Morocco’s political
history involves invasion, war, protectorates, independence, protest, monarchy
and terrorism. And yet, it remains one of the most politically stable countries
on the African continent.[1] It
is difficult to account for its success as a modern political entity, although
it still has its fair share of lobbying for change and progress.
During the 7th
and 8th centuries, Morocco was invaded by Arabs who brought Islam to
the country. Dynasties waxed and waned over time, and eventually European
countries desired areas of Morocco as their own, with protectorates being
established in the 1800’s by France and Spain. [2]
The proximity of the Iberian
Peninsula, and southern Europe, provided easy access for these nations who
remained in power for approximately a century.[4]
Monarchy was established in
the mid 1900’s, led by Sultan Mohammed, and followed by his son, King Hassan
II, upon his father’s death in 1961. Hassan II ruled until 1999 when he died
and his son, Mohammed VI, assumed the throne. During the intervening three and
a half decades, elections were first held, followed by social unrest that led
to suspension of parliament, and a failed attempt to unseat
the king. The Western Sahara
is annexed, and years of strife with Algeria, over this territory, began. During
late 90’s and early 2000’s, a ceasefire existed, and an opposition-party
government was elected. Terrorists struck sites in Casablanca in 2003 and 2007,[6] and in 2011,
the Arab Spring emboldened Moroccan youth to protest, as well.[7]
few years later, there were
disputes with France and Spain once again, as well as the U.N., regarding
different issues surrounding Ebola, and Saharan annexation. Border relations which
deteriorated with Algeria in 1994 over the Western Sahara were still poor, and a
shooting at the border created more dissension.[9]
A party with Islamic ties took
power in 2011. Although a modern country by many standards, human rights are still
not assured, especially concerning women. A 2013 law change allowed rapists to
marry their young victims to avoid prosecution. Islamic law still presides, and
the king above all, appointing different posts even though there are elections
for parliament. But, there are numerous political parties. Protests over these
issues, as well as alleged government corruption, occurred regularly until the
King made some changes. However, dissent is not permitted by law and can lead
to prison time.[10]
Even with this turbulent past
and the incongruous, modern-day state-of-affairs, citizens are still grateful
to live in this Islamic nation, rather than in the Middle East. One
acknowledged, “the country is not as repressive as many in the region…it's
easy to be the "best of the worst." They prefer the stability
of the kingship rather than the uncertainty that would result from lack of
strong leadership. The nation’s Minister of Communication puts it like this, “It’s
a process of democratization. It's a process of gradual but also significant
political and institutional reforms.”[11]
Daily life
is generally peaceful in Morocco, and it is a popular tourist destination.
There is law and order, and women have much more personal freedom than in other
Islamic countries (as noted in previous blog posts). The government functions nationally and internationally and is recognized
as a modern state. However, in many ways, Morocco remains a perfect example of a country with
one foot stuck in the past in religion and culture, yet with the other struggling
to establish a toe-hold in the modern world in politics, economy and international
relations.
[1] Leila Fadel, "Morocco Boasts Stability, But Critics Say the Price Is
High," NPR, April 17, 2016, accessed March 02, 2017,
http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/04/17/474368034/morocco-boasts-stability-but-critics-say-the-price-is-high.
[2] "Morocco Profile - Timeline," BBC News, October 16, 2016, accessed
March 02, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14123260.
[3] Hulton Deutsch, "Spanish Forces at Tetuan,"
Getty Images, January 01, 1900, accessed March 02, 2017, http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/spanish-soldiers-and-artillery-stationed-on-the-hills-of-news-photo/613493094
[4] "Political Map of Morocco," Political Map of Morocco - Nations
Online Project, accessed March 02, 2017, http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/morocco-political-map.htm.
[5] Youssef Igrouane, Rabat, Morocco's House of Representatives, January 14,
2017, accessed March 2, 2017,
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Moroccan-parliament.jpg.
[8] Abdeljalil Bounhar, Protestors
March in Rabat, Morocco, February 20, 2011, Rabat, Morocco, in TIME,
February 22, 2011, accessed March 2, 2017, http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2045328_2045338_2052901,00.htmlA.
[9] Ibid., "Morocco-Timeline.”
[10] Ibid., Leila
Fadel.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Moroccan Flag, in Google
Images, accessed March 2, 2017, https://cdn.shutterstock.com/shutterstock/videos/9991778/thumb/1.jpg?i10c=img.resize(height:160)
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