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| the tale of the two “Moroccos”. |
| HASSAN MASIKY | |||||||||||||
 Washington, Nov. 6, 2009- It is the tale of the two “Moroccos”. A Morocco that shocks and awes as the world saw during the inauguration of the Mazagan Beach Resort in El-Jadida, and a different Morocco that banned newspapers and jail journalists. The two faces of this modern Morocco will eventually clash creating an identity crisis for the country, its elites and the population at large. Such social predicaments will have grim consequences on “the trademark” of the Kingdom of Morocco.Still reeling from the negative publicity generated as a result of a succession of damaging campaigns by several human rights and press freedom organizations critical of Morocco’s attempts to use legal actions as tools to silence government opponents, the Moroccan diplomacy decided, any ways, to undertake a major diplomatic campaign to explain its “local autonomy plan for the Western Sahara”. The two actions may seem unrelated, but in fact Morocco’s human rights record will make or break its diplomatic campaign. Such subtle details seem to get lost on the Moroccan authorities as they continue to rush in expending draconian decisions against the local independent press, civic organizations, and non-government organizations that seems bothersome to certain government agents. The long list of harsh judgments against some independent news outlets, and the targeting of independent journalists is hurting the image of Morocco and undermining its efforts to win the backing of the international community on the Western Sahara dossier. The images of Ibtissame Lachga taken away by the Moroccan police, as she was barred from boarding a flight to Paris, have and will continue to do serious harm to the reputation of Rabat. Is Ibtissame, the co-founder of the “banned “Movement for defense of individual liberties (MALI), such serious threat to Morocco’s national security that Morocco’s interior ministry has to prohibit her from leaving the country? None sense, the silly decision to deny Ms. Lachga her constitutional and human right of movement is ill conceived and harmful to Morocco’s long term economical and political interests around the world. How can a country that forbids a couple of peaceful twenty some women from traveling to Paris profess to be “democratic” and respectful of human rights to all? The “officials” making decisions such as imposing disproportionate sentences and outrages damaging awards against journalists to silence the independent press, or denying harmless protesters the right to travel, are under the mistaken impression of helping “el-Makhzen” through their actions. But they are not! To the contrary, such impulsive and recurring behaviors are counterproductive and self-defeating. I witnessed, first hand, the 1986-88 Amnesty International’s campaign to free political prisoners in Morocco. I saw hundreds of human rights activists holding weekly vigils outside Morocco’s embassy in Washington DC. The pictures were not pretty. Images of dozens of human rights protesters walking around the Embassy compound holding pictures of dozens of young Moroccan men who disappeared at the hand of Moroccan security apparatus were beamed around the world, severely damaging the standing of Morocco and its institutions for years thereafter. A decision allowing “al-Jazeera” news network to re- open its forcibly closed offices in Morocco, despite its negative coverage of the country, or better, choosing to sanction journalist with nominal fines instead of gross amounts, is the sort of pronouncements that will make Morocco and its institutions shine and prosper. Some “decision makers” may not realize the impact their decisions have on the political future of the country. It is worth reminding the powers to be of the events following Amnesty’s “embarrassing” campaign. After years of denials, Morocco released dozens of political prisoners and admitted to the existence of secret detentions centers. So why make the same mistakes again? The mistake to ignore international norms and foreign criticism; and then succumb to them. The image of Morocco is at stake and could be dangerously and irreparably comprised if there is no “official” change of course. Morocco should show that a silly caricature or inappropriate articles are irrelevant to the conduct of the day to day business of government. By over-reacting, Moroccan officials portray weakens instead of confidence in the institutions of the Nation.
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Comments (6)
Almaghribi
said:
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hile MoroccoBoard.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. MoroccoBoard.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
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... Unfortunately, Morocco is currently in a downward spiral to self destruction. On one hand, you see a largely illiterate poorly developed nation. On the other, you see foreign investors pouring in millions in tourism. Why is there hardly any investments in developing the infrastructure of the country? The Youth needs real jobs developing their country's natural resources, not answering phones in call centers or working in hotels and resorts. If this trend continues, there will be no more Morocco. Our country will just be a looting ground for foreign interests. |
Nutt
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... In a country where the individual is a citizen rather than a servant, in a country where all people are equal in the eyes of the Law, in a country where integrity and transparency are the corner stones of every civic activity, in a country where basic human rights are guaranteed to all, in a country where the young can believe in his dream without having to carry the last name of one of the imperialistic families, only in that country the famous quote by President John F Kennedy applies. “Ask Not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” Until then, we average Moroccans will continue to pursue our dreams outside of Morocco where we can be doctors, engineers, scientists, decorated athletes, free thinkers, writers, and even soldiers, but the best of all we can be Citizens and no longer servants. Finally, to do the original post justice, I agree with the author. How can Morocco call for a Monaco type solution to the Sahara issue when basic freedoms and liberties are not guaranteed? Moroccan government needs to realize that we live in the 21st century. The internet has flattened the world, shrunk distances, and installed thousands of video cameras inside every city. The international community is looking in, reading our papers online and watching our videos on youtube. In other words, Morocco must be cognizant to the effects of internal policies in respect to foreign policy. M |
Casawi
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Irrelated Issues Indeed, but Bouchra, I agree with you that the too issues are not related. Projects like these can flourish along side an authoritarian regime. In fact, one could say that an authoritarian system can well promote these projects that will primary benefit the few "connected rich" and which will surely escape any accountability. What I don't agree with is the fact that you only see "positive" things for our countrymen if outsiders have a positive impression of them. I agree that it is important to have a good "reputation" but our focus should not be on pleasing outsiders, but we should rather make sure OUR people are pleased, first. You seem to be very impressed that few teenager stars from Hollywood came to the opening. I guess you could be proud of being Moroccan because Lindsay Lohan went to J'dida. It is a role model event for our future generations- no doubt. Let's not politicize this project in either way. If this project will bring benefits to the region, that is a good thing. This is not a PR project for few Moroccans to repair their self-esteem. Cheers |
Watchdog
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Hey Bouchra Lay off the CoolAid honey, you have had enough?? Few journalists have been jailed and have had their livelihood interupted, and their kids deprived. You are sick and tired of us ranting and raving? No kidding!!we did not expect any less from you, as our hunger pain is not but noise to you and your likes. Forgive us please and allow us to go die in silence. Thank you |
Moroccan Patriot
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Being critical leads to critical thinking People who are controlled live in fear. When you live in fear there is some measure of security. Ask the people of Iraq, they know all about this. There are 40 million Moroccans who live in fear. They complain about corruption daily. They see on a daily basis how corruption makes their lives worse; yet when they are pulled over by a police man for running a light, they are quick to over 50 dh to avoid a 400 dh fine. They yell and scream about how unqualified people get ministry positions where they not only do not serve the interests of the popel, but go against the interests of the people by doing nothing!!! Yet, they themselves as teachers, doctors and public servants contribute to the problem by engaging in unethical practises on all levels. So here we have it, criticizing the system is very easy to do... how about solutions? In theory the government should be the one employing the best minds available to work on creating solutions to the problems that plague the country. The reality however is that government does not create solutions. The best you can hope for is that government does not create too many additional problems and burdens. The solution to problems faced by society comes from members of that society. Morocco's problems in the ministry of Education will eventually be solved by an educator. Morocco's problems with Doctors who demand bribes to treat people in Public hospitals will eventually be solved by a medical services providor. Leaders will come from all areas of society and rally those around them to solve problems that face them, by coming up with ingenuitive, practical solutions. Government should not be expected to provide for the people. Effective government allows people to solve their own problems. When you have ineffective government, as is the case in much of the 3rd world, Leaders have to be even more dyanamic to affect positive change. Only those who work hard on improving themselves can eventually help others. The first step in revitalizing the Ummah is to change break through the hearts and minds of people. Moroccans need to understand that the problems they face are not unique to them. Development is just that... it is a process. Usually a painfully slow process. The next question becomes, where are these leaders who will rise up and dare to change the status quo? They are all around us, but they are living in fear. They yearn for the day when they can reach the shores of Canada, America or Europe. They seek to better themselves, but can not be bothered to think of the good they can acheive for others, because they are not ready to pay the potential price that is inherent to being a true leader. A true leader leads by example. A true leader is selfless. A true leader embraces the needs of those whom they lead ahead of their own needs. A true leader is willing to risk everything for their cause. Morocco has many true leaders, but most have been exiled as economic refugees outside of Morocco. Those that stay in Morocco are usually family men and women, not willing to risk their livlihoods in order to improve the lives of others. Change can and will occur. However, the first step is for Morocco to retain its greatest natural resource... I am not talking about phosphates, I am talking about the great minds of the young. If young men and women are prevented from emigrating abroad; then they will eventually make Morocco a place where others want to emigrate to, and not a place where all the young people dream of escape. |
Bouchra A.
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Irrelated Issues What does the Mazagan opening have to do with the journalist sanctions? I am personally sick of these comments and articles relating poverty to luxury projects. Who is this resort funded by? (NOT The Gvt) Who is this resort employing? (Moroccans) Whose tourism is this resort benefiting? (Morocco) Only us Moroccans will have the time to criticize such a project which clearly benefits our country. Having such big stars and bringing the attention to our country positively (instead of pauverty & terrorism) is a GOOD THING! Do we have a LOT of work ahead of us? YES Can our Government do better in multiple sectors? YES ..... But what about the 33Million Moroccans? What can they do to make THEIR country better??? Why do we Moroccans excell @ criticising instead of finding real solutions and actually acting on them? |
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