The North Africa Journal: Arezki Daoud National Identity : Who is really French? [video] ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 28 January, 2010 08:46:00 What does it mean to be French? For the past few months, France has been asking itself that very question. But the debate over national identity launched by President Sarkozy now appears to be deepening racial tensions present for years. To get to the heart of the matter, our reporter James André went to Marseille, the most ethnically diverse city in France. General Larbi Belkheir Dies ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 27 January, 2010 01:13:00 The End of an Era: Algerian army General Larbi Belkheir, a figure that has been largely insignificant in today’s Algerian politics, died on January 25, 2010 at the age of 72. Belkheir has been a central figure in the Algerian ruling system in the past, though his activities and exact role are shrouded in mystery. A Nuclear North Africa ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 20 January, 2010 02:31:00 Oil and gas remain critical sources of power and energy for North African nations. In the medium term, hydrocarbons will remain the predominant sources of energy, whether it is for the OPEC countries of Algeria and Libya or the less-oil-endowed nations of Tunisia and Morocco. But in the longer term, the nuclear option appears interesting to all as oil reserves are depleted and securing new sources of energy is a strategic priority. The Big Jelly Ball of Global Insecurity: Terrorism is now a Permanent Fixture ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud and Alessandro Bruno on 17 January, 2010 08:55:00 The recent attempt by a young Nigerian man to down a US airliner brought back the topic of terrorism on the front pages of newspapers around the world. While the attempt failed given the fast reaction of passengers, as well as the poor execution of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the alleged terrorist, the impact has been important; the visibility of Al-Qaeda and global terrorism has increased considerably as a result. Although no one was harmed, Al-Qaeda managed a good media coup whether it directly planned it or not. The would-be terrorist has also prompted a lot of attention on Yemen, its poverty, mismanagement and potential to become a new haven for international terrorism in a manner similar to Afghanistan or even Somalia. The U.S. Counterproductive Diplomacy. Tightened Flight Checks Do Nothing to Lessen Terror Threat ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 09 January, 2010 12:25:00 Scrambling to respond to new security threats following the attempt terror attack on a Detroit-bound airliner, the American government responded with an overnight measure aimed at calming fear but does little in ways of strengthening security. Furthermore, this populist measure is extremely counterproductive form a diplomatic standpoint, further alienating the people targeted by the new rules, and therefore potentially leading to further resentment in parts of the world where the new US administration has been seeking to reconnect. King Mohammed VI: 10 Years Later (in French) ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 06 January, 2010 12:27:00 French news channel France24 looks at King Mohammed VI accession to throne and his first decade as Morocco's monarch. This clip is in French. The Moroccan Monarchy Launches Plan ‘B’ to Counter Multi-Front Turbulence ================================================================================ Paul Wilson on 05 January, 2010 12:00:00 The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI has ordered a reshuffle of the executive branch with focus on security, justice and economic development. The reshuffle is substantial in that it involves very critical posts but is also a culmination of many years of unfulfilled social, political and economic promises. Yemen Under Close Watch ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 04 January, 2010 12:22:00 The North Africa Journal's Alessandro Bruno says Yemen has been a country of concern for quite some time, but the foiled Christmas Day bombing aboard a U.S. airline brought the country into the spotlight. Update: Moroccan King Replaces Key Ministers in New Government Cabinet ================================================================================ Paul Wilson on 01 January, 2010 11:47:00 The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI has ordered a reshuffle of the executive branch with focus on security, justice and economic development. The Yemen Connection ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 01 January, 2010 06:22:00 The deputy editor of the North Africa Journal explains that because of Yemen's topography and politics, military aid would do little to curb terrorism and socio-economic assistance will be more helpful. Libya’s Billions in Search of Projects ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 06 January, 2010 07:37:00 Libya is moving fast to catch up with oil-rich Gulf nations that have set up lucrative investment funds to acquire assets around the world. However, Libya’s entry into the global investment community is not new. Its first and probably most known fund, the Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company (Lafico) was already set up some 28 years ago. Best Wishes to our Readers ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 05 January, 2010 08:47:00 As we enter a new year and a new decade, problems facing North Africa, its neighbors and partners in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Africa and the rest of the world abound. Recent issues that have surfaced in the region and outside are stark reminders of the challenges to face. Arezki on France in the Med Region (Audio Archive 2007) ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 26 January, 2010 11:46:00 In this audio oped, Arezki Daoud shares his thoughts on France's stance in the Mediterranean region. France Seeks to Widen Influence in the Med Region (Audio Archive 2007) ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 21 January, 2010 11:02:00 In this discussion, North Africa Journal editor Arezki Daoud discusses France's stance on mediterranean affairs.