http://www.north-africa.com/ ©2007 Spoonlabs d.o.o. Vivvo CMS 4.0 2010-03-13T12:10:23-07:00 http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1marchten45.html 2010-03-08T18:55:00-07:00 2010-03-08T18:55:00-07:00 Arezki Daoud The year 2009 was such a dismal year that many people questioned how worst it can get. In asking this question, there was an assumption that things are going to get better as we enter 2010. Three months into the new year and we are already seeing signs of stress everywhere, and North Africa is not spared from this movement. http://www.north-africa.com/audio-visual/341.html 2010-03-03T11:01:00-07:00 2010-03-03T11:01:00-07:00 The North Africa Journal France 24 REPORTERS - The Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Morocco is a smuggler’s paradise and a transit point for all kinds of contraband. Every day, the ritual is the same. These so-called "mule women" cross the border between Morocco and Spain, carrying bags on their backs weighing up to 80 kilos. But sometimes they can buckle under the weight and even suffocate to death. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1marchseven10.html 2010-03-07T10:34:00-07:00 2010-03-07T10:34:00-07:00 Arezki Daoud Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said “a country is never as poor as when it seems filled with riches,” and that may be very true for Dubai. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1febtwentyseven10.html 2010-02-21T22:12:00-07:00 2010-02-21T22:12:00-07:00 The North Africa Journal Long-serving Algerian national police chief, Ali Tounsi was shot dead on February 25, 2010 by a senior police officer. http://www.north-africa.com/audio-visual/in-the-heart-of-the-algerian-sahara.html 2010-02-16T21:13:00-07:00 2010-02-16T21:13:00-07:00 The North Africa Journal Despite continued threats of kidnapping from terrorists and other shadowing organizations in the Sahara, tourists continue to select Southern Algeria as a travel destination. Many do it precisely because Algeria remains a virgin territory, providing limited facilities but in ways that eco-tourists find it very attractive. This video is a report from France24 and is in the French language. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1febthree10.html 2010-02-03T06:55:00-07:00 2010-02-03T06:55:00-07:00 Arezki Daoud Although 2009 was a difficult year for those looking to place their money in Moroccan general investment and in equities in particular, 2010 may not bring immediate relief either, but opportunities could be up for grabs. http://www.north-africa.com/audio-visual/french-national-identity.html 2010-01-28T19:46:00-07:00 2010-01-28T19:46:00-07:00 The North Africa Journal 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. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1janthirty10.html 2010-01-28T11:13:00-07:00 2010-01-28T11:13:00-07:00 The North Africa Journal 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. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1jantwentyfive10.html 2010-01-21T00:31:00-07:00 2010-01-21T00:31:00-07:00 Arezki Daoud 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. http://www.north-africa.com/naj_news/news_na/1jannineteen10.html 2010-01-18T06:55:00-07:00 2010-01-18T06:55:00-07:00 Arezki Daoud and Alessandro Bruno 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.