Latest news with #Alaouite
Morocco World
28-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Spanish Royal Institute: 2030 World Cup Amplifies Morocco's Soft Power Strategy
Doha – Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup represents the culmination of decades of persistent effort as the North African country will share hosting duties with Spain and Portugal. This achievement comes after five previous unsuccessful bids over 30 years. The Spanish Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies published an analysis on May 26, examining Morocco's strategic approach to what will be one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Antonio Navarro Amuedo, author of the report titled 'World Cup 2030: The Deployment of Moroccan Soft Power on the Field,' dissects how Morocco views the tournament as a strategic soft power opportunity that serves multiple objectives beyond sports. It aims to enhance Morocco's international image, strengthen economic development through infrastructure projects, and 'reinforce the monarchy's political stature'—although the reality is that it is already anchored in centuries-old legitimacy since the founding of the Alaouite dynasty. The report positions the World Cup within Morocco's broader foreign policy strategy, which includes diversifying international alliances and reaffirming its sovereignty over the southern provinces in the Western Sahara. By 2024, Morocco's direct investment in Africa reached a notable $38 billion, in a clear indication of the country's expanding economic footprint and growing influence across the continent. The Maghreb country has maintained its traditional Western orientation while building new relationships with countries like Russia, Turkey, and China, adapting to an increasingly multipolar world order. Its renewed focus on African engagement—marked by its return to the African Union in 2017 after a 32-year absence—has brought substantial diplomatic leverage in confronting Algeria, which backs the separatist Polisario Front in the artificial dispute over the Western Sahara. A long-term vision bears fruit The Spanish Royal Institute's analysis pinpoints Morocco's persistent pursuit of hosting rights through bids for the 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026 tournaments, persistence that has finally paid off. The 2030 tournament carries special significance as the World Cup's centennial celebration and represents a source of national pride for Moroccans. Navarro Amuedo notes widespread public enthusiasm for the tournament within Morocco, which contrasts with the 'more discrete reception' in co-hosts Spain and Portugal. The tournament will mark several historic firsts as it will be the first transcontinental World Cup spanning Europe and Africa, delivering 'a powerful message of cooperation between the two shores of a Mediterranean transformed in recent years into the world's deadliest migration route,' the report states. Morocco's successful national team performance at Qatar 2022, reaching the semifinals as the first African or Arab team to achieve this feat, significantly elevated national pride. The North African country now aims to translate sporting success into organizational excellence, with authorities recognizing that successfully hosting the tournament can project an image of a 'modern, tolerant and emerging country' to a global audience. Ambitious infrastructure development underway Six Moroccan cities—Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir—will host World Cup matches. The government has allocated $5.1 billion for World Cup preparations, of which $1.2 billion is earmarked specifically for infrastructure investments. The crown jewel of Morocco's World Cup preparations is the planned Hassan II Grand Stadium in Casablanca, which aims to become the world's largest stadium with a capacity of 115,000 spectators. Moroccan authorities hope this impressive venue will host the tournament's final match, which would be the culmination of their World Cup ambitions. The report details Morocco's comprehensive infrastructure program that extends beyond stadiums to include major upgrades for airports in Casablanca, Agadir, Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier. These improvements target a combined capacity of 35 million passengers by 2029, with the government committing over $2.6 billion to these airport expansions while also planning important investments in road networks and urban infrastructure. Navarro Amuedo acknowledges potential domestic challenges associated with these investments. The concentration of development in urban areas, particularly along the privileged Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca-Marrakech axis, could exacerbate regional disparities and fuel social tensions. Additionally, the report cautions about possible corruption risks associated with major construction projects in a country that 'still registers high levels of opacity,' though it stops short of questioning the broader institutional trajectory or recent reforms undertaken by Morocco. Strengthening international relations The joint World Cup bid reinforces Morocco's improving relationships with its Iberian neighbors, particularly Spain, with whom relations have strengthened significantly since 2022, when Spain endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. This endorsement marked the resolution of a year-long bilateral crisis and the beginning of what both governments describe as an 'extraordinary' new phase in relations. Commercial ties between Spain and Morocco reached record levels in 2024, with Spain upholding its position as Morocco's top trading partner since 2013. Cooperation on sensitive issues such as migration control and counter-terrorism has intensified, resulting in reduced irregular migration to Spain and successful joint operations against terrorist cells planning attacks in both countries. The Spanish Royal Institute analysis frames the 2030 World Cup as Morocco's international coming-of-age moment, comparing its potential impact to Spain's transformative year of 1992, when Barcelona hosted the Olympics and Seville held the World Expo. 'The success in preparing and holding the championship is a collective aspiration shared by Moroccan authorities and society,' writes Navarro Amuedo. The report concludes that the tournament will showcase 'emerging Morocco of the 21st century' while advancing the country's broader diplomatic objectives, particularly in garnering international support for its position on Western Sahara. For Morocco, the ultimate goal is to capitalize on the global appeal of the most prestigious sporting event to solidify its status as a stable, capable regional power bridging Europe and Africa.
Morocco World
27-05-2025
- Morocco World
Rebirth of Al Batha Museum in Fez: A Journey Through Moroccan History
Fez – There's a new energy humming through the heart of Fez, and it's coming from the freshly reopened Al Batha Museum of Islamic Arts. After four years of meticulous restoration, this architectural and cultural gem is welcoming a wave of enthusiastic visitors, from curious locals to international travelers, all eager to step into Morocco's vast and layered history. The museum officially reopened in February 2025 as part of a broader royal initiative to breathe new life into the old medina of Fez. The goal was to restore the soul of the city without erasing its scars. And Al Batha delivers exactly that. Nestled in a former 19th-century palace, the museum now houses a sweeping and thoughtfully curated collection that tells Morocco's story, dynasty by dynasty, artifact by artifact. What sets this space apart is its ability to connect the dots of Moroccan civilization in both chronological and thematic ways. From pre-Islamic artifacts to Andalusian manuscripts and rare Islamic calligraphy, visitors aren't just browsing through static relics; they're moving through time. Highlights include a rare minbar (pulpit) from the Al-Andalus Mosque, ancient Quranic scrolls, and exquisite examples of Moroccan craftsmanship in wood, zellij, and metal. The museum's collection doesn't just look pretty, it teaches. Visitors get to trace the evolution of Arabic script, learn about the spread of Islam in North Africa, and understand Morocco's unique role in bridging African, Arab, and Mediterranean worlds. In a sense, each artifact constitutes a conversation starter about identity, tolerance, trade, scholarship, and the formation of a unified kingdom under the Alaouite dynasty. Beyond the national narrative, Al Batha also celebrates the local. Fez, long hailed as Morocco's intellectual and spiritual capital, gets a dedicated spotlight. A special wing honors the city's contributions to Moroccan heritage, from its universities and libraries to its bustling artisanal traditions. Fez is a living testament to Morocco's cultural depth It's a reminder that Fez was not just a stage for Moroccan history, it was one of its indispensable authors. The museum has already drawn more than 10,000 visitors since reopening, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Families, students, tourists, and members of the Moroccan diaspora are rediscovering Fez with fresh eyes. And it's not just the exhibits doing the talking, everything from the restored zellij fountains to the lush Andalusian garden invites reflection and wonder. The redesign didn't cut corners. Under the supervision of the National Foundation of Museums, the restoration preserved every intricate detail, from hand-carved plaster and cedar wood ceilings to carefully retiled mosaics, while adapting the space to modern museum standards. There's a thoughtful use of visual aids: maps, timelines, and illustrations that help even first-time visitors make sense of centuries of cultural convergence. This is more than a museum; it's a manifesto, a living testament to Morocco's cultural wealth, religious pluralism, and historical continuity. In an era of rushed timelines and cultural amnesia, Al Batha invites us to slow down and remember. Fez has always been a city that tells its secrets to those who know how to listen. With the new Al Batha Museum, those whispers have turned into a clear and compelling narrative, one that Morocco is ready to share with the world. And if you haven't visited yet, consider this your sign. The past has never felt more alive. Tags: Al Batha museumFezIslamic architecture
Morocco World
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory
Doha – Spanish media outlets have intensified their coverage of what they perceive as 'growing threats' to Ceuta and Melilla, with several publications expressing alarm over potential shifts in the cities' status under Donald Trump's second US presidency. 'In the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara,' El Español stated in its analysis published yesterday. 'In Melilla, we are watching expectantly for the repercussions of this alliance, even though relations between Spain and Morocco are currently good,' declared Amin Azmani from Somos Melilla, as quoted by El Español. The publication revealed that in Ceuta, Trump's rapport, specifically with the Alaouite monarchy, is viewed 'with distrust and some resentment.' El Español asserted that Trump's recent attacks on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his position on the Ukraine war 'make any scenario in international politics now plausible.' 'Politicians and institutions in the two Spanish autonomous cities are reluctant to speak publicly about this issue and prefer to focus on more immediate matters, such as the opening of commercial customs,' El Español disclosed, while pointing out that 'among military and security experts there is concern.' As US-Morocco ties bolster, Spain fears it's the outlier In this context, another Spanish outlet, The Objective, projected its take on an even starker warning in its Saturday analysis, titling its piece: 'Ukraine is alone against Russia and Spain will be alone against Morocco.' The opinion article championed a direct parallel between the two situations, elaborating that 'half of Europe is dismayed because Trump's USA has abandoned Ukraine.' The publication claimed that 'the only country that threatens to occupy Spanish territory is Morocco,' citing actions in Canary waters, the Perejil Island incident, and Spain's concession of its administrative authority in the Sahara. 'The lesson for Spain from Ukraine is this: if you trust your defense to external powers, the day will come when you see your protectors negotiating with your enemies,' The Objective cautioned. Yet another publication, Vozpópuli, in turn, unveiled a previously unknown historical precedent that has heightened these concerns. According to former Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo, during the 2002 Perejil Island crisis, 'the United States warned Morocco and called to offer us a negotiation, which involved giving them the Chafarinas Islands and Peñón de la Gomera.' El Español pointed out that bilateral relations between Morocco and the US have reached 'unprecedented levels,' quoting King Mohammed VI's words. The publication stressed that this relationship has flourished particularly since Trump's 2020 recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Additionally, the Spanish media source noted Trump's apparent antipathy toward Spain's government from the start of his new term. El Español reported that after criticizing Spain's defense spending as 'low, very low,' Trump incorrectly included Spain among the BRICS countries, threatening them with '100% tariffs.' The publication added that Trump has also eliminated Spanish-language White House websites and social media. Washington embraces Rabat as Madrid watches helplessly Amid this perceived shift, the Spanish outlets also bring forward Morocco's growing military capabilities, with El Español reporting that Morocco's 2025 military budget exceeds €12 billion, representing a 7% increase from 2024. 'Morocco has become a major buyer of US weapons,' El Español stated, noting that 'in its particular arms race, it has been progressively increasing its budget.' The Iberian media also voiced concern over recent US-Morocco military cooperation. El Español reported that on February 10, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown and Moroccan Armed Forces Inspector General Mohammed Berrid reaffirmed their commitment to enhance security cooperation in the Maghreb and Sahel regions. Congressman Joe Wilson was quoted by El Español warning against the 'threat' posed by what he termed 'the Polisario terrorist militia' and its supporters to stability in West Africa. The publication noted that Morocco has long sought US designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. El Español further disclosed that Trump's administration has already demonstrated its priorities by excluding Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez from its first round of contacts, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio promptly called Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. 'Rabat immediately issued a statement highlighting the 'Moroccan-American strategic partnership,'' El Español noted. The publications repeatedly stressed that Ceuta and Melilla lack NATO protection, making them particularly vulnerable. 'In military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' El Español revealed, referencing the 50th anniversary of Morocco's recovery of its southern provinces. The Center for Higher National Defense Studies (CESEDEN), under Spain's Ministry of Defense, was quoted by El Español affirming that 'the US now prioritizes its relationship with Morocco over Spain as an 'important regional partner' in the Mediterranean.' These reports emerge as Morocco continues to strengthen its international position, with its autonomy plan for the Sahara gaining increasing support, including Spain's backing announced in 2022. El Español noted that one of Morocco's aspirations is for the United States to open a consulate in Dakhla, which would further affirm Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. Read also: Spanish Analyst: Morocco, Spain May Share Sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla by 2030 Tags: Ceuta-MelillaDonald TrumpMorocco spain
El Chorouk
18-02-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
France comes to the aid of its Moroccan reserve after the rope around the neck
As the Moroccan regime sinks deeper into the mud, France has emerged as the savior of its protectorate, which still maintains a statue of its founder, Marshal Hubert Lyautey, in its largest city, Casablanca. This is the truth that has unmasked Paris, which is now lamenting the loss of its relations with the largest country on the African continent, Algeria. The visit to Western Sahara by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati comes just two days after the Moroccan regime suffered a resounding diplomatic defeat at the African Union, when its candidate, Latifa Akherbash, lost the election for the vice presidency of the African Union Commission to her Algerian counterpart, Ms. Selma Malika Haddadi, a defeat that exposed the weight of the Alaouite regime on the African continent. Since its return to the African Union in 2017, 33 years after leaving the Organization of African Unity (OAU) following the latter's acceptance of Western Sahara's full membership in this continental body, the Alaouite regime has been spreading false claims that it would expel the Sahrawi Republic from the African Union, but the truth was revealed last Saturday when its candidate lost to her Algerian counterpart in a heated race that extended for seven rounds, all of which were lost by the Moroccan candidate. This shock revealed to the Moroccan people, who had lived through eight years of systematic disinformation, that what was propagated by the media circulating around the Alawite palace, as well as some foreign paid platforms, was nothing but black propaganda when push came to shove, which created a shock in the vortex of the Moroccan regime, which reverberated to Paris. The repercussions spread to Paris, which rushed to the aid of its protectorate, fearing the collapse of the monarchy and the regime, which could create a new regime similar to what is happening in the Sahel countries (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Central Africa) and in West Africa (Senegal and Guinea, with more to come). This is why Macron quickly dispatched the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dhi, to Rabat and from there to the occupied Western Sahara in order to calm the palace, assure it of protection, and at the same time mislead Moroccan public opinion, which is fed up with the lies of the Alawite regime, which has long worked to delude the Moroccan people that the Saharawi issue has been resolved. Paris acts from the position of fearing the collapse of the monarchy in the Kingdom of Morocco, so whenever it receives a shock, it rushes to take steps and initiatives to protect it, fearing a popular revolt against the palace. Last October, after the Alaouite regime received a severe blow from the European Court of Justice, which upheld a court ruling that Rabat had appealed, which ruled that the Alaouite kingdom has no sovereignty over the Saharan territories, and consequently canceled the fishing and agriculture agreement with the European Union, because Morocco manipulated the identity of exports originating from Western Sahara, presenting them as Moroccan. While the Moroccan regime was going through one of its darkest periods because of the ECJ's decision, French President Emmanuel Macron gathered his strength and traveled to his protectorate in Rabat, and from the podium of the Moroccan parliament, he defied the ECJ's decision, which was issued only two weeks ago, to give what he does not have to what he does not deserve, flouting international law and UN resolutions, speaking of the Moroccan regime's alleged sovereignty over the Saharawi territories. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed in his recent interview with L'OPINION that the so-called 'autonomy plan' put forward by the Moroccan regime is in fact a French project, which was pushed during the era of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was convicted in many corruption cases. The French army has participated in battles with the Moroccan army against Sahrawi fighters, on more than one occasion, when it realized that the Moroccan army is unable to confront the Sahrawis.
El Chorouk
10-02-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Moroccan Regime Desperate For Trump's Support On Western Sahara
The Moroccan regime has been in a state of confusion since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House with an agenda that was not expected by the most pessimistic in Rabat, including compelling demands placed on the palace table, on top of which Moroccan territory is a potential destination for the displacement of Gaza residents, as reported by identical Zionist and Western sources. After the Alaouite regime in Rabat was ecstatic about Trump's election as president of the United States, hoping that he would continue on the path of 2020 when he tweeted after losing the presidential race in favor of the Moroccan regime's alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara, decision-makers in the Alaouite state are looking for ways to minimize losses rather than maximize profits. According to Spanish journalist Ignacio Sampero, writing for El Confidencial, the Alawite palace has become less motivated to ask the US president to restore his commitment to support Moroccan interests in Western Sahara and establish a consulate in the occupied city of Dakhla, after he (Trump) got him involved in the scandal of trading on the Palestinian issue by trading on the Palestinian issue. the scandal of trading on the Palestinian cause through his cheap normalization with the Zionist entity, because he realizes that the price this time is much more expensive than normalization, and is in line with the greed of the American president, which is to agree to host Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip, according to Trump's plan, which is rejected by everyone except Tel Aviv and Washington. The state of confusion suffered by the Moroccan regime is evident in the delay in announcing its position for nearly a week regarding the deportation of Gaza residents, as its position appeared very late compared to that of other Arab countries, especially the Arab Gulf monarchies and emirates. Despite the mention of the Kingdom of Morocco as a destination for the deportation of Palestinians, as stated by the Consul General of the Zionist entity in the Pacific Southwest region of the United States, Israel Bashar, it was too cowardly to issue a statement criticizing the Zionist entity and its godmother, the United States, as it waited for its Foreign Minister Bourita to meet with his Iraqi counterpart to issue a joint statement, unlike the one issued by the United States. With the chances of Trump going along with the Alawite palace's ambitions diminishing, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry is looking for other options away from the United States, including holding an international conference next April in the United Arab Emirates, sponsored by European countries, starting with France, to bless the 'Moroccan nature' of Western Sahara, according to an informed diplomatic source, as reported by Spanish journalist Ignacio Sampero. Hugh Lovatt, a senior researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told El Confidencial that 'Morocco is now hoping to get the final international approval' on Western Sahara, and Rabat is trying to 'force European countries that reject Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, such as the United Kingdom, Italy and the United Nations to join these efforts,' but the idea of organizing this meeting has not been welcomed. The Spanish journalist wonders about the position of his country's government, headed by Pedro Sanchez, on the Moroccan endeavor, given the rapprochement between Rabat and Madrid, while the position of the United States of America, which has current priorities, remains questionable, as the current Trump administration is only interested in achieving its goal of deporting Palestinians from Gaza to other places, including the Kingdom of Morocco, which no doubt awaits the reaction of the White House after it dared to reject his proposal, even if it was too late in announcing its position.
