The View From Fez

Restoring the Glory of Fez: A ‘Capital Idea?’

Restoring the Glory of Fez: A ‘Capital Idea?’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It has enjoyed a glorious past but faces a very uncertain future. There’s a case to be made for restoring Fez as Morocco’s capital city.

 The View From Fez

Asilah: The Hidden Moroccan Seaside Gem

Asilah: The Hidden Moroccan Seaside Gem

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It doesn’t feature too highly on most tourists ‘must sees’ when they come to Morocco but it has many attractions

 The View From Fez

Mali Islamist Threat That Could Engulf Morocco

Mali Islamist Threat That Could Engulf Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: While international attention is focused on Syria events in the Maghreb are threatening to spin out of control

 James M. Dorsey

Arab Springs Eternal: Evolution of a Revolution

Arab Springs Eternal: Evolution of a Revolution

JAMES M. DORSEY: The civil war in Syria dominates the news the wave of protests in the smaller cities of Arab states foretells a groundswell of mass demonstration.

 The View From Fez

Women’s Health in Morocco: Huge Advances Made

Women’s Health in Morocco: Huge Advances Made

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: A number of international programmes combined with improved education have led to significant improvements for Moroccan women

 The View From Fez

‘Show of Force’ By Islamists in Morocco

‘Show of Force’ By Islamists in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The march was in support of Palestine but there was no doubting the underlying message.

 The View From Fez

Amina’s Death: ‘A Stain on Morocco’s Conscience’

Amina’s Death: ‘A Stain on Morocco’s Conscience’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The rape and suicide of Amina El Filali has shaken Moroccan society to the core.

 The View From Fez

Making Mischief: The Great Moroccan Sex-Shop Mystery

Making Mischief: The Great Moroccan Sex-Shop Mystery

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The mixture of sex, politics and conspiracy is a heady one. It’s sent Casablanca a-buzz.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

It’s crunch time for Syria at the Arab League and they’ve decided not to turn up to the Moroccan get-together. Hardly a major surprise.

 The View From Fez

Medical Tourism: ‘a growing trend’ in Morocco

Medical Tourism: ‘a growing trend’ in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Low prices combined with a growing reputation for excellence mean that many people from Europe and the United States are flocking to Moroccan plastic surgeons.

 The View From Fez

Nancy Ajram: Unlikely Icon of Democracy in Morocco

Nancy Ajram: Unlikely Icon of Democracy in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: What do Elton John, Haifa Wahbi and Nancy Ajram have in common?

 Juan Cole

‘All Very Messy’. The Top Five Crises in the Arab Spring

‘All Very Messy’. The Top Five Crises in the Arab Spring

JUAN COLE: Protestors are out on Tahrir Square again, there is a television ‘debate’ in Syria about democracy, the Americans are working on Saleh while vacillating on Libya and protestors are out on the street in Morocco. A busy week in the region then.

 The Moor Next Door

Obama’s Speech: The Key Points Made

Obama’s Speech: The Key Points Made

THE MOOR NEXT DOOR: There was little new in Obama’s ‘Arab Spring’ speech. Nervous light criticism of Bahrain, no reference to Gulf allies and a minor poke of Israel.

 The View From Fez

Morocco: ‘End Corruption’ Main Demand of Demonstrators

Morocco: ‘End Corruption’ Main Demand of Demonstrators

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Though the recent demonstrations have been peaceful there is no question about the determination of those taking to the streets to effect real change in Morocco.