Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The rise of ISIS gives Algeria an opportunity to regain the regional influence it lost following its failure to play an effective role in the Mali conflict.
Although Morocco is not immune to terrorism, the authorities’ exaggeration of the security threat does more to serve the Ministry of Interior than to fight terrorism.
With the exception of the Islamists, Morocco’s political parties have failed to take advantage of the post-2011 openings in political space.
Recent cases of violence at Moroccan universities expose the depth of the rift between Islamists and leftists, a rift that strengthens the regime’s hand.
The growing number of radicalized Moroccan fighters in Syria will complicate the resolution of the Salafi detainees issue in Morocco.
"Fifteen years of Mohammed VI’s rule has proven that there is no political will to liberalize the public media or guarantee independent journalism."
Weakened by the events of 2011, Morocco’s Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) is working to improve its reputation while avoiding the political frontlines.
The latest flare-up between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara is less about human rights than the two countries’ relative diplomatic power.
The recent video released by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is less a threat to Moroccan stability than the return of hundreds of battle-hardened fighters from Syria.
The arrest of anti-monarchy opposition journalist Ali Anouzla under the Moroccan Anti-Terrorism Law signals renewed suppression of freedoms of expression and the press.
Morocco’s focus on economic development in Western Sahara, in an attempt to build support for its rule among residents, has left negotiations without a clear path forward.
Moroccan reactions to Egypt’s coup are threatening to marginalize the PJD.
Despite a new constitution aimed at devolving power away from the palace, Morocco’s executive branch continues to show its hand in legislative affairs.
In the aftermath of Morsi’s ouster, Muslim Brotherhood offshoots across the region seek to distance themselves from the “mother” organization—yet they all face the same fundamental challenges.
Respect for human rights is a common denominator in the Western Sahara conflict that the international community should back at all costs.
The palace uses its secular allies to go after ruling Islamists, exacerbating tensions that might well lead to the fall of their government.
Morocco’s new dialogue aims to reduce ideological polarizations regarding the rehabilitation of Salafi-jihadis detained under the Anti-Terrorism Law.
Despite rising popular support and stalled programs of reform, Morocco’s Justice and Development Party still has to toe the palace line.
Al-Adl wal-Ihsan’s relationship with the palace is unlikely to change following the death of its founder, Abdessalam Yassine.
The Arab Spring has created new opportunities for the Kingdom to engage regionally—as the upcoming Community of Sahel-Saharan States meeting is likely to reveal.