Redouane Benmehdi
Opinion: Moroccans Would Like to See Economic Growth Not a Religious Discourse
The North Africa Journal | In this oped, political Analyst Said Temsamani highlights the need for Morocco to focus on economic growth and move away from the religious narrative affecting political life.
[News] Guest Opinion: More than Just a Goodwill Tour, the King of Morocco Takes his Vision on the Road
Former US Ambassador to Morocco Edward Gabriel shares his assessment of King Mohamed's visit to Gulf nations. ...
[Security and Politics] New Egyptian President Forces Old Military Guard to Retire
Egyptian media outlets are hailing as "revolutionary" a decision by President Mohamed Morsi to dismiss the once-powerful defense minister and curtail the military's authority. "It can be said that starting today, the country is no longer under military rule," said Cairo resident Badawi Sayed Mahmoud. "Military rule is now over and Egypt will become a civil state in which everyone will be entitled to their rights."...
[Security and Politics] Tunisia and the Salafist Threat
The North Africa Journal | The general security climate in Tunisia has deteriorated and government response has been timid and inefficient. Given the Islamist offensive appears well organized, it is likely part of an effort to destabilize Tunisia and derail its efforts to recover from a disastrous 2011....
[North Africa] Libya: Not out of the Woods Yet
The North Africa Journal | Libya is not out of the woods yet. And for those who think solutions to its multi-faceted crises are near, they should reconsider their views very carefully. It is certain that for a few multinational companies, the time is right to re-engage. With a country that has so much oil and gas, the time is always right to engage. ...
[Security and Politics] Moroccans March to Demand Political Reforms
[The North Africa Journal] Morocco has witnessing today its first demonstrations calling for change, which culminated following weeks of organizing by many in the pro-democracy and reform movement. In the capital Rabat and elsewhere, thousands of people marched to demand constitutional reforms and requiring improvements in the economic conditions, including containing the cost of living and more equitable social-economic programs. As in other countries, the Internet helped organize the march with thousands of Moroccans joining several protest pages on Facebook in particular. ...
[Security and Politics] With a Small Turnout, Protests in Algeria End with Arrests but not all Lost
[The North Africa Journal] The call for a nationwide march for February 12 failed to draw the crowds that organizers hoped. Only an estimated 2,000 people managed to gather in the capital’s central square Place du 1ier Mai. Some say that the show of force of the government scared many potential participants who decided to stay at home. However, the protesters delivered their message to the government that meaningful political and economic reforms must be enacted and the rule of law implemented....
[Security and Politics] In a State of High Alert, Algiers Braces for Protests
Thousands of Algerians are preparing to defy their government with demonstrations in the capital and elswhere scheduled to take place on February 12, 2011. Although the Algerian people have been on a permanent state of protest, with riots rocking the capital and other cities during the month of December 2010, the events in Tunisia and Egypt are giving demonstrators new strength and fresh ideas on how to organize. ...
[Security and Politics] To Stabilize Tunisia, Former Ruling RCD Party Must be Banned and Sent to the Museum
[The North Africa Journal] Flash back to October 5, 1988: Tens of thousands of young Algerian men took to streets to demand a new political landscape, reforms and the rule of law. In power since the country’s independence in 1962, the FLN party ruled without competition, preventing any opposition to form. As an outcome of the 1988 Algerian youth uprising, the then President Bendjedid promised political openness and a swift move to a multi-party system. ...
[Security and Politics] With Egypt in Turmoil, Algeria and Morocco Put Forward Insufficient Measures to Quell Decent
The Jasmine Revolution of Tunisia and the mayhem that followed in Egypt are catching Arab governments by surprise and decisions have to come soon. Yet Algeria and Morocco’s popular grievances, generally about all aspects of life, from economic opportunity, to civil liberties and the endemic corruption, are not new and have been a permanent factor in the domestic political landscape. ...Author info
Redouane Benmehdi
A native of Sousse, Tunisia, Redouane Benmehdi is currently in Washington DC pursuing a PhD in political science. Mr. Benmehdi is a keen observer of events in North Africa.
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