In a recent study entitled “Arab Reform and Foreign Aid: Lessons from Morocco,” two authors toured, visited, and asked questions to members of various organizations around Morocco in order to learn more about how the people’s viewpoint and the view from those in power aligned. In essence, the study concluded that the current King, Mohammed VI is held in high esteem for his social reform efforts over the last years. Reform is at the top of his agenda, but as many agree, the result of it all will take years to realize. As one political professor stated, “Changes in Morocco are occurring. The pace is steady, which is much better than too fast or not at all. The current feeling of the people is that Morocco is moving along with the proper momentum that it can evaluate itself along the way”.

Additionally, Morocco has opened its doors to encourage more participation with its citizens in voting for reform. Indeed the country is already working towards its attempt to broaden its legislation to meet the highest standard of human rights. In Morocco’s recent decision to abolish the death penalty, which is being hailed by both Amnesty International and the 99 other countries who no longer have capital punishment clauses in their constitution. Citizens of Morocco feel they have more political freedom than ever. Even journalists are pushing their own borders to see where that limit might extend. While the government doesn’t yet allow 100% freedom of the press due to certain factions, magazines and newspapers that critique the government and its leaders are finding their way to newsstands without much reaction. So, Morocco has opened its doors with civil freedoms much more than other Arab states, many agree.

According to many organizations, including NGOs (non-governmental organizations), Morocco is an exemplary model for the way reform takes place in Arab countries. The reason Morocco is seeing success is that it has openly adopted specific plans of reform into its long-term agenda. The modern King Mohammed VI wants democracy and is working to promote it throughout his country. This success is also linked to the fact that the country started its own reform process itself – it wasn’t started by any outside organizations. Morocco only needs some help with the logistics and financing of such reform. But, the country has already embraced it wholeheartedly. Furthermore, Morocco has not shunned its political parties involved in the process. Democratic, Islamic, and women's groups all hold seats in parliament. Keeping communication open and a willingness to compromise keeps every party involved. In what is being dubbed “The Moroccan Experiment,” the world is watching and even more are visiting a country that is leading the way in a balance of the old with the new.

Brought to you by: Morocco News & Travel from Journey Beyond Travel
Source: Magharebia (Washington D.C.) 16/02/07

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