| Air-Force-One to Where? |
| YOUNES TIHM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Obama has pledged to be an agent of change; choosing Morocco can serve as a further proof of the validity of that promise. Morocco’s position as a Muslim and predominantly Arab state located at the cross point between Africa and Europe serves as a strategic incentive for the U.S. to not only address the Islamic world, but also the neighboring African and European nations, with very special attention to the next-door neighbor, Algeria. For advocates of the Maghreb integration this could serve a cornerstone in advancing the integration agenda. Mentioning this does not necessarily mean I am supportive of the idea the Maghreb integration; I in fact have very little insight to share on whether such integration is actually a good thing for the Maghreb in general, and Morocco more particularly. Apart from that, one very hot item on Obama’s agenda is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Morocco is again a compelling example of an effective mediator. Morocco still heads the Qods Committee, but its role has been limited to emergency humanitarian aid and relief operations, as proved by the tons of food and medicine and medical teams sent by the Kingdom’s government and civil society organizations; as well as $15 million pledged by King Mohammed VI ($8 million of which is directly from the Moroccan state). The point is that Morocco is, by its very political structure at its highest levels, prepared to play a more active role in resolving the conflict. In addition, Morocco is well-positioned to play this active role in a way that makes it viewed as a more neutral mediator, as opposed to the involvement of other states, a case in point would be Turkey’s aspirations to reviving its Othoman legacy or Egypt’s less articulated interest in reasserting its pan-Arabism or even its much less-expressed concern over its own security. This is not to say Morocco should be the ONE because Turkey or Egypt are not. Morocco’s position is self-empowered and does not need unveiling other countries’ strategic flaws to remain the best fit. However, I suppose a comparative approach could help in shaping the view on Morocco’s advantages in light of the current conditions of the entire Muslim and predominantly Arab world. Moreover, Morocco is the only country in the Muslim world where the chief advisor to the highest authority in the country is Jewish. It would be dishonest and insulting to assume that Andre Azoulay was appointed because of his religious affiliation, but his in the palace articulates the moderate and open nature of Morocco –a nature that Obama wishes to see across the board. These two terms mean more than just a redundant rhetoric most of our media and leaders today reiterate with the least critical analysis. To me they mean what President Obama has been talking about; a relationship with the Muslim world, but one which is based on mutual respect. These are a few of the very many reasons why Obama should speak from Morocco (I say “from” and not “in” because it is supposed to serve a loud speaker for the rest of the Muslim world). The main point I want to stress here is that we have to define what the merits of such move are in light of current political realities and how they could be mitigated in the near future. Morocco is the ONE, and we only need to strategize to transfer the message to Obama in a very concise and well-defined format. I am not able to offer THE solution or strategy to be adopted, but my goal was to shed light on some of what has been done to advance this envelop, and hopefully help the initiators of this movement (Obama To Speak In Morocco) look at their efforts from different perspectives. In the meantime I stress the importance of word-of-mouth and the support the Moroccan American community and friends of Morocco can provide on a day-to-day basis. I believe this is an ambitious plan with promising long-term results. Public support and endorsement are of the essence, and we as Moroccans can serve as assets for the success of the idea.
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Comments (12)
Younes El Alam
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Air-Force-One should head towards Morocco. The reasons vary and can be discussed from different standpoints. I personally think that basing the choice of speaking from Morocco to the rest of the Muslim world on the fact that Morocco is the U.S. oldest friend and ally has a limitation to it. This limitation can be partly highlighted by pointing out the U.S. has had remarkable relations with different nations throughout its history, but these relations have been altered and sometimes completely redesigned due to a wide variety of economic and political realities at the bilateral and regional levels. It is true that Morocco’s relations with the U.S. have not seen such negative episodes, and this is the only aspect of the argument that seems to exceptionally stand out. 
Author: Youness Tihm was born in Rabat, Morocco. He holds a DEUG from University of Mohammed V, a BA in International Relations from Nazareth College of Rochester (NY), and a teaching certificate from Cambridge University (UK). Youness is now preparing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable International Development, with a focus on Human Rights and Governance. He serves as President of the Institute of Leadership and Human Development. He also co-founded and advises a chapter of the NGO People to People International in Morocco. Tihm interned at the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue, Center for International Education, the Moroccan-American Commission for the Education and Cultural Exchange, and the Embassy of Morocco. Tihm was awarded two leadership awards by the Academy for International Education in 2006 and 2007, a “Professor of the Year Award” by the Institute for Language and Communication Studies in Morocco, and most recently a “Training Future Leaders Award” by USAID. 
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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A Moroccan liberal and freedom lover I wanted to add my voice to that of my fellow citizens. I do not want to repeat the same solid ,positive and convincing reasons why Mr. Obama should highly consider giving his first speech to the Muslim world in Morocco. I am in a total agrrement with the supporters of this great idea and i am adding my full support to it. IN ADDITION to that, let me mention few words why I am convinced and passionately supportive of this wise choice. It is because (with all the humbelness and truthfulness) MOROCCO means: Moderation, modernization, generosity, forgiveness, openess, hope, history, crossroad, diversity , tolerance, passion and uniqueness. Last but not least, Morocco is a true friend and a historic ally to the US, as well as a very respected voice and place throughout the Arab and Muslim world (to whom the speech is mainly to be addressed) Thank you for reading ! A Moroccan liberal and freedom lover |
Hmed
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... wandering now who s going to speak in morocco , besides Obama who did already speak in Turkey. |
Hmimarmad
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... The reason Obama is traveling to Turkey is to ask the Turks to use their territory to pull the US troops from Iraq. He does not want to rely solely on Koweit. He may or may not compensate them by making his speech from there. I don't know if Turkey cares if he does or does not make his speech from there. Turkey will rather join the EU, it sees itself benefiting from joining the EU. If Obama throw in a good word for them in the EU, it might help their case. If Morocco really wants to host Obama, it needs to initiate an invitation through the diplomatic channels and not wait for a web site to make a difference. |
Sidi Ahmed Lhraoui
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Ghost Dear Anonymous, Obama To Speak In Turkey How about Algeria? if it is not Morocco, why you hiding behind Turkey. Thank you si Youness for inspiring others. This initiative should go on until Obama make a trip to Morocco either for this speech or on an other friendship issue. Obama to speak in or from Morocco is there to stay |
Eileen Lion
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More Moroccan Americans should come together This is a wonderful affirmation of the new Presidents efforts to inspire people from all over the world to work together, to instill peace in people's hearts , and to make a sincere effort to "come together" for the sake of peace in the world. Finally a world leader understands the necessity for people to stop hating one another for their religious affiliation or their color or their economic status , but to make sincere efforts to come to grips with the common humanity which is inherent in all of us on this Earth planet. Morocco seems a fitting place to begin the plan for peace worldwide in that it is a neutral country a peace loving country and from my experience the peoples of Morocco are compassionate, and peace loving people. They try to create harmony in their environments by dialoging with others and by creating an atmospere of friendship and good will . They really "go the distance" to exchange heartfelt dialogue. I think they are prime examples of World Citizens and should be looked at as role models for us all. Bravo Morocco. |
Belghiti .M
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Youness is right , Morocco still on the contest .. I found out that Mr Youness Tihm is well aware of the latest news. President Obama has not yet decided from where we will give his famous foreign policy speech, I also was hoping to see Mr. Hassan Masiki and others write something about this great initiative. Here is the latest news regarding the above affair. so it is never late to be a part of this interest group: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced here Saturday that President Barack Obama will visit Turkey, a Muslim nation with close ties to the West, including the United States. A White House spokesman declined to say whether Obama's Turkey visit next month would include a speech that he has promised to deliver in a predominantly Muslim nation during his first 100 days in office. But the main purpose of the Turkey visit is to highlight the country's involvement in the NATO alliance, the White House said — an emphasis that suggests Obama may turn elsewhere for his much-anticipated appeal to the world's Muslim population. Obama will visit Turkey at the end of a trip to Europe next month to attend an economic summit in London. The White House announced this week the trip, from March 31 to April 5, will include stops in France, Germany and the Czech Republic. Clinton said the decision that Obama would come to Turkey was made in Washington Friday. She said no decision had been yet on Obama's schedule. Obama has made improving relations with the Muslim world a priority of his foreign policy. He gave his first full sit-down television interview to the Arab-language Al-Arabiya network, to show the importance he places on changing the negative attitudes toward the United States that hardened under President George W. Bush. “I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries,” Obama said in the Jan. 27 interview. “My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy.” During the campaign, Obama had to tread lightly on the issue, as he battled rumors that he is a Muslim. But since his election, he has talked more openly about the need for the United States to show a different face to the Muslim world. |
a guest
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Obama To Speak In Turkey I do not know how many of you read, follow the news. But, during her March 2 visit to Turkey, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that President Barack Hussein Obama will be visiting the country within a month. So, I suspect Trukey is the place Mr. Obama will address the Muslim world from. |
Mustapha Babaaya
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Oustanding initiative As a Moroccan American, I believe that a speech from Morocco by President Obama , whom I so much support, will be the start of a new hope of America's relationship with both the Arab and Muslim World. Mr President, I urge you to consider this Sir, and I pray for you day and night to always lead us in this world that so needs your very bright leadership, Thank you and God Bless, Mustapha Babaaya, Chicago, Illinois. |
Younes Khayati
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... Thank you very much for this idea and also for your interest that you show for our country. I am really happy and exited to see that Obama will have his first speach in Morocco. It is a good sign for us as musulmans that we have missed it in those las years. I really wish that Obama will have a chance to seccued in his mission that seems dificult because of many elements. Good luck Mister President and welcome in Morocco. Merhba bik :-) |
Yassine Maaaraf
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... Nice Article and and unique initiative , The common point between Americans and Moroccans is that they all believe in "CHANGE". The Kingdom of Morocco is a Islamic, Arab, African country located in the middle of several civilizations. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean and on the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco is the only country in Africa that is not currently a member of the African Union. However, it is a member of the Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Mediterranean Dialogue group, and Group of 77. It is also a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Visiting Morocco will be also the opportunity to talk about Western Sahara status. I believe that Morocco is the best country for this major foreign policy speech. Moreover, President-elect Obama by visiting Morocco, gives a hope to a hall a whole nation. It'll be as a support to us. We're all waiting impatiently this historical moment, Mr.Obama's first speech in Morocco ! |
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