Justice and Development (PJD). » If the GOM were now to allow Adl to become a political party, Arsalane averred they would accept.

    Relations with the PJD
    ———————-

    11. (C) Arsalane characterized Adl’s relationship with PJD as respectful but denied that there is any active political cooperation except on Arab/international issues, such as Palestine and Iraq, as in their recent joint demonstrations in Tangier against a visit by senior Israeli officials.
    (Comment: It is unclear just how much the undeclared Adl boycott of the 2007 parliamentary elections contributed to the abysmally low turnout. If Adl members had voted for the PJD, the PJD might have fulfilled the many predictions that it would emerge as the largest party, and would have been in a position to form the government. So in the convoluted logic of Moroccan politics, this boycott served the regime’s purpose. End comment.)

    —————————-
    Succession of Sheikh Yassine
    —————————-

    12. (C) We asked about what would happen after the death of Adl’s charismatic leader, « Sheikh » Ahmed Yassine, reportedly 80 and poor health. Arsalane said that Adl has internal rules governing succession, which would be decided by an election of its executive committee (Majlis Ash-Shura).

    —————————————-
    A Message to the New American Government
    —————————————-

    13. (C) Like virtually all our Moroccan interlocutors, Arsalane expressed interest in the incoming U.S. administration and asked that we convey a message to it.

    First, he said, the USG should stop supporting dictatorial regimes in the region and encourage them to be more democratic. The USG, in his view, has spoken much about principles of freedom and democracy but has observed them only when there was no conflict with U.S. regional interests.

    Second, he urged that the incoming administration devote its energy from outset to helping solve the Palestinian issue which would help solve many of the other problems in the region. Finally, he noted that prior to 9/11 many in the Islamic world aspired to visit the United States. Since then, however, many across the region, particularly moderate Islamists, are afraid to visit, because they believe that USG will falsely accuse and imprison them at behest of their repressive home governments. He also hoped some intervention could be made on behalf of party members he claimed were falsely convicted of homicide in Morocco and have gone a long way towards serving their 20-year sentences.

    ————————————–
    The all-Embracing Makhzen opens a door
    ————————————–

    14. (C) For its part, the authorities have responded with some positive signals to Adl,s overtures. While the newspaper remains banned, there appears to be less tampering with the well-constructed Adl website (www.aljamaa.net in French and Arabic). Arrests continue but appear to be diminishing in both frequency and scope. The prosecution of Nadia Yassine, the Sheikh,s daughter, for verbal assault on the monarchy continues to be delayed. (Note: Arsalane described this as equivalent to judicial supervision.) In another step, earlier in the week Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq paid a condolence call on the family of a recently deceased Adl Board member and close companion of Yassine, whom Toufiq knew long ago in a common Sufi brotherhood, a visit that likely required palace assent.

    15. (U) On December 15, media reported that Sheikh Yassine decreed that the organization would suspend all public activity, assemblies, meetings, etc., apparently to avoid any confrontation with the authorities. (Note: This is in context of, and may be an attempt to insulate Adl from, a current GOM crackdown against Islamic extremists.)

    ——-
    Comment
    ——-

    16. (C) Arsalane represents an apparently growing tendency within Adl that is eager to engage more actively in the political life of the country. In contrast to past expressions of religio-political identity, he clearly acknowledged its principally political nature and aspirations, pointedly making little or no reference to it being a religious body. It is unclear to what extent Sheikh Yassine’s own epiphany is behind this evolution of the movement, or whether he is reflecting the wishes of the politicized next generation, be it Arsalane and his politicized cohort or the sheikh’s daughter Nadia Yassine — who appear to be rivals. There has been widespread speculation that after the sheikh’s death there will be a split in the organization. It now seems clear that either way the politicos will dominate, with the religious element possibly becoming a parallel organization, as is the case with the PJD and its religious counterpart the Movement for Unity and Reform (MUR).

    17. (C) Although Arsalane was adamant that the GOM/Palace has not engaged in a formal dialogue with Adl, it is clear that an understanding is developing between them. The GOM has tolerated the activities of Adl so long as it did not press the question of the king’s legitimacy or take steps to mobilize its followers against regime. Some analysts believe that Adl has played a critical role as a release valve for social and political tensions through a non-violent organization. Certainly, Adl exploited these frustrations to swell its ranks. The GOM periodically alleges Adl involvement in violent or terrorist activities, as it apparently did in Italy, but has presented no evidence for this. All indications appear to substantiate Adl’s commitment to avoid violence.

    18. (C) Adl’s potential buy-in to the system could have an important effect on enhancing stability in Morocco, just at a time when it is under pressure due to the global economic downturn. It would also, however, increase Islamic influence on politics, adding to the leverage of the PJD, but even together, Islamists would almost certainly remain a minority.

    Like most politics here, this potential « conversion » to legitimacy will remain for some time obscure, and play out only over time. End comment.

    19. (C) Note A: The last time mission has had contact with Arsalane was before 9/11/2001, and the government protested.

    We have heard no such protest so far. We have avoided contact with Nadia Yassine since her indictment, and have been in touch only at a lower level.

    20. (SBU) Note B: Al Adl wal-Ihsan has frequently been translated as the Justice and Charity Organization, with the familiar acronym JCO. In fact, the organization itself prefers the translation Justice and Spirituality. While perhaps the best translation of the Islamic concept of Ihsan would be « good works, » the term encompasses that notion as well as charity and the performance of spiritual acts.

    Following local press usage, we plan to continue to use Adl (Justice). End Notes.

    21. (U) This cable was drafted by Casablanca PolOff and has been cleared with the Consulate General.
    22. (U) Tripoli minimize considered.

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