2011: The Year That Was
- AHMED TAIBI
- 12/31/11
Washington / Morocco Board News-- 2011 will be remembered as the year a young Arab generation leaders, intellectuals, and parents thought to be politically vain, unengaged, timorous, convulsed and toppled three dictators and caused others to reassess their positions, make concessions, and reform their ways. So many died for intangible ideals such as freedom, social justice and equity, democracy. Others wanted nothing more than an honest job, a decent living, a dignified existence. Many hold Mohmmed Bouazizi’s self-immolation as the catalyst of the revolution that spread like wild fire. Somehow his demise pinched a nerve many believed neuroparalytic.
Bouazizi is hardly exceptional in the Arab world. In fact, his plight is rather mundane. Many young Arabs eke out a living in ways fraught with danger and uncertainty and are constantly harassed by corrupt police. Their meager sources of income have always been targets to unscrupulous legislations. Many young Arabs self-immolated when their options were drastically reduced and their legitimate grievances were ignored by their political leaders.
Somehow, Tunisians decided that the government’s lack of compassion with Bouazizi’s plight was a slap across the nation’s collective face. Its judicial unctuousness could no longer dupe the people. It was too much to bear. Most saw Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s pity visit to an expiring Bouazizi as a devious maneuver to appease the brewing anger of a nation that can no longer silently witness the government’s heedlessness to their needs. It blew the lid on the feral rage Tunisians felt about their precarious economy while Ben Ali and others of his ilk are basking in lavishness.
The Egyptian and Libyan revolutions have been fairly successful because people have come to grips with their own strength as powerful brokers of change in countries where the only change ever allowed was seldom palliative to the people and always initiated by unrepresentative prehensile officials. I say fairly successful because the revolution is ongoing. It has become clear that Arab Heads of States are only the tip of the iceberg. Behind the dictators stand a more powerful oligarchy that has demonstrated it has no compunction thrust one of their members on the gallows to save the status quo. People in Tunisia understood that Ben Ali, and Mohammed Ghannouchi who tried to head a transitional government afterwards, were nothing more than the executors of policies devised by the Constitutional Democratic Rally. It has become clear now that Egypt’s military has been the true drive behind Housni Moubarak. It has been suspected that many of the politicians, military commanders, and businessmen who supported and often conspired to strengthen Muammar Qaddafi’s rule are now heads of newly formed political parties vying for power in the emerging government.
Thanks to the ingenious use of social media as a political tools, the Arabs have grown quite skilled at discerning between fundamental political changes and nostrums concocted to mitigate social unrest and deceive people into believing that their will is being fulfilled.
Much has changed in the Arab World, but clearly the revolution is not over yet. 2012 promises to be a delving year for the Arab world.
A. T. B. © 2011
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Comments (19)
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#1
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2011-12-31 12:00
The question that no one can answer right now is Why is it that all Arab countries that overthrew their dictator or their dictator mocked up the constitution replaced it with Islam?
Is there something in Islam that the western world cannot see? Why is it that so many people chose to be under the rule of Islam now more than ever? is it a defiance to the west who likes to equate Islam with terror? Is it a way for people to tell the western world led by the US that the more you invade Muslim countries and kill Muslims the more Muslims we get?
Is it a message from Muslims to the west that Muslims are resilient and will not follow your way of life?
The democratic west that does not want democracy to anyone but themselves, it all started when the Palestinians chose Hamas folks to be their leaders through the ballot box. Instead of commanding the Palestinians for embracing democracy, they put them in some list of so called terrorists. If they are terrorists, then go ahead, invade them, kill them. Genius hun!
Is there something in Islam that the western world cannot see? Why is it that so many people chose to be under the rule of Islam now more than ever? is it a defiance to the west who likes to equate Islam with terror? Is it a way for people to tell the western world led by the US that the more you invade Muslim countries and kill Muslims the more Muslims we get?
Is it a message from Muslims to the west that Muslims are resilient and will not follow your way of life?
The democratic west that does not want democracy to anyone but themselves, it all started when the Palestinians chose Hamas folks to be their leaders through the ballot box. Instead of commanding the Palestinians for embracing democracy, they put them in some list of so called terrorists. If they are terrorists, then go ahead, invade them, kill them. Genius hun!
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#2
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2011-12-31 20:13
A very precise and focused piece -- I enjoyed reading it. I appreciate how you bypassed all the banalities which took place in 2011 and focused instead on some of the real issues concerning the Arab world - including the self-mutilation of a food cart merchant; Azizi, a hero in the eyes of many and the original igniter of the Arab Spring.
See? I don't always disagree with you :-)))
Happy New Year to you and yours!
See? I don't always disagree with you :-)))
Happy New Year to you and yours!
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#3
Why is the sky blue? —
2012-01-01 04:28
Morcelli why is the sky blue? If you can not work out that the Muslim countries should not have an Islamic way of life and indeed sharia and the only superior form of government then what do you expect? Constitution based on what? Does any of the constitutions work in the West for their citizens?
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#4
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-02 00:07
After I asked the question about Islam rising fast and furious, the answer to my question came out to me from nowhere.
Before Islam, the people of Jahiliya were used abused by the Ahl Quraish, and all of sudden the prophet appeared as a hope and gave the people a voice and told them that you no longer have to submit to no one but Allah. That was an enticing proposition that no one would dear to refuse.
We would be blind if we do not see that similarities here, You have dictators supported by a ruthless oligarchy and the west, taking advantage of people, 1000s and 1000s of innocent die because GW Bush and his hawks decided to take 9/11 tragedy on the people of Iraq.
The Muslim world from the middle east watched on Al jazeerah, American Soldiers brutalizing Iraqis placing them in the nude and on top of each other, unleashing German Sheppard dogs on them, raping their women. The perpetrators were given a slap on the wrist and were set free bragging about what they subject the Muslims to.
It should be a surprise to no one that Islam is the fastest growing religion, Of course the religion has been hijacked by an extreme minority that spreads terror and uses Islam to drive their hatred, fortunately the majority of middle easterners and North Africans who embraces Islam are now doing so to shield them from the dictators that we have watched dragged and killed in the streets of Libya as in qaddafi, or rolled on a wheeling bed to face Justice in the courts of Egypt as in Mubarak or run as cowards always do to Saudi Arabia as in Zin labidine, or use deadly force against their own people in hope to kill their resolve to live free and in dignity as in Bashar l7imar.
Morocco is not immune, some want you to believe that it is the exception, Morocco is no exception it is a bomb waiting to explode. Poverty, flawed judicial system, widening of the gap between the have and have not are only few of the reasons here.
The generals in Algeria, hired 100s of 1000s of security officers to control each and every move the people of Algeria might entertain. We all know that at the end of the day, the security apparatus always joins the people to overthrow the dictators.
Yes more to come in 2012 or even 2020 but it will come if the status quo remains the name of the game.
Before Islam, the people of Jahiliya were used abused by the Ahl Quraish, and all of sudden the prophet appeared as a hope and gave the people a voice and told them that you no longer have to submit to no one but Allah. That was an enticing proposition that no one would dear to refuse.
We would be blind if we do not see that similarities here, You have dictators supported by a ruthless oligarchy and the west, taking advantage of people, 1000s and 1000s of innocent die because GW Bush and his hawks decided to take 9/11 tragedy on the people of Iraq.
The Muslim world from the middle east watched on Al jazeerah, American Soldiers brutalizing Iraqis placing them in the nude and on top of each other, unleashing German Sheppard dogs on them, raping their women. The perpetrators were given a slap on the wrist and were set free bragging about what they subject the Muslims to.
It should be a surprise to no one that Islam is the fastest growing religion, Of course the religion has been hijacked by an extreme minority that spreads terror and uses Islam to drive their hatred, fortunately the majority of middle easterners and North Africans who embraces Islam are now doing so to shield them from the dictators that we have watched dragged and killed in the streets of Libya as in qaddafi, or rolled on a wheeling bed to face Justice in the courts of Egypt as in Mubarak or run as cowards always do to Saudi Arabia as in Zin labidine, or use deadly force against their own people in hope to kill their resolve to live free and in dignity as in Bashar l7imar.
Morocco is not immune, some want you to believe that it is the exception, Morocco is no exception it is a bomb waiting to explode. Poverty, flawed judicial system, widening of the gap between the have and have not are only few of the reasons here.
The generals in Algeria, hired 100s of 1000s of security officers to control each and every move the people of Algeria might entertain. We all know that at the end of the day, the security apparatus always joins the people to overthrow the dictators.
Yes more to come in 2012 or even 2020 but it will come if the status quo remains the name of the game.
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#5
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-02 03:57
The king of Morocco does not believe in the constitution of his own making by preventing the prime minister from forming a new government, in this case you Moroccan should really believe in the Moroccan exception that you all are proud of. This explains why the Sahraouis do not the marocans and do not beleive in the autonomie. Marocains need to wake up and smell the cafe'.
" magharebia.com/.../feature-02 "
" magharebia.com/.../feature-02 "
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#6
Arab Tyrants —
2012-01-02 20:49
What is the reason for the Arab autocrats outlasting some of the dictators including Hitler?
We have seen the fate of the dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya but what about the others waiting in the wings? Why have they lasted so long? Could it be the citizens of the Arab World are treated with contempt and childish? They are subdued with false information in their media, sycophant ministers, laughable elections, interior ministry thugs and blaming internal unrest on the good old al-Qa’ida and Islamic fundamentalists?
With the advent of new and accessible technology the masses have woken up to take on their leaders for better and fair governance. The only solution for the Arab World is an Islamic State. No man-made constitution works, it is as flawed as the flawed legislators, clearly demonstrated by many so called constitutions governments where they cannot arrange a piss-up in a brewery.
It is totally reprehensible that leaders in other Arab World are glued to their golden chairs, the likes of King of Morocco, Assad and other dictators should bow out with honour and dignity to make way for an accountable governance.
davidmhart.com/.../...
el-baghdadi.com/.../...
We have seen the fate of the dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya but what about the others waiting in the wings? Why have they lasted so long? Could it be the citizens of the Arab World are treated with contempt and childish? They are subdued with false information in their media, sycophant ministers, laughable elections, interior ministry thugs and blaming internal unrest on the good old al-Qa’ida and Islamic fundamentalists?
With the advent of new and accessible technology the masses have woken up to take on their leaders for better and fair governance. The only solution for the Arab World is an Islamic State. No man-made constitution works, it is as flawed as the flawed legislators, clearly demonstrated by many so called constitutions governments where they cannot arrange a piss-up in a brewery.
It is totally reprehensible that leaders in other Arab World are glued to their golden chairs, the likes of King of Morocco, Assad and other dictators should bow out with honour and dignity to make way for an accountable governance.
davidmhart.com/.../...
el-baghdadi.com/.../...
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#7
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-02 23:19
Sofie,
You are absolutely right. I was never excited about the constitutional reform. A re-organization of the table of content along with minor changes does not constitute a constitutional reform. The palace has merely kicked the can down the road.
Here's your proof: Right off the bat, the palace injects its will in the forming of Benkirane's government by refusing Benkirane's choices for Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs.
The Place 1 - 0 Moroccan People
Overall, 2011 was a good year. Thanks to the ease of use of new communication mediums, the average Arab citizen has finally started to see the overall picture and that their own leaders are the main factors behind the social stagnation they live in.
You are absolutely right. I was never excited about the constitutional reform. A re-organization of the table of content along with minor changes does not constitute a constitutional reform. The palace has merely kicked the can down the road.
Here's your proof: Right off the bat, the palace injects its will in the forming of Benkirane's government by refusing Benkirane's choices for Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs.
The Place 1 - 0 Moroccan People
Overall, 2011 was a good year. Thanks to the ease of use of new communication mediums, the average Arab citizen has finally started to see the overall picture and that their own leaders are the main factors behind the social stagnation they live in.
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#8
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-02 23:36
SM le Roi nomme les membres du nouveau Macho gouvernement
Thirty Men
ONE woman
Pretty sad how Moroccan women are placed in the Moroccan Psyche.
Happy New Year everyone!
Thirty Men
ONE woman
Pretty sad how Moroccan women are placed in the Moroccan Psyche.
Happy New Year everyone!
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#9
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-03 04:58
Mbt,
You said "The only solution for the Arab World is an Islamic State".
If you want to be under the rule of Islam, then do this: Lock yourself in your house and imagine that you live under the rule omar al khattab or Abou bakr, Imagine some guy with a a long beard wearing djellaba is you prophet. Why do you want everyone to be subjected to the religion of YOUR liking? Just because YOU WANT to be allowed to marry four women and your sisters get half your inheritance, it does not mean that everyone agrees with you.
Let me just add that religion is the root of all evil and people should live free. Evil because people manipulate religion for their own benefit. I consider myself a muslim and I teach my children about Islam but I don't want to tell people that Islam or Christianity is better for you. I can care less what religion or non religion others are embracing. I hope that you know that people can have values and morals without worshiping a god, a cow, and some guy with a beard and long hair.
The more I hear people telling me that Islam, Christianity, or Judaism or what have is the answer, the more disgusted I get.
Why on earth everyone wants to impose their way of life on others. Watching Santorum telling people that he want to become president because he is more christian that everyone else makes me sick and when i hear you talking about Islamic state in Morocco, makes me even more sick.
Here is something for you smart cookie.
Tell us why Morocco as an Islamic State will solve the problems of Morocco and Why Saudi Arabia and Iran are "successful" because they are Islamic state even though they cut people hands when they steal and stone women to death when find someone else who is a better lover.
Educate us, tell us what we do not know, instead of screaming Al qaida and taliban slogans.
Tell us why we should not listen to Music.
Tell us why women should be covered from head to toe like a Ninja.
Tell us why Iran as an Islamic State has more prostitutes and black market vodka than any other place on earth?
Tell us why are women are dumb to drive in Saudi Arabia
Inform us please.
I feel sorry for the editor of MB who has to read all this non sens over and over from people like you again.
You said "The only solution for the Arab World is an Islamic State".
If you want to be under the rule of Islam, then do this: Lock yourself in your house and imagine that you live under the rule omar al khattab or Abou bakr, Imagine some guy with a a long beard wearing djellaba is you prophet. Why do you want everyone to be subjected to the religion of YOUR liking? Just because YOU WANT to be allowed to marry four women and your sisters get half your inheritance, it does not mean that everyone agrees with you.
Let me just add that religion is the root of all evil and people should live free. Evil because people manipulate religion for their own benefit. I consider myself a muslim and I teach my children about Islam but I don't want to tell people that Islam or Christianity is better for you. I can care less what religion or non religion others are embracing. I hope that you know that people can have values and morals without worshiping a god, a cow, and some guy with a beard and long hair.
The more I hear people telling me that Islam, Christianity, or Judaism or what have is the answer, the more disgusted I get.
Why on earth everyone wants to impose their way of life on others. Watching Santorum telling people that he want to become president because he is more christian that everyone else makes me sick and when i hear you talking about Islamic state in Morocco, makes me even more sick.
Here is something for you smart cookie.
Tell us why Morocco as an Islamic State will solve the problems of Morocco and Why Saudi Arabia and Iran are "successful" because they are Islamic state even though they cut people hands when they steal and stone women to death when find someone else who is a better lover.
Educate us, tell us what we do not know, instead of screaming Al qaida and taliban slogans.
Tell us why we should not listen to Music.
Tell us why women should be covered from head to toe like a Ninja.
Tell us why Iran as an Islamic State has more prostitutes and black market vodka than any other place on earth?
Tell us why are women are dumb to drive in Saudi Arabia
Inform us please.
I feel sorry for the editor of MB who has to read all this non sens over and over from people like you again.
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#10
Dakness oblige. —
2012-01-03 10:42
For the lunatic fringe of the Islamic party, well represented on this board btw, that's ONE woman too many.
For the life of me, I cannot understand their obsession with women and what they're up to. I can only deduce that they suffer from such abject weakness, in their person and their faith, that they have to feel superior to somebody. And for them, women are the perfect foil to satisfy the islamist's faulty neurochemicals.
Did I miss a soura in the Koran where it says that women must be invisible?
For the life of me, I cannot understand their obsession with women and what they're up to. I can only deduce that they suffer from such abject weakness, in their person and their faith, that they have to feel superior to somebody. And for them, women are the perfect foil to satisfy the islamist's faulty neurochemicals.
Did I miss a soura in the Koran where it says that women must be invisible?
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#11
Fact checking —
2012-01-04 09:22
Ramid is the new minister of Justice, by the way, he is from the PJD, and it seems that the whole talk about the palace opposing his nomination is BS
The only woman in the gov is from PJD, so yes there is a problem, but the blame shouldn't systematically fall on the "usual suspects"...
I am all for women in the public place, I happen to think that they are, generally, less corrupt than men, but I think that it will take some time before we get enough women in the government, it will depend on women involvement in politics, and on the voters confidence and public mentality... well unless we decide to go with a quota/list for women, just like for the parliament...
The only woman in the gov is from PJD, so yes there is a problem, but the blame shouldn't systematically fall on the "usual suspects"...
I am all for women in the public place, I happen to think that they are, generally, less corrupt than men, but I think that it will take some time before we get enough women in the government, it will depend on women involvement in politics, and on the voters confidence and public mentality... well unless we decide to go with a quota/list for women, just like for the parliament...
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#12
Au royaume des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois. —
2012-01-04 11:23
Take a nation of illiterates, add semi-illiterate Imams who know that the Koran is a malleable manuscript, just like their corrupt souls, and what do you get?
Nations of bearded zealots burning flags, burning knowledge, burning common sense, burning enlightenment.
Burning to keep the fires of hate and intolerance glowing in the darkness of the night, and the moths, i.e. the fanatics, keep approaching the flames.
Okay, enough about Iowa. And yes, they do have bearded zealots in that very weird state, and enough ethanol to burn plenitude of flags, if only the much-hated big government ...subsidy..blah..blah..
I love watching hypocrisy in the US, and the indignation of the equally hypocrites everywhere else!
But seriously, what's with the quirkiness of the so-called religious people? You got the ultra-orthodox Jews spitting on an 9 year-old school girl in Israel, calling her a prostitute because she dared to exist in the same planet as them. You got the Evangelicals having a nightmare about a potential Mormon president. You got the Catholics salivating about the Jews and their spitting techniques on children, and the Moslems who are, once again, too confused to seize the moment.
Nations of bearded zealots burning flags, burning knowledge, burning common sense, burning enlightenment.
Burning to keep the fires of hate and intolerance glowing in the darkness of the night, and the moths, i.e. the fanatics, keep approaching the flames.
Okay, enough about Iowa. And yes, they do have bearded zealots in that very weird state, and enough ethanol to burn plenitude of flags, if only the much-hated big government ...subsidy..blah..blah..
I love watching hypocrisy in the US, and the indignation of the equally hypocrites everywhere else!
But seriously, what's with the quirkiness of the so-called religious people? You got the ultra-orthodox Jews spitting on an 9 year-old school girl in Israel, calling her a prostitute because she dared to exist in the same planet as them. You got the Evangelicals having a nightmare about a potential Mormon president. You got the Catholics salivating about the Jews and their spitting techniques on children, and the Moslems who are, once again, too confused to seize the moment.
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#13
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-05 05:44
The king was adamantly opposed to the nomination of Mustapha Ramid as the justice minister who was also distinguished by opposing the arrival of Elton John in Morocco, after qualifying Jesus Christ as” compassionate homosexual and Saad-Eddine El Othmani as the foreign minster who has zero experience in foreign affairs.
Mr Ramid is also big advocate of those were arrested in the wake of the Casablanca Bombing and those who were arrested and swiftly convicted and imprisoned without due process.
Mr Saad-Eddine El Othmani is Psychiatrist and he is probably good at prescribing medication for Islamic schizophrenics but a a minister of foreign affairs?? Now wonder the king had reservation!
For that reason the palace and the hawks of the palace were against the nomination of these 2 gentlemen.
The Palace and the people of the palace were forced to accept Benkirane's nomination because they have ZERO choice. The PJD were about to go all out to defend their nominees. The king as the initiator of the " Constitution" will look pretty bad if he kept on insisting on the replacing the 2 nominees. The "Constitution" say that the Prime minister is the one who nominates the government not the king.
Let's be honest with ourselves, Morocco would need 200-300 years before we can reach a real positive results in all sectors, right now, every side is playing games to move their own agenda ahead. You would be foolish to think that this government, or next government, this king or next king will do anything to make a difference even if their intention is sincere and honest. It just won't happen and cannot happen. Morocco is a poor country, and if we want to get ahead, that takes money. Morocco relies on tourism, Moroccans abroad, and maybe agriculture, that would not cut it folks. Can you imagine Europe enjoying the fish in our waters for 30 Million Euros? what the heck are we going to do with this meager sum? We are spending $2 billion dollars subsidizing gas and another $3 billion food. For how long are going to keep subsidizing food and gas and the people of Layoone?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in reality we are in big trouble, perhaps not today or tomorrow but sooner or later, it will aver that we can no longer sustain subsidizing the future of Morocco? one thing is sure, no matter who is on top, people will always be in the bottom.
Mr Ramid is also big advocate of those were arrested in the wake of the Casablanca Bombing and those who were arrested and swiftly convicted and imprisoned without due process.
Mr Saad-Eddine El Othmani is Psychiatrist and he is probably good at prescribing medication for Islamic schizophrenics but a a minister of foreign affairs?? Now wonder the king had reservation!
For that reason the palace and the hawks of the palace were against the nomination of these 2 gentlemen.
The Palace and the people of the palace were forced to accept Benkirane's nomination because they have ZERO choice. The PJD were about to go all out to defend their nominees. The king as the initiator of the " Constitution" will look pretty bad if he kept on insisting on the replacing the 2 nominees. The "Constitution" say that the Prime minister is the one who nominates the government not the king.
Let's be honest with ourselves, Morocco would need 200-300 years before we can reach a real positive results in all sectors, right now, every side is playing games to move their own agenda ahead. You would be foolish to think that this government, or next government, this king or next king will do anything to make a difference even if their intention is sincere and honest. It just won't happen and cannot happen. Morocco is a poor country, and if we want to get ahead, that takes money. Morocco relies on tourism, Moroccans abroad, and maybe agriculture, that would not cut it folks. Can you imagine Europe enjoying the fish in our waters for 30 Million Euros? what the heck are we going to do with this meager sum? We are spending $2 billion dollars subsidizing gas and another $3 billion food. For how long are going to keep subsidizing food and gas and the people of Layoone?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in reality we are in big trouble, perhaps not today or tomorrow but sooner or later, it will aver that we can no longer sustain subsidizing the future of Morocco? one thing is sure, no matter who is on top, people will always be in the bottom.
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#14
Morcelli - Morocco is in bad shape economically —
2012-01-06 02:56
And I fear it will just get worse. The gas subsidies need to stop. Taxes need to be paid by everyone, not just the poor and middle class. In fact, the most important thing that Morocco must do immediately is to change the tax structure.
Taxes need to be simple. You must have foolproof ways to collect taxes. You also need transparency. It must be clear who must pay and who must not. Finally, Where money is spent must be crystal clear as well.
Hiring by the government must stop. Governments should not be employing people. The private sector needs to be the one employing people, not governments.
There has been no rain, so we can look forward to the end of the last 7 years of fantastic crops.. which means food prices are going to spike, which means FOUDA!!!
We also have serious issues with insider trading on the MASI and outright theft. Just this week HPS and SOFAC were suspended from trading. This should have been done a few months ago! Regulators need to hold companies and their presidents and employees accountable for unethical behaviour. I am talking jail time, not paying some small fine and walking away. The guy who steals a cell phone on the street gets a beat down by the police officer and then gets sent to jail, a guy who sells stock worth Millions because he has already seen the profit reports sells early and bankrupts the CIMR system that counts on the integrity of Corporate officers - he is stealing Millions from Millions of people indirectly - just like the Moukadim - just like the Parlimentarian who has a large salary and does not pay taxes on their car and gets free gas, and uses the car to go shopping for groceries instead of driving into Parliament...
Corruption and lack of accountability - Morocco could face a violent civil war within the next year or so if serious progress is not made in combating these two things - it is getting real ugly out there. People are talking!
Taxes need to be simple. You must have foolproof ways to collect taxes. You also need transparency. It must be clear who must pay and who must not. Finally, Where money is spent must be crystal clear as well.
Hiring by the government must stop. Governments should not be employing people. The private sector needs to be the one employing people, not governments.
There has been no rain, so we can look forward to the end of the last 7 years of fantastic crops.. which means food prices are going to spike, which means FOUDA!!!
We also have serious issues with insider trading on the MASI and outright theft. Just this week HPS and SOFAC were suspended from trading. This should have been done a few months ago! Regulators need to hold companies and their presidents and employees accountable for unethical behaviour. I am talking jail time, not paying some small fine and walking away. The guy who steals a cell phone on the street gets a beat down by the police officer and then gets sent to jail, a guy who sells stock worth Millions because he has already seen the profit reports sells early and bankrupts the CIMR system that counts on the integrity of Corporate officers - he is stealing Millions from Millions of people indirectly - just like the Moukadim - just like the Parlimentarian who has a large salary and does not pay taxes on their car and gets free gas, and uses the car to go shopping for groceries instead of driving into Parliament...
Corruption and lack of accountability - Morocco could face a violent civil war within the next year or so if serious progress is not made in combating these two things - it is getting real ugly out there. People are talking!
0
#15
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-06 03:45
MP,
I agree. As I said time and again Morocco is a nuclear bomb waiting to explode. The Government simply will no longer be able to subsidize its way out of trouble. Every single project started in Morocco is either a loan from Europe or donnation from the golf states or the African development bank (AfDB). AfDB loves Morocco, they are making so much money from charging Morocco interest. It reminds me Bernie Madoff when he was not able to continue lying and telling investors that all is good. At the end his ponzi scheme blew out in his face and he will now die in prison.
Moroccan authorities are doing the same thing, they are telling people that all is good and Morocco is making progress. Tell that to the majority who cannot put decent food on the table or to the millions that are unemployed. Progress? what progress?
When theft and bribery still go hand in hand in all major and minor businesses, the future of Morocco is bleak at best.
Let's god forbid imagine an earthquake hits Casablanca and Rabat and buildings collapse and people start going hungry with nowhere to go, what do you think will happen? Do we have any emergency plan in place?
Let's god forbid the King of Morocco get a stroke, as you can see he gained so much weight because he is not taking care of his health, Is Moulana Rassan or Rachid will be able to take over?
Let's say we had no choice but to go to war against the evil next door Algeria? do we have any plan in place to thwart Algerian lust for purchase of billions of $$ of weapons to attack Morocco?
These are a very likely possibilities, is the Benkirane government ready to face such a disaster?
As you all know one thing leads to the other, any of the possibilities that I mention above can be disastrous for Morocco. The question is: Are we ready?
Something to think about folks!
We cannot live day to day without thinking about tomorrow, eventually it will catch up with us.
I agree. As I said time and again Morocco is a nuclear bomb waiting to explode. The Government simply will no longer be able to subsidize its way out of trouble. Every single project started in Morocco is either a loan from Europe or donnation from the golf states or the African development bank (AfDB). AfDB loves Morocco, they are making so much money from charging Morocco interest. It reminds me Bernie Madoff when he was not able to continue lying and telling investors that all is good. At the end his ponzi scheme blew out in his face and he will now die in prison.
Moroccan authorities are doing the same thing, they are telling people that all is good and Morocco is making progress. Tell that to the majority who cannot put decent food on the table or to the millions that are unemployed. Progress? what progress?
When theft and bribery still go hand in hand in all major and minor businesses, the future of Morocco is bleak at best.
Let's god forbid imagine an earthquake hits Casablanca and Rabat and buildings collapse and people start going hungry with nowhere to go, what do you think will happen? Do we have any emergency plan in place?
Let's god forbid the King of Morocco get a stroke, as you can see he gained so much weight because he is not taking care of his health, Is Moulana Rassan or Rachid will be able to take over?
Let's say we had no choice but to go to war against the evil next door Algeria? do we have any plan in place to thwart Algerian lust for purchase of billions of $$ of weapons to attack Morocco?
These are a very likely possibilities, is the Benkirane government ready to face such a disaster?
As you all know one thing leads to the other, any of the possibilities that I mention above can be disastrous for Morocco. The question is: Are we ready?
Something to think about folks!
We cannot live day to day without thinking about tomorrow, eventually it will catch up with us.
0
#16
The idea of a natural Disaster in Morocco is very scary —
2012-01-06 07:28
I would hate to think that Morocco would become like Haiti in a natural disaster, but you are quite correct, there is no real plan of action.
I am not really worried about Algeria invading Morocco, but the Moroccan debt, rather even the interest on the debt is absolutely out of control. The subsidies absolutely have to stop. Unfortunately, the new government recently announced that they want to hire another 24000 public sector employees!!!
If the new government can show how each of these new public employees will be able to bring three times their cost of employment back into the countries tax coffers, I have no problem with the move... but to employ people simply for the sake of employing them is absolutely criminal.
I like the idea of making Morocco's biggest importers responsible for helping Morocco to develop its exporting market (an idea in practice in Argentina) which was brought to my attention by a poster on Moroccan boards by the name of, "just passing by". I really like this idea. I also like the idea of China proofing Morocco's major industries - essentially concentrating on sectors that produce items that are too heavy, bulky or too light, or any items that it does not make sense to transport on shipping containers - For example, very large underwater pipes that have holes in them, or heavy steel.
I don't want to hear about improving our tourism sector. If anything, having sunk so much money in tourism has hurt Morocco. I see Morocco's biggest strength being the ingenuity and intelligence of its high end workforce.
Moroccan Doctors, Engineers and scientists are some of the best in the world and deliver high quality work. We need to make use of our own high end talent and stop the brain drain.
I am not really worried about Algeria invading Morocco, but the Moroccan debt, rather even the interest on the debt is absolutely out of control. The subsidies absolutely have to stop. Unfortunately, the new government recently announced that they want to hire another 24000 public sector employees!!!
If the new government can show how each of these new public employees will be able to bring three times their cost of employment back into the countries tax coffers, I have no problem with the move... but to employ people simply for the sake of employing them is absolutely criminal.
I like the idea of making Morocco's biggest importers responsible for helping Morocco to develop its exporting market (an idea in practice in Argentina) which was brought to my attention by a poster on Moroccan boards by the name of, "just passing by". I really like this idea. I also like the idea of China proofing Morocco's major industries - essentially concentrating on sectors that produce items that are too heavy, bulky or too light, or any items that it does not make sense to transport on shipping containers - For example, very large underwater pipes that have holes in them, or heavy steel.
I don't want to hear about improving our tourism sector. If anything, having sunk so much money in tourism has hurt Morocco. I see Morocco's biggest strength being the ingenuity and intelligence of its high end workforce.
Moroccan Doctors, Engineers and scientists are some of the best in the world and deliver high quality work. We need to make use of our own high end talent and stop the brain drain.
0
#17
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-06 20:09
Morcelli If only it was possible to turn the clock back and return to the time of Rasool (SWT). I am not subjecting anyone to anything, I am saying that there is a better way to govern and that is the Islamic way. I have no desire to have four women but I would not resist if possible, is there a man who would resist four women? Some people have more than one woman in their life beside wife they have mistresses and of course one nighters and they are not Muslims!
Let me say the lack of religion is the root of all evil. Religion does not manipulate it is the people who manipulate for their end, like the politicians and business men. Values are rules and morals are how we judge others and those who follow their own rules and judge others end up killing and pillaging too.
If you want to be atheist that is your prerogative, nobody is forcing you. If some criminals get their hands chopped so be it, that is the risk they take for their criminal activities the same way in some non Muslim countries you locked up or be subjected to capital punishment. Nothing wrong with that, there has to be a deterrence, otherwise it is a jungle law.
Listen to music if you wish to, you will find prostitutes everywhere and drug yourself the way you like, nobody is stopping you, it is your body and your values for you will be subjected to illness in this world and Hereafter.
But to say why is Iran like this and Saudi like that is not for us to decide, if you are in USA you have the ballot box to change things, if you are in Saudi you have the Sharia, is there any wrong with that? You live by the rule.
Let me say the lack of religion is the root of all evil. Religion does not manipulate it is the people who manipulate for their end, like the politicians and business men. Values are rules and morals are how we judge others and those who follow their own rules and judge others end up killing and pillaging too.
If you want to be atheist that is your prerogative, nobody is forcing you. If some criminals get their hands chopped so be it, that is the risk they take for their criminal activities the same way in some non Muslim countries you locked up or be subjected to capital punishment. Nothing wrong with that, there has to be a deterrence, otherwise it is a jungle law.
Listen to music if you wish to, you will find prostitutes everywhere and drug yourself the way you like, nobody is stopping you, it is your body and your values for you will be subjected to illness in this world and Hereafter.
But to say why is Iran like this and Saudi like that is not for us to decide, if you are in USA you have the ballot box to change things, if you are in Saudi you have the Sharia, is there any wrong with that? You live by the rule.
0
#18
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-07 11:37
mbt,
Let me make it easier on you. Religion have no place in governance. When you rely on religion to govern, the likelihood the religion being manipulated and misinterpreted is very high. Religion is personal. I believe in separation of state and mosque. It's a lot easier.
And I am not talking only about Islam, I am taking about all religion. Let me give you an example, The king of Morocco that you bash everytime you make a comment here uses a religion to govern, and the result are bad as you have stated many many time. Remember?
Let me make it easier on you. Religion have no place in governance. When you rely on religion to govern, the likelihood the religion being manipulated and misinterpreted is very high. Religion is personal. I believe in separation of state and mosque. It's a lot easier.
And I am not talking only about Islam, I am taking about all religion. Let me give you an example, The king of Morocco that you bash everytime you make a comment here uses a religion to govern, and the result are bad as you have stated many many time. Remember?
0
#19
COMMENT_TITLE_R E 2011: The Year That Was —
2012-01-10 07:21
Well the demagogues don't get it. religion is the basis of all the ills ,around the world it's easy to pin point ,where there is religion ,there is pauverty wars and nuts,and when you mix it with politics it's a recipe for disaster,it's true for the americans too with the evangelical mullahs.as for morocco the king put the population to sleep with his none sense ,and it's laughable he asked the public to ask god for rain gimme a break.and you wonder why they don't invest in education instead they build mosques,to keep poeple ignorant and easy to manipulate ,and keep them under the thumb,so those who claim that religion is the solution are tools of the dictators,to prove my point they should ask themselves who overthrow the dictators ?not the bearded guys,even they're the ones taking advantage of the situation.but sooner than later the true liberals democrats will overthrow the last dictators the moroccan one included,and put religion where it belong in the mosque or history as it were.
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