Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency?
- HASSAN MASIKY
- 11/27/12
- Published Date
- Written by Hassan Masiky
Washington/Morocco News Board-- Watching President Barack Obama’s visit to Myanmar two weeks ago, some Moroccans were left wondering if the White House fully appreciates their country’s close alliance with the United States. Some in the Moroccan community in the United State have expressed dissatisfaction with their diplomatic mission in Washington’s tepid efforts to articulate, package and sell an “Obama visit to Morocco” campaign to the current Administration House.
The successes of Morocco’s efforts in supporting Washington foreign and military policies at different echelons and fields are undeniable. From covert action in support of American intelligence operations to diplomatic assistance to push the American Agenda in North African and the Middle East, Rabat has been constantly and publicly on the side of the United States.
For several observers, the U.S.-Morocco alliance warrants an Obama visit. Rabat should not pay for Washington’s “terms of accommodation” with other nations in the Maghreb, especially if the regimes in question harbor anti-American sentiments. If the State Department bureaucrats keep playing the old-fashioned game of balance-of-power between Rabat and Algiers, the Moroccans should appeal to their natural allies in Washington to push for a clear recognition of their nations’ longstanding pro-American stands.
Given, the public and not so public, critical role Morocco continues playing on behalf of America in the Middle East and North Africa, a question arises: Are the Moroccan officials in Washington actively and diligently pursuing efforts to get the Kingdom the recognition it deserves in the United States?
Unlike other countries in the region, Morocco is not shy about its military cooperation with the United States. The Moroccan Military has been training with all branches of the American Armed forces since the North African country’s independence. The domestic press and public view such cooperation as a plus for the Royal Armed Forces that are in a semi-war state with their neighbor. If some media organs in the region hide the presence of Americans on their soil, the Moroccan press hails the Pentagon assistance as a natural collaboration between two allies.
The Moroccan authorities got in hot waters over their role in assisting American intelligences services after the 9/11 attacks. While weathering intense criticism from domestic and international human rights organizations over its alleged role in rendition operations, Rabat stood by Washington taking a public relations beating in the process.
If Moroccans lack critical energy resources, they remain trusted partners who deliver. Rabat never played the terrorism card as a way to gain favors from the West. While some countries in North Africa criticize Washington openly and tout their importance to the Europeans in private, the Kingdom has been forward in dealing with the Americans. Furthermore, it never utilized the “war in terror” as a bait to ask for a special treatment from Washington.
While some regimes have manipulated terror groups in North Africa and the Sahel to overstate their importance to the West, Moroccan special units have beenoffering unconditional and professional intelligence assistance to their American counterparts in the fight against terror and crime in the Sahel.
On foreign policy, Rabat has been a steadfast American ally in Mali, Libya, Syria and Iran. Morocco hosted several international conferences given the American agenda an Arab cover. Today, Morocco is actively supporting the Syrian revolution, helping implement the U.S. Iran containment strategy and pursing military aid to the new Libyan Armed Forces.
An Obama visit will not only boost the Moroccan regime, it will encourage the social reformist movement in the country as well. It will be a public relations gesture that recognizes Morocco’ recent reforms and advocate for further freedoms.
An Obama trip will not “endanger” American business interests in other countries in the Maghreb where such visit is impossible, as some reluctant American executives may argue; it will in fact push for further liberalization and transparency of the business world in North Africa.
For numerous Moroccan Americans, the payback has been hard to come by in the form of a Presidential visit. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has been a good friend and a steady ally on the question of the Western Sahara but an Obama trip to Rabat will highlights Morocco’s importance to the United States. A “Barack in Rabat” headline will be a true recognition of Morocco’s vital assistance on intelligence and military matters to U.S. operations in Europe, the Sahel and the Middle East.
Add comment
Comments (23)
-2
#2
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 09:10
Never gonna happen, sorry
-2
#3
Mint tea Yes, Politics No Thanks —
2012-11-28 13:26
Obama's reluctance to march in Rabat's tarmac red carpet maybe due to the unstable atmosphere associated with the Arab Springs. All the Arab Springs so far have not yet produced their fruit of democracy, human rights and acceptance of dissent. Maybe we should labeled them “Arab Autumns” for their decaying leaves and false social promises. Of course, Morocco has not seen the likes of Libya, Tunisia and Egypt but one never knows what the masses of people "in the streets and homes" think of the US foreign policy in the Middle East. For all of us living abroad, we might think of Obama's stop as a nice gesture of good and friendly bilateral relationships, but for those Moroccans at the middle and bottom social levels who are trying to instigate changes and reforms, I am not sure a visit will be a good idea, specially with the latest Israeli air target practices into Gaza and the overt US intervention in Libya.
The US friendship is a double edged sword. Its usefulness and clout reflects the internal political situation on the ground of the country. Obama is a staunch supporter of active democracy (not the paper democracy and he means it) but wherever he looks in the Arab world he sees only problems looming ahead. Why would he want to stop by the royal palace? For a cup of mint tea only? One cannot sweeten the drink that much. What would that prove to the average Moroccan? That Obama’s administration support democracy by aligning itself with a Moroccan paper constitutional monarchy that cannot make enough reforms without undermining its own legitimacy? Obama is aware of this dilemma. He would be better off staying outside these un-surmountable internal problems plaguing the Arab countries, because nothing on the surface is what it seems. Burma yes, Morocco no thanks .. And it makes more political sense…
By the way, when was the last time a US president visited Morocco anyway? I am not even sure…
The US friendship is a double edged sword. Its usefulness and clout reflects the internal political situation on the ground of the country. Obama is a staunch supporter of active democracy (not the paper democracy and he means it) but wherever he looks in the Arab world he sees only problems looming ahead. Why would he want to stop by the royal palace? For a cup of mint tea only? One cannot sweeten the drink that much. What would that prove to the average Moroccan? That Obama’s administration support democracy by aligning itself with a Moroccan paper constitutional monarchy that cannot make enough reforms without undermining its own legitimacy? Obama is aware of this dilemma. He would be better off staying outside these un-surmountable internal problems plaguing the Arab countries, because nothing on the surface is what it seems. Burma yes, Morocco no thanks .. And it makes more political sense…
By the way, when was the last time a US president visited Morocco anyway? I am not even sure…
+3
#4
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 13:33
It sounds to me that you and you only Mr. Hassan who want to “package and sell Obama visit to Morocco”. If there are others, then the right thing to do is to name these Moroccan organizations that want Obama to visit Morocco. Speak for yourself and try not to include Moroccans or Moroccan Americans unless you have evidence.
Moroccan Americans with the leadership of Hassan Samrhouni have tried but were unsuccessful to make Barack first trip to a Muslim country to be Morocco.
You said “Obama visit will boost the Moroccan regime”, that’s exactly what the United States under Obama does not want to do, especially after the Arab Spring where we have seen dictators being toppled like bowling pins.
The Obama administration has rightfully taken a decision to be with the people instead of their corrupt leaders. This administration now understand that their interest will be safeguarded if they are on the side of democracy and freedom for all and not only for Europe and the US.
My simple advice to you Mr. Hassan is to get on board and stop making excuses for this Makhzen.
If you think that Obama’s visit will put pressure on Algeria to relent their focus on destroying Morocco, then you are absolutely wrong. The king of Morocco understands this fact now, and that is the reason he specifically named Algeria for the first time in his last speech, instead of the usual obscure reference
“enemies of our territorial integrity” where you do not know if he's taking about Algeria or the Polisario.
Algeria will never ever give up unless some sort of agreement between Morocco and Algeria takes place not an agreement with the US, France, or anyone else.
I stated before that Morocco should perhaps start working on secret meetings with the Algerians a’ la Hassan II. Morocco is discussing the future of the Sahara with the wrong people; the polisario. Everyone know that the informal talks that are now taking place are useless and for how long Morocco will continue to buy time?
Couple of weeks ago you wanted to bring Nigeria to the mix and now you want Obama to pressure Algeria by visiting Morocco. Don’t you think these maneuvers are so passé?
I said it before and I will say again, you are one of the most knowledgeable on this board and I would really like to see you speaking your mind because I really don’t believe that you truly believe in what write. One thing I always agree with you on, is that the Moroccan diplomats are seriously incompetent and the king of Morocco could do a better job selecting those representing us abroad instead of relying on hos cronies to do the selection for him. Wa salamou alaykoum.
Moroccan Americans with the leadership of Hassan Samrhouni have tried but were unsuccessful to make Barack first trip to a Muslim country to be Morocco.
You said “Obama visit will boost the Moroccan regime”, that’s exactly what the United States under Obama does not want to do, especially after the Arab Spring where we have seen dictators being toppled like bowling pins.
The Obama administration has rightfully taken a decision to be with the people instead of their corrupt leaders. This administration now understand that their interest will be safeguarded if they are on the side of democracy and freedom for all and not only for Europe and the US.
My simple advice to you Mr. Hassan is to get on board and stop making excuses for this Makhzen.
If you think that Obama’s visit will put pressure on Algeria to relent their focus on destroying Morocco, then you are absolutely wrong. The king of Morocco understands this fact now, and that is the reason he specifically named Algeria for the first time in his last speech, instead of the usual obscure reference
“enemies of our territorial integrity” where you do not know if he's taking about Algeria or the Polisario.
Algeria will never ever give up unless some sort of agreement between Morocco and Algeria takes place not an agreement with the US, France, or anyone else.
I stated before that Morocco should perhaps start working on secret meetings with the Algerians a’ la Hassan II. Morocco is discussing the future of the Sahara with the wrong people; the polisario. Everyone know that the informal talks that are now taking place are useless and for how long Morocco will continue to buy time?
Couple of weeks ago you wanted to bring Nigeria to the mix and now you want Obama to pressure Algeria by visiting Morocco. Don’t you think these maneuvers are so passé?
I said it before and I will say again, you are one of the most knowledgeable on this board and I would really like to see you speaking your mind because I really don’t believe that you truly believe in what write. One thing I always agree with you on, is that the Moroccan diplomats are seriously incompetent and the king of Morocco could do a better job selecting those representing us abroad instead of relying on hos cronies to do the selection for him. Wa salamou alaykoum.
+1
#5
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 13:59
Seriously? President Obama is a busy man, why would he be wasting time on a good, reliable, but quite marginal ally?
We don't need the publicity of a superstar President visit any more than the hassle and cost of his security and staff. We need to get More CEOs of companies, senators and governors to visit though. And, if we could get Mrs Obama and the girls to spend a Holiday in Morocco, that'd be worth any charm offensive.
We don't need the publicity of a superstar President visit any more than the hassle and cost of his security and staff. We need to get More CEOs of companies, senators and governors to visit though. And, if we could get Mrs Obama and the girls to spend a Holiday in Morocco, that'd be worth any charm offensive.
0
#6
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 14:02
And by the way, if the "reformist" crowd need a foreign hand to up one their prestige, they should pack up and quit.
-7
#7
@morcelli —
2012-11-28 14:05
Morcelli, you missed the point here. Sometimes you are right on the money but other times you go on the wrong track. The idea here is that Morocco has done so mcuh for US and that given the curent situation an Obama visit to Morocco would be nice, regardless if Moroccans are for it or not.
I do not think any Moroccan would object to this visit any way. this point is mute Mr. Morcelli!
I do not think any Moroccan would object to this visit any way. this point is mute Mr. Morcelli!
+3
#8
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 15:29
There is only one thing that would help boost Morocco's image. True reform not an Obama visit.
When M6 introduced the courageous moudawana, the reconciliation commission, freeing all political prisoners including the firing of lbasri, Morocco's image had skyrocketed. I and I am sure many others felt proud to be Moroccan. I felt that I finally belong to the free community of the world. I thought that now the sky is the limit.
When M6 came up with a fake CONstitition telling the world that 99% of Moroccans voted YES on the amendments, that will only confirm and help the enemies of Morocco.
The one pressure that Morocco could have placed on the Algerians is true reform and democracy. I can guaranty you that the Algerian people will never sit still and watch Morocco enjoying freedom and they instead are run by outdated generals.
You would have seen new generations of Algerians wanting to re conciliate with Morocco.
Libya is a great example, as soon as Qaddafi is gone, we now know that Polisario will never get a cent from Libya and soon we will see a free trade agreement between the 2 countries.
Morocco should stop relying on others to do for us on a condition of us being their puppet. We no longer need to interrogate and torture the so called terrorists to be on the side on the US. We need to be on the side on Moroccans and Moroccans only.
If you you do not know that every step the US takes is only based on its interest, then you should not be in this forum displaying your ignorance. The only true friend of the US is ISRAEL.
Americans went as far as bashing French fries to show their disdain for the french people during the Iraq war.
Those who think that we are friends and we deserve better, you have some serious thinking to do, and as far as I am concerned friendships is usually between TWO entities and it is mutual.
When M6 introduced the courageous moudawana, the reconciliation commission, freeing all political prisoners including the firing of lbasri, Morocco's image had skyrocketed. I and I am sure many others felt proud to be Moroccan. I felt that I finally belong to the free community of the world. I thought that now the sky is the limit.
When M6 came up with a fake CONstitition telling the world that 99% of Moroccans voted YES on the amendments, that will only confirm and help the enemies of Morocco.
The one pressure that Morocco could have placed on the Algerians is true reform and democracy. I can guaranty you that the Algerian people will never sit still and watch Morocco enjoying freedom and they instead are run by outdated generals.
You would have seen new generations of Algerians wanting to re conciliate with Morocco.
Libya is a great example, as soon as Qaddafi is gone, we now know that Polisario will never get a cent from Libya and soon we will see a free trade agreement between the 2 countries.
Morocco should stop relying on others to do for us on a condition of us being their puppet. We no longer need to interrogate and torture the so called terrorists to be on the side on the US. We need to be on the side on Moroccans and Moroccans only.
If you you do not know that every step the US takes is only based on its interest, then you should not be in this forum displaying your ignorance. The only true friend of the US is ISRAEL.
Americans went as far as bashing French fries to show their disdain for the french people during the Iraq war.
Those who think that we are friends and we deserve better, you have some serious thinking to do, and as far as I am concerned friendships is usually between TWO entities and it is mutual.
-2
#9
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 18:36
Thank you si Hassan Massiky for the article, I agree with you on the importance of a visit by the US President, Obama or other, to Morocco, but it will only reinforce the Pro US in Morocco with no effects whatsoever on the economy or the political ties between the two countries...
Yes true, Morocco, more exactly, Hassan II embraced a lot of western values and was on the right side during the "cold war", but that war has ended, and every body understands that the world has changed, that is of course apart from the Algerian breed, who still lives in the Bouteflika era...
I think it will be difficult for us to ask the US to stick to a script, it never abide by in the first place, even at the peak of the cold war... they made a long way since 1976, and we don't have to push them...
Also, let's not oversell the whole thing, as much as the Sahara is important, we should not sell the whole country for a piece of a desert, by the same token, we do not need the US support, you just need one VETO in the security council... and we do have FRANCE...
Yes true, Morocco, more exactly, Hassan II embraced a lot of western values and was on the right side during the "cold war", but that war has ended, and every body understands that the world has changed, that is of course apart from the Algerian breed, who still lives in the Bouteflika era...
I think it will be difficult for us to ask the US to stick to a script, it never abide by in the first place, even at the peak of the cold war... they made a long way since 1976, and we don't have to push them...
Also, let's not oversell the whole thing, as much as the Sahara is important, we should not sell the whole country for a piece of a desert, by the same token, we do not need the US support, you just need one VETO in the security council... and we do have FRANCE...
+1
#10
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 19:26
Are you kidding me? You cannot be serious. Did l'mkadem ask you to write this non-sense stuff? This article seems to be written by a member of the Makhzen. I can understand if this non-sense was written on a Moroccan based media outlet. Take your propaganda somewhere else.
I'll give you just one reason to why I wouldn't recommend our president's visit to Morocco "Democracy and Human Rights" If you need more reasons, I'll be more than happy to provide them. The list is too long.
You seem to be so proud of the fact that Morocco was a designated torture spot after 9/11. And for that, Obama should compensate Morocco by a visit. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Nice try. Not gonna happen.
I'll give you just one reason to why I wouldn't recommend our president's visit to Morocco "Democracy and Human Rights" If you need more reasons, I'll be more than happy to provide them. The list is too long.
You seem to be so proud of the fact that Morocco was a designated torture spot after 9/11. And for that, Obama should compensate Morocco by a visit. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Nice try. Not gonna happen.
+4
#11
Visit!!!!!!!!!! ! —
2012-11-28 19:53
Do not please mention it again, I beg you............ .Obama's visit to Morocco is like putting a stamp on a letter, it is kind of" GREEN LIGHT" to the moroccan authorities to keep beating Moroccans to death. America should put a lot of pressure on Morocco for a real democracy, otherwise a civil war would start somewhere...... ...........Plea se withraw your Subject Hasan, and ppolgise to all Moroccans American
0
#12
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-28 23:44
As embassador Kaplan in morocco said,the president visit countries who are in trouble or the ones we want to get their support,why will he go to country like morocco who is the greatest allied for more than two hundred year and stable one. That said it all
-6
#13
JR and Co, take a chill pill people —
2012-11-29 08:51
JR and Co, take a chill pill people. Hassan may sound a bit Mkhezni a bit here but his past writings are far from pro-Makhzen. As far as the visit will encourage more human rights abuses, that is not necessarily true. If YOU READ and Understand the articles, Hassan is saying that Morocco helps the USA at a cost to his people but without a real thank you. Obama visited Cambodia but does not mean he approves of its Government.
+3
#14
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 14:31
Today Christopher Ross announced that he will no longer invite Morocco and the polisario to the informal talk. He finally understood that The Polisario use to the talk to badmouth Morocco and make itself look like the victim and Morocco using the talk to buy time..
Ross said that instead of holding more talks, he would consult with key nations following the conflict and then engage in "shuttle diplomacy" with the two sides.
What will Morocco do? they will go to sleep and let the polisario take charge as usual and then try to come back awkwardly swinging to catch up with the advances that the polisario achieve.
Basically Ross is asking Morocco to have these key nations convince him that the autonomy is the way to go, Morocco will certainly fall asleep and let the Polisario convince the nations that are friendly to Algeria convince him that the independence of the sahara is the way to go.
Morocco should get a head start on working with these key nations to convince them to convince Ross the autonomy is the "no winner no loser" solution. If all these key nations side with Morocco on the autonomy proposal, that's what will put pressure on Algeria not an Obama visit or a Nigerian invitation to the conflict.
This may not solve the problem because any solution will have to include Algeria but it will at least give the Moroccan diplomacy a boost instead of being beat left and right by few thugs called the Polisario.
Ross is doing a big favor to Morocco now and I hope that they will take advantage of this head start.
I know that the polisario is Washington are reading this forum and get fresh ideas and I hope that Moroccan diplomats in Washington will do the same. Aren't they tired of being on the losing side?
These key nations are France, Spain, US, England, Russia, Algeria, Mauritania.
The only country that will be hard to convince is the one known as the butchers of North Africa. The rest I think with good diplomacy, Morocco could easily work on the other nations..
As for Obama visit, I think that is so 70s 80s thinking, we are about to welcome 2013 and we should think 2013 not 1979.
We are Moroccans, we are better than that. Some posters here are clever and intelligent and that gives me hope that Morocco could easily win this battle and I mean it.
Ross said that instead of holding more talks, he would consult with key nations following the conflict and then engage in "shuttle diplomacy" with the two sides.
What will Morocco do? they will go to sleep and let the polisario take charge as usual and then try to come back awkwardly swinging to catch up with the advances that the polisario achieve.
Basically Ross is asking Morocco to have these key nations convince him that the autonomy is the way to go, Morocco will certainly fall asleep and let the Polisario convince the nations that are friendly to Algeria convince him that the independence of the sahara is the way to go.
Morocco should get a head start on working with these key nations to convince them to convince Ross the autonomy is the "no winner no loser" solution. If all these key nations side with Morocco on the autonomy proposal, that's what will put pressure on Algeria not an Obama visit or a Nigerian invitation to the conflict.
This may not solve the problem because any solution will have to include Algeria but it will at least give the Moroccan diplomacy a boost instead of being beat left and right by few thugs called the Polisario.
Ross is doing a big favor to Morocco now and I hope that they will take advantage of this head start.
I know that the polisario is Washington are reading this forum and get fresh ideas and I hope that Moroccan diplomats in Washington will do the same. Aren't they tired of being on the losing side?
These key nations are France, Spain, US, England, Russia, Algeria, Mauritania.
The only country that will be hard to convince is the one known as the butchers of North Africa. The rest I think with good diplomacy, Morocco could easily work on the other nations..
As for Obama visit, I think that is so 70s 80s thinking, we are about to welcome 2013 and we should think 2013 not 1979.
We are Moroccans, we are better than that. Some posters here are clever and intelligent and that gives me hope that Morocco could easily win this battle and I mean it.
+1
#15
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 16:10
If you are interested, in this site you could listen to what Christopher Ross to the press.
unmultimedia.org/.../...
You will immediately notice that Most of those who ask Mr. Ross are pro polisario, Moroccan media is no where to be found, they are probably somewhere shopping in NY for their families.
This clearly shows the lack of competence on the part of Morocco.
I think it is time to M6 to start listening to us. We live here, we know how things work, and we know the power of communication.
Let face it, we have an Imam as the foreign secretary and we should not expect much.
One good thing is that Christopher said that he saw no police brutality during his presence and that is not his job to monitor the Human Rights that Algeria is working very hard to include in MINURSO.
unmultimedia.org/.../...
You will immediately notice that Most of those who ask Mr. Ross are pro polisario, Moroccan media is no where to be found, they are probably somewhere shopping in NY for their families.
This clearly shows the lack of competence on the part of Morocco.
I think it is time to M6 to start listening to us. We live here, we know how things work, and we know the power of communication.
Let face it, we have an Imam as the foreign secretary and we should not expect much.
One good thing is that Christopher said that he saw no police brutality during his presence and that is not his job to monitor the Human Rights that Algeria is working very hard to include in MINURSO.
+1
#16
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 17:26
So I searched Algeria on google news and this came up and I read it and I thought it was great. You want to know why? Because this proves to me how much of a fantasy you Moroccans live in, this whole website is funny because after reading a few articles I realize it should be called "Hate on Algeria board" anyway good luck facing our diplomacy, I'm glad this is the way Moroccan diplomacy works because it just means we can keep wiping the floor with your behinds as usual and if you think you'll ever get to see the Western Sahara as part of Morocco think again, it'll never happen. Also about the whole Butchers of North Africa statement, yes we are butchers, and we won't hesitate to bring our talents to Rabat either
-1
#17
to Algerian Guy —
2012-11-29 18:19
You can't argue about any subject but the fact that this Board is anti-Algeria. MB does not come close to the poison Algerian media and the official Algerian news agency. the Algerian have been used to dishing out trash but now they are in the receiving end and you do not like. IT is pay back and it continue.
+3
#18
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 18:40
Morcelli,
Moroccan diplomats do not understand how the game is played within the corridors of Washington, especially on Capitol Hill. They still think that they need to have a special treatment just because Morocco was the first country to recognize the US as an independent. I've been in a few meetings attended by these so called Moroccan diplomats (z3maa) where this is the catch phrase. It's a joke.
There are no Moroccan statesmen. The US is a play ground for these guys(bling bling), not a place to conduct serious business. No need to waist your time and energy trying to understand Moroccan diplomacy. It's a bunch of no op (computer term)under-achi evers.
Moroccan diplomats do not understand how the game is played within the corridors of Washington, especially on Capitol Hill. They still think that they need to have a special treatment just because Morocco was the first country to recognize the US as an independent. I've been in a few meetings attended by these so called Moroccan diplomats (z3maa) where this is the catch phrase. It's a joke.
There are no Moroccan statesmen. The US is a play ground for these guys(bling bling), not a place to conduct serious business. No need to waist your time and energy trying to understand Moroccan diplomacy. It's a bunch of no op (computer term)under-achi evers.
+1
#19
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 20:30
JR,
Thank you. I am not wasting my time, I like to think that I am educating those of us who blindly defend Morocco thinking that they are doing it a favor,in fact, they are harming it. We need to keep informing people that we cannot afford of to forgive and award incompetence when bunch of Polisario are doing much better job selling their Algerian edited version of the story.
Hassan for instance is very knowledgeable on the subject and he does his homework/resear ch before writing, the sad part is that his writing does not reflect his findings.
For instance he wrote about the need of empowering Nigeria to break the axe of Algeria and South Africa, I have read about some recent positive movements between Morocco and Nigeria,but this does not warrant that we sell ourselves YET AGAIN to another African country. We've tried it and it did not work. Nigeria should beg us not the other way around and this is where I differ with Mr. Hassan.
I would like to see him use his knowledge and expertise to start holding the cronies responsible for their doing.
Another example Hassan said "Rabat never played the terrorism card as a way to gain favors from the West." This is simply not true, Morocco has always used the terrorism card as a pretext to get favors from the west, They have accused and used speedy prosecution to later release in special holidays those they accused of terrorism to show the west their "seriousness" about combating terror and now they are trying vainly to label the Polisario as a terror organization which the west will never buy.
These maneuvers have not and will not work. Moroccan diplomacy need to chance course.
As for our Algerians visitors to MB, this site is not anti Algeria, we are simply debating how we can counter the hate that your government reserves for Morocco. We are not going to sit still and pretend that everything is fine and dandy. If anything, you should command the civility with which we discuss our concerns and hope that your people could learn a thing two.
Thank you. I am not wasting my time, I like to think that I am educating those of us who blindly defend Morocco thinking that they are doing it a favor,in fact, they are harming it. We need to keep informing people that we cannot afford of to forgive and award incompetence when bunch of Polisario are doing much better job selling their Algerian edited version of the story.
Hassan for instance is very knowledgeable on the subject and he does his homework/resear ch before writing, the sad part is that his writing does not reflect his findings.
For instance he wrote about the need of empowering Nigeria to break the axe of Algeria and South Africa, I have read about some recent positive movements between Morocco and Nigeria,but this does not warrant that we sell ourselves YET AGAIN to another African country. We've tried it and it did not work. Nigeria should beg us not the other way around and this is where I differ with Mr. Hassan.
I would like to see him use his knowledge and expertise to start holding the cronies responsible for their doing.
Another example Hassan said "Rabat never played the terrorism card as a way to gain favors from the West." This is simply not true, Morocco has always used the terrorism card as a pretext to get favors from the west, They have accused and used speedy prosecution to later release in special holidays those they accused of terrorism to show the west their "seriousness" about combating terror and now they are trying vainly to label the Polisario as a terror organization which the west will never buy.
These maneuvers have not and will not work. Moroccan diplomacy need to chance course.
As for our Algerians visitors to MB, this site is not anti Algeria, we are simply debating how we can counter the hate that your government reserves for Morocco. We are not going to sit still and pretend that everything is fine and dandy. If anything, you should command the civility with which we discuss our concerns and hope that your people could learn a thing two.
0
#20
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-29 23:52
I saw the press conference and statement of Ross by the way he speaks an excellent french,our embassador Loulicki who did an excellent job and of course the polizbel Boukhari who didn't seem to be very happy with the outcome. Ross when asked about if he saw any police roughness while he was in el ayoun he denied it,but he focus more that the status quo is unacceptable and the solution should honorable for both parties,this time Ross really didn't give to tewfik,boutef and polizbel what they wanted,tomorrow I will post the three conferences, as Morcelli said now the Moroccan government and the king should put so much pressure on the butchers and their hawlis until they can not breath,they have to alert every moroccan ambassador and it's staff to work 24/7 making the case in every country for the national cause,and it is also the time to make la RAM useful
+1
#21
RE: Why hasn't President Obama Visited Morocco during his Presidency? —
2012-11-30 13:46
Vu de l’extérieur…
Je reviens d’un voyage en France où il m’a été donné de constater l’excellence des rapports entre Rabat et Paris. Tant mieux. Dans les circuits de la diplomatie française, dans les milieux d’affaires, et jusqu’aux couloirs de Matignon et de l’Elysée, une formule revient en boucle : “L’exception marocaine”. Personnellement , cette formule m’a toujours fait sourire. Ce n’est pas exactement un mensonge, ni un bluff, juste une formule, un concept imaginé par des créatifs de la communication politique, une étiquette collée au dos d’un pays qui a traversé le Printemps arabe comme on traverse une pluie battante avec un petit parapluie à la main. Mouillés mais pas trop, secoués mais présentables. L’exception marocaine est ce parapluie fait de bric et de broc : un chouia de démocratie et beaucoup de baraka. Comme toutes les formules, elle est cynique, hypocrite et très ambivalente. En réalité, l’exception marocaine est un cache-misère parce que, derrière, la formule sous-entend que le Maroc est debout alors qu’il a tout pour tomber. L’exception exprime un étonnement. Il est étonnant, en effet, qu’un pays tienne la route alors que près de la moitié de ses habitants sont analphabètes, que son système de santé est nul, que son administration est gangrenée par la petite corruption, que la liberté de culte n’existe pas, que le pouvoir continue d’être concentré entre les mains d’une dynastie et que son économie repose essentiellement sur les aléas de la météo.
Le problème du Maroc, donc, c’est qu’il est bien vu de l’extérieur mais rongé de l’intérieur. Il souffre d’être un bon élève. Car, tout bon élève qu’il est, il sait qu’il ne fait pas bien ses devoirs, que la copie qu’il rend n’est pas propre, et qu’il doit ses bonnes notes à la magnanimité, à la générosité, pour ne pas dire à la complaisance de ses maîtres. L’exception marocaine durera tant que ce paradoxe perdure, au mépris de tout bon sens.
Au lieu de rééquilibrer la situation, le Printemps arabe l’a aggravée. Trois pays arabes ont changé de régime, les autres se sont emmurés dans le statu quo, certains ont basculé dans la violence et l’instabilité chronique. Le printemps est devenu automne, galère et incertitudes. Vu de l’extérieur, le Maroc donne l’impression de poursuivre son bonhomme de chemin. Il a même rajouté une couche de vernis à son image de bon élève : il s’est doté d’une nouvelle constitution, a tenu des élections libres et il est en train de vivre une sorte de transition islamiste en douceur. Mais ses finances sont exsangues. Et son sous-développem ent social est une honte pour son statut de bon élève. Alors les bailleurs de fonds accourent des quatre coins du globe, poussés par les nombreux “amis” du royaume, en Europe, en Amérique et dans les pays arabes. Le credo est partout le même : soutenir le Maroc pour l’aider à rester debout.
S’il y a un sens à donner à la prochaine visite d’une importante délégation d’hommes d’affaires et de ministres français(1), ce serait celui-là. La France de toujours, pour reprendre une expression chère à nos amis de l’Hexagone, a pris le parti de parier sur ce Maroc-là et de l’accompagner tel qu’il est, avec ses lourds handicaps et cette étiquette de vrai-faux bon élève. C’est un choix et il faut espérer qu’il soit payant.
Je reviens d’un voyage en France où il m’a été donné de constater l’excellence des rapports entre Rabat et Paris. Tant mieux. Dans les circuits de la diplomatie française, dans les milieux d’affaires, et jusqu’aux couloirs de Matignon et de l’Elysée, une formule revient en boucle : “L’exception marocaine”. Personnellement , cette formule m’a toujours fait sourire. Ce n’est pas exactement un mensonge, ni un bluff, juste une formule, un concept imaginé par des créatifs de la communication politique, une étiquette collée au dos d’un pays qui a traversé le Printemps arabe comme on traverse une pluie battante avec un petit parapluie à la main. Mouillés mais pas trop, secoués mais présentables. L’exception marocaine est ce parapluie fait de bric et de broc : un chouia de démocratie et beaucoup de baraka. Comme toutes les formules, elle est cynique, hypocrite et très ambivalente. En réalité, l’exception marocaine est un cache-misère parce que, derrière, la formule sous-entend que le Maroc est debout alors qu’il a tout pour tomber. L’exception exprime un étonnement. Il est étonnant, en effet, qu’un pays tienne la route alors que près de la moitié de ses habitants sont analphabètes, que son système de santé est nul, que son administration est gangrenée par la petite corruption, que la liberté de culte n’existe pas, que le pouvoir continue d’être concentré entre les mains d’une dynastie et que son économie repose essentiellement sur les aléas de la météo.
Le problème du Maroc, donc, c’est qu’il est bien vu de l’extérieur mais rongé de l’intérieur. Il souffre d’être un bon élève. Car, tout bon élève qu’il est, il sait qu’il ne fait pas bien ses devoirs, que la copie qu’il rend n’est pas propre, et qu’il doit ses bonnes notes à la magnanimité, à la générosité, pour ne pas dire à la complaisance de ses maîtres. L’exception marocaine durera tant que ce paradoxe perdure, au mépris de tout bon sens.
Au lieu de rééquilibrer la situation, le Printemps arabe l’a aggravée. Trois pays arabes ont changé de régime, les autres se sont emmurés dans le statu quo, certains ont basculé dans la violence et l’instabilité chronique. Le printemps est devenu automne, galère et incertitudes. Vu de l’extérieur, le Maroc donne l’impression de poursuivre son bonhomme de chemin. Il a même rajouté une couche de vernis à son image de bon élève : il s’est doté d’une nouvelle constitution, a tenu des élections libres et il est en train de vivre une sorte de transition islamiste en douceur. Mais ses finances sont exsangues. Et son sous-développem ent social est une honte pour son statut de bon élève. Alors les bailleurs de fonds accourent des quatre coins du globe, poussés par les nombreux “amis” du royaume, en Europe, en Amérique et dans les pays arabes. Le credo est partout le même : soutenir le Maroc pour l’aider à rester debout.
S’il y a un sens à donner à la prochaine visite d’une importante délégation d’hommes d’affaires et de ministres français(1), ce serait celui-là. La France de toujours, pour reprendre une expression chère à nos amis de l’Hexagone, a pris le parti de parier sur ce Maroc-là et de l’accompagner tel qu’il est, avec ses lourds handicaps et cette étiquette de vrai-faux bon élève. C’est un choix et il faut espérer qu’il soit payant.
0
#22
Obama's Holiday —
2012-11-30 13:54
Does Obama need a holiday in Morocco? I suppose he could go to Marrakech, chill out in some of the night clubs, or maybe stroll in Djamaa El Afna and Mrs Obama could have her hands covered in henna by the very persistent artists, but she must first try barbush, buy a lamp or two and if she does not the seller will curse in Arabic, they could visit Majorelle, or see the former French Avenue and see the white elephant known as Theater Royal and at the same time marvel the new railway station opposite or maybe the Palais de Congress, or for that historic feel visit La kasba, or the Bahia Palace or see where the deads are at the Sadien tombs. They will have plenty of opportunity to try the tagine, couscous, and other exotic dishes, and if Obama is really really tired he may just sit in the cafe and sip mint tea and watch locals in tight jeans walk by.
Depending on how long is the holiday for, he could visit Toubkal or kill three birds with one stone by visiting the hollywood of the North Africa at Ouarzazate, on the way there admire the Atlas mountains and Dades, take a camel and disappear in Dunes, must tell him not to wonder pass the border into Algeria.
Obama must have wonder why Bogart and Casablanca and of course not to miss the built-for tourists Hassan II mosque.
Who knows Obama likes Morocco so much he may wish to make another trip and visit Agadir and the North, but he would not fail to notice how this North African country has made much progress, full of buildings and new towns and not enough economics activities.
Depending on how long is the holiday for, he could visit Toubkal or kill three birds with one stone by visiting the hollywood of the North Africa at Ouarzazate, on the way there admire the Atlas mountains and Dades, take a camel and disappear in Dunes, must tell him not to wonder pass the border into Algeria.
Obama must have wonder why Bogart and Casablanca and of course not to miss the built-for tourists Hassan II mosque.
Who knows Obama likes Morocco so much he may wish to make another trip and visit Agadir and the North, but he would not fail to notice how this North African country has made much progress, full of buildings and new towns and not enough economics activities.
+1
#23
Obama visit —
2012-12-02 21:59
While the kingdom celebrated the 57th anniversary of its independence, the police violently dispersed demonstrators who demanded the royal budget reduction. "The state is in crisis, public finances are in the red and the budget for the monarchy is rising, it is not normal," chanted the demonstrators in Rabat, before being beaten by security forces order.
What are we talking about? A budget of 2.5 billion dirhams [234 million US dollars] annually dedicated to the operation of the monarchy, which is the salary of king than his advisers and members of the royal family, the maintenance of the palace (s), .... etc.. With these 2.5 billion dirhams, the royal budget reached a record and is among the highest in the world.
It will be nice for Obama to get some advice from his friend M6 for the "fiscal cliff", it is the only subject they can talk about together, since Morocco has never had an agenda to push for in Washington, of course except pegging for money or help, we all remembered what Hassan II used to do when he came to New York, stay in 2 floors at the Plaza, meet some Moroccan consulate friends, distribute some wissams while his bodyguards spend time chasing 5th avenue prostitutes, then he leaves some cash behind him to compensate the consulate employees (the high ranked only) for their good work.
The king has his employees to push for this visit, after all they are paid for that job, we call them "diplomats", why Moroccan Americans? what do we get from the palace and the $234?
These employees get a good chunk of it by buying million dollar houses in Greenwich,CT, Yonkers,NY , Maryland,MD etc...(beside the bank accounts).
Obama visit to Morocco NOW will make Morocco gain nothing, first because this government we have now is so weak and have no experience in dealing with such a high profile. as of the king, he has no interest, he is more into the United Emerat,Saoudia and of course France.
“A “Barack in Rabat” headline will be a true recognition of Morocco’s vital assistance on intelligence and military matters to U.S. operations in Europe, the Sahel and the Middle East.”
We should have had “Bush in Rabat” headline for these reasons you mentioned above, you forgot that we already passed that era of September 11 aftermaths. We are rather in an “Arab Spring” and Obama is in his second term, he is now going to work on his legacy by pushing his personal agenda rather than his party’s agenda, Morocco does not represent a real interest for him.
What are we talking about? A budget of 2.5 billion dirhams [234 million US dollars] annually dedicated to the operation of the monarchy, which is the salary of king than his advisers and members of the royal family, the maintenance of the palace (s), .... etc.. With these 2.5 billion dirhams, the royal budget reached a record and is among the highest in the world.
It will be nice for Obama to get some advice from his friend M6 for the "fiscal cliff", it is the only subject they can talk about together, since Morocco has never had an agenda to push for in Washington, of course except pegging for money or help, we all remembered what Hassan II used to do when he came to New York, stay in 2 floors at the Plaza, meet some Moroccan consulate friends, distribute some wissams while his bodyguards spend time chasing 5th avenue prostitutes, then he leaves some cash behind him to compensate the consulate employees (the high ranked only) for their good work.
The king has his employees to push for this visit, after all they are paid for that job, we call them "diplomats", why Moroccan Americans? what do we get from the palace and the $234?
These employees get a good chunk of it by buying million dollar houses in Greenwich,CT, Yonkers,NY , Maryland,MD etc...(beside the bank accounts).
Obama visit to Morocco NOW will make Morocco gain nothing, first because this government we have now is so weak and have no experience in dealing with such a high profile. as of the king, he has no interest, he is more into the United Emerat,Saoudia and of course France.
“A “Barack in Rabat” headline will be a true recognition of Morocco’s vital assistance on intelligence and military matters to U.S. operations in Europe, the Sahel and the Middle East.”
We should have had “Bush in Rabat” headline for these reasons you mentioned above, you forgot that we already passed that era of September 11 aftermaths. We are rather in an “Arab Spring” and Obama is in his second term, he is now going to work on his legacy by pushing his personal agenda rather than his party’s agenda, Morocco does not represent a real interest for him.
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Upcoming Events
| Sun May 19 @17:00 - Nass El Ghiwane Film: "Trances" |
- MoroccoTravel.co.uk Domain for sale
- Jobs In Seattle
- LEXUS LX 750 2011
- Meds 4 sale
- land 4 sale Tangier
- Arabic Interpreter
- Appt 4 sale Cabo Negro
- Add Properties 4 free
- Apple Iphone 5
- Med Marijuana 4 sale
- Morocco Guide Wanted
- fundraising 4 trip !
- Carpentry services
- 3% interest Loan
- TIME SHARE - Orlando
- Au Pair Wanted
- Tours to Morocco
- pro Martial Arts & Jujitsu
- Info on medical program
- Apt 4 Sale- KENITRA
- luxury appartement
- video editor/studio intern
- parrots, birds and eggs
- Drivers
- Vintage Rug
- Bouznika Bay
- worker
- AU PAIR
- aupair
- Bride
- Riads in Marrakech
- Morocco: Biz 4 Sale
- Lux Apt in Marrakech
- Muslim Matrimonials
- Married Couple
- AU PAIR
- Nanny needed
- actress
- Beach Villa For sale
- Burger King
- appt 4 SALE - RABAT
- appt swap: Berlin Morocco
- Nanny/Driver/Chef
- Al Hammam !
- Summer is Here
- my bride!
- GIRL TO MARRY
- forestland for sale
- NYC housekeeper P/T
- Organic Argan Oil
- APPT casablanca
- car rental Agcy sale
- Promotion Agent Wanted
- Stock market
- wife
- House Swap
- Educational materials
- Swap House
- Moroccan Cookies
- Looking 4 Muslima
- Parrot Birds Parrot Eggs
- EDUCATION
- Moroccan jazz
- Customer Service Rep
- Appt 4 sale Temara
Contributors
To post Video, images and links please use appropriate button