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.

 The View From Fez

A Work of Art: The Football Maker of Marrakech

A Work of Art: The Football Maker of Marrakech

DEREK WORKMAN, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It’s a complicated inside-out puzzle and only a few people around the world now practice the art.

 The View From Fez

No ‘3-for-2’: Shop for ‘Spiritual Truths’ in the Medina

No ‘3-for-2’: Shop for ‘Spiritual Truths’ in the Medina

CHRISTINA AMMON, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: A visit to the Medina in Fez is about as far away from a trip to Gap or Victoria’s Secret as it’s possible to get.

 Juan Cole

El Baradei Drops Out: “It’s as if Mubarak had Never Been Overthrown”

El Baradei Drops Out: “It’s as if Mubarak had Never Been Overthrown”

JUAN COLE: The Egyptian military have absolutely no intention of handing power to any civilian administration until they’ve done the right deal.

 The View From Fez

Abortion Reform Marks Major Change in Morocco

Abortion Reform Marks Major Change in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Concerns among liberals that Morocco would take a sharp turn in a socially conservative direction look unfounded.

 The View From Fez

Speed Dating: Acceptable in Morocco?

Speed Dating: Acceptable in Morocco?

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The lengthy (some would say tortuous) procedure that is marriage in Morocco is putting people off the institution. A radical solution has been suggested.

 Juan Cole

‘All Praise to George W. Bush’: The Top Ten Myths of the Arab Spring

‘All Praise to George W. Bush’: The Top Ten Myths of the Arab Spring

JUAN COLE: So much that is misinformed, over-hyped and simply plain wrong has been written about the Arab Spring. So let’s sort the wheat from the chaff.

 Common Ground News Service

The View from Over Here: Shifting Perceptions of the U.S. Post Arab Spring

The View from Over Here: Shifting Perceptions of the U.S. Post Arab Spring

SALIBA SARSAR: Surveying 3000 people in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and the UAE, the poll assessed attitudes toward US- MidEast relations.

 James M. Dorsey

It’s Official: A Revolution Improves A Country’s Football Performance

It’s Official: A Revolution Improves A Country’s Football Performance

JAMES M. DORSEY: A study has revealed that 5 North African nations experiencing upheaval in 2011 have seen football teams improve markedly.

 The View From Fez

PM Elect: No Islamic Dress Code for Moroccan Women

PM Elect: No Islamic Dress Code for Moroccan Women

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The leading Islamic party’s announcement that it’s not interested in imposing a dress code on women has been welcomed.

 The View From Fez

Moroccan Women: What Real Change Has Been Secured?

Moroccan Women: What Real Change Has Been Secured?

SOUAD BELHORNA, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Major advances in women’s rights have been won but lasting are these, what more needs to be done?

 Juan Cole

Democratic Progress Despite Arab Upheavals

Democratic Progress Despite Arab Upheavals

JUAN COLE: Events are moving quickly in the region, and here are some notable developments with implications for democracy in the Middle East.

 The View From Fez

Of Women, Water and Sex: A Beautiful, Warm Film

Of Women, Water and Sex: A Beautiful, Warm Film

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: A recently released movie portrays the lives of rural Moroccan women in a humane, entertaining and funny way. See it…

 Kim Willis

How Safe Is It To Travel as a Woman in Morocco?

How Safe Is It To Travel as a Woman in Morocco?

KJ, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It’s a fascinating place but as a woman you may be worried travelling alone.What precautions should you take?

 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

Quixotic?: Morocco’s Bid for the Olympics

Quixotic?: Morocco’s Bid for the Olympics

IBN WARRAQ, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: As a Moroccan one always approaches articles written about the country with trepidation…

 The View From Fez

From Personal Disaster to Moroccan Music Pioneer

From Personal Disaster to Moroccan Music Pioneer

DEREK WORKMAN, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: What should you do once your life’s work has been destroyed? Instead of brooding Nick Wilde went to Morocco…

 Rob L. Wagner

The Powerful, Deep Hold of Black Magic Across the Islamic World

The Powerful, Deep Hold of Black Magic Across the Islamic World

ROB L. WAGNER: A recent ruling by the Shoura Council in Saudi Arabia has brought the issue of black magic to the fore again. Its influence is huge.

 Naseem Tarawnah

The Impossible Job: Can Jordan’s New PM Awn Khasawneh Make a Difference?

The Impossible Job: Can Jordan’s New PM Awn Khasawneh Make a Difference?

NASEEM TARAWNAH: So, enter Khasawneh. Compared to Bakhit, he’s an out-of-the-box choice. What probably stands out most is his legal background.

 The View From Fez

Do Coca-Cola Signs Enhance the Medina in Fez?

Do Coca-Cola Signs Enhance the Medina in Fez?

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: We all know the answer: The omni-present American purveyor of sugared-water makes its presence felt where it’s not welcome.