Three Moroccan Universities Among Africa’s Top 30

Rabat – Three Moroccan universities have been ranked among Times Higher Education’s top 30 African Universities.

On Friday, the internationally recognized weekly British magazine Times Higher Education(THE) has released its new ranking of the top 30 universities out of Africa’s approximately 2,600 higher education institutions.

The announcement was made during THE’s Africa Universities Summit being held at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa,

Two Moroccan universities have made it to the top 15. The University of Cadi Ayyad has landed 10^th, while the University of Hassan II ranked 15^th.

Morocco’s third university on the list, University of Mohammed VI-Agdal came in the 22^nd place.

Meanwhile, the ‘top five’, spots are dominated by universities from South Africa. University of Cape Town heads the list, followed by University of the Witwatersrand (2^nd) and Makerere University (3^rd).

University of Stellenbosch, on the other hand, came fourth while University of Kwazulu-Natal ranked fifth.

Surprisingly, several African universities that have consistently featured high spots on global ranking lists, have been omitted from the list. Namely; Cairo University, University of Nigeria and Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

The other surprise was the citing of unexpected or lesser-known institutions, such as the Port Harcourt (6^th), the Universite de Sfax in Tunisia (28^th), and several other institutions from Egypt namely; Suez Canal University (14^th), South Valley University (25) and Minia University (30^th).

The universities were graded using separate performance indicators covering the full range of an institution’s key missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

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King Mohammed VI Stresses Importance of Learning Foreign Languages

Meknes – On July 30, 2015, a royal speech was given on the occasion of the Throne feast in which the King warned against three misconceptions within the Moroccan education system. 

The first misconception raised in the royal speech is the learning of foreign languages. Students in technical and scientific fields place less importance on languages because they believe that it is useless. This is a misconception according to the King. 

The sovereign added that some consider learning foreign languages as an acculturation. On the contrary, “we believe that foreign language is a source of enrichment as announced by the constitution. It is by learning other languages that ??we become more open [to the teachings of other cultures],”said the Sovereign.

Teaching is “key” to progress and democracy. Why Families now prefer private schools and schools with a foreign education, the King asked.

“The answer is clear: they are looking for appropriate education, based on open-mindedness, critical analysis and foreign language acquisition, which will enable their children to access the job market and start their professional lives,” he said. 

The second misconception  is the baccalaureate, which is viewed as a monster that it is feared by Moroccans. The King noted that it was sad to see that the baccalaureate is “seen as a matter of life or death for the student and his family”.

“The expected reform should also rid society of the narrow view that the baccalaureate certificate is a matter of life and death for students and their families, and that without it their future may be compromised,” the King noted. 

Each year, this event destabilizes the minds of young students and their families. This year, it led to protests. Acts of fraud were committed despite the strong fraud prevention system put in place by the Ministry of Education. Dozens of people were arrested pending the conclusion of investigations.

This “problem” does not end when the examination period is finished and even less at the time of the results. The reason is simple: Even with satisfactory results, students must still go through a complicated and competitive struggle to integrate a college.

During his speech, the King also raised the citizen’s lack of interest in the technical and professional program, ensured by the Office of Professional Training and Labor Promotion (OFFP). The Office is a Moroccan public body, which offers short and practical training for young people to better integrate the labor market

The Monarch stressed the importance of vocational training and called for turning into a tool that would enable the integration of youth in the job market. 

“Vocational training has become the cornerstone of all development sectors and we need to move from the conventional model of academic education to a dual training system that will ensure our youth will be employed,” he noted.

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King Mohammed VI Decorates Three Moroccan Women Living Abroad

Rabat – On Morocco’s Throne Day celebrated on Thursday, King Mohammed VI decorated 3 Moroccan women living abroad who have distinguished themselves in their fields.

The King presented the honors on the 16^th Anniversary of his accession to the throne, at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The 3 women to receive the famed distinction of Al Wissam Al Moukafaa 2^nd class Wathania are three intellectuals who continuously excel in their careers.

Ouafae Sqali, Director of the Biomechanics Institute and Professor at the National School of Arts and Crafts in Paris; Zineb Mouline, Resarch Professor in Chemistry, specialist in analysis of greenhouse gas at Nagoya University in Japan; and, Asmae Boujibar, a Scientist who specializes in Astronomy and Volcanology in the US. Boujibar is said to be the first Moroccan woman to join the US agency NASA.

Moreover, this distinction was also awarded to other outstanding Moroccans. The King awarded the Wissam Al MoukafaaWathania 2^nd Class (Commander) to writer and poet Khenata Bennouna.

Bennouna is the first Moroccan woman to obtain her journalist “press” credentials and the founder of the first women’s magazine in Morocco, Chourouck in 1965.

The King culminated the “Wissam Royal” awards by honoring Zineb Akroud, the courageous student with leukemia who passed her Baccalaureate exams while in the hospital. The award was presented to his father El Houceine Akroud.

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UN takes major step toward preventing illegal wildlife trafficking

Rabat – The U.N. General Assembly adopted its first-ever resolution aimed at combating illicit wildlife trafficking on Thursday, its sponsors in outrage regarding the recent killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.

The resolution, unanimously approved by the General Assembly, is not legally binding. However, it reflects the growing support across the globe for wildlife in danger of poaching and trafficking.

Sponsored by Gabon and Germany and co-sponsored by over 70 countries, the resolution calls on all nations “to take decisive steps at the national level to prevent, combat and eradicate the illegal trade in wildlife, on both the supply and demand sides.”

The assembly stated that this should include strengthening legislation to prevent, investigate, and prosecute illegal wildlife trading, and encouraged all countries to make the trafficking involving organized criminal groups “a serious crime.”

Germany’s U.N. Ambassador Harald Braun told reporters that the illegal trafficking of wildlife has increasingly become a huge global business and the money made from it is now a leading source of financing terrorism.

“A pound of rhino horn today yields more than a pound of gold” on the black market, and the tusks of a hundred thousand elephants that were poached last year … (represent) an enormous economic value,” Braun said.

Leigh Henry, a senior policy adviser at the World Wildlife Fund said the resolution “sends a powerful message from the highest possible level … that wildlife crime, and the global criminal syndicates profiting from it, will not be tolerated.”

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Algeria-Morocco: The Politics of Hate

By Majid Morcili

San Fransisco – Reading what Moroccans and Algerians say to and about each other on social media and especially in their respective news media makes one realize the level of hatred that has simmered between the two peoples in the last five decades. The sad part is that even after more than 50 years of separation of two peoples who could not be more similar, there is no end in sight. The animosity of one toward the other is only getting stronger, thanks to the news media that has sold its soul to their respective governments to stay in business.

There are many Moroccans and Algerians who genuinely believe that their countries should overcome their differences and work on a lasting peace, which would benefit the people of the Maghreb. Unfortunately, there are many others who believe that Algeria and Morocco are better off going their separate ways.

I don’t want to single out Algeria’s regime, but unfortunately there is no way around it. The regime in Algeria believes that Morocco needs Algeria more than it needs Morocco; the regime, with the help of its soulless media, is telling the Algerian people that Morocco has nothing tangible to offer. The Algerian regime insists that Morocco is out to harm and even kill Algerians with drugs, and that there is a master plan, engineered within the Moroccan royal palace, to get all Algerians addicted to drugs.

Just recently, an Algerian news outlet that is very close to the military regime accused Morocco of “making deals with the terrorist group ISIS to blow up Tunisian tourist resorts in order for the tourists to flock Morocco instead.”

Another Algerian media outlet announced to its readers that Morocco’s eastern cities are “experiencing famine during Ramadan thanks to the Algerian security forces, which are vigilantly preventing Algerian consumer products from reaching eastern Morocco.”

While these allegations are pathetic and ridiculous at best, they do find willing ears among the Algerian population.

When news media keeps repeating the same thing over and over again, many people start to believe what they hear. For example, American news outlet Fox News makes some of the most outrageous allegations about Muslims, causing many Americans to believe the nonsense that they are being fed. The same thing is taking place in Algeria and, of course, in Morocco as well.

The news media in both countries work under tremendous constraints and cannot freely interpret events at face value. They are forced to twist the truth to make it acceptable to their respective audiences.

One thing that I am absolutely sure about, and I have no doubt that Algerians themselves can attest to this fact, is that Moroccans are more open to turn the page and start anew than Algerians.

Let the plunge in oil prices make the people of Algeria realize that sooner or later our two people will have to unite, and they should not bank on oil to be their eternal savior. Our separation is creating jobs in France, Spain, Germany, China, and Russia. Every dinar or dirham we spend on weaponry to intimidate each other benefits everyone but us.  Is this all what we can manage to be good at? Starving our people to create jobs in other countries? Are we that i stupid?  For how long we are going to be this foolish? Will this be our gift to the next generation?

Algeria did everything in its power to see Morocco at odds with France. What happened next? Morocco secured the construction of a new car manufacturing company, while Algeria secured an empty promise from President Hollande. Is this what Algerians expect from their leaders?

Unless we start working on changing the status quo, we will leave this earth with nothing to be proud of, not even the courage to start a new beginning with each other. I am sure that is how all of you want to depart. Right now, it looks like Bouteflika is going to die in office, and the military regime will have to decide between Abelmalek Sellal or Ahmed Ouyahia to be the next president. The ultimate decision will be based on who’s going to be more anti- Morocco. Incidentally, both of them accused Mohammed VI as being the “mastermind” of the latest ethnic fighting in Ghardaia.

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Paranoid Algerian Officials Order a Ban on Moroccan Music

Washington D.C – In a bizarre decree, the director of Algeria’s National Radio ordered all local and national channels to stop airing Moroccan songs, reported the pro-government website Algerie Patriotique.

This decision is the latest chapter in Algeria’s “media war” to portray Morocco as the source of its political woes .It is indeed a sign of anxiety and anguish that has engulfed the Algerian government facing uncertainty and economic difficulties. Observes would expect to encounter such diktat in North Korea or a Taliban Republic but not in a “progressive” republic like Algeria.

Citing a source within the National Radio, the Algerian website reported that a note distributed to all local stations reminds “producers and technicians that it is totally prohibited to disseminate Moroccan songs.”

Algerie Patriotique talks of an on-going covert Moroccan music” invasion” of the Algerian national waves to further the Kingdom’s interest.  This “artistic assault” has promoted the Monarchy’s agenda and has hampered the success of national artists, claims the website. What the Algerian censorship gurus fail to understand is that most of music listeners nowadays are using the Internet as a venue to satisfy their taste.

The same website maintains that pro-Moroccan elements have infiltrated the National Radio in an attempt to broadcast Moroccan songs during prime times, suggesting a “pro-Moroccan” campaign to influence Algerians.

Is Moroccan music deemed such a threat to the point of banning its broadcast? An attempt to prohibit music based on national origin is a desperate move by a panicking leadership looking for scapegoats to cover its political and economic failures.

This pronouncement is reminiscent of Iran’s’ Ayatollah Khomeini condemnation of Western music, because it is “manipulated by foreign cultures.” The difference, however, is that Moroccan and Algerian music have so much in comment that it is hard sometimes to differentiate between the two types.

Several Algerian singers and artists are tremendously popular in Morocco and are constantly invited to the major international concerts that the Kingdom hosts every year. In fact, the local public always gives Algerian musicians warm and special welcome when they perform.

Algerian Rai music is appreciated and embraced by Moroccan youth without prejudice or complex. Algerian singers such as Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami and the late Warda hold a special place in the Moroccan public’ heart.

These ridiculous decisions will likely back fires as most of the Algerian listeners start asking the logic and lucidity of their leaders. For now, Moroccan would keep enjoying Algerian Rai as Algerian listeners will take to the Internet to find their Moroccan favorite artists. Music does not have a nationality.

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Palestinian Toddler Burned to Death in Jewish Extremist Arson attack

Rabat – Early on Friday, an 18-month-old toddler wasburned to death in a suspected arson attack in Duma village, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank. The attack is believed to becarried out by Jewish extremists.

The child’sparents and his four-year-old brother were also injured in the attack.The father reportedly saved his wife and the 4-year-old, but couldn’t make it to the baby, who was identified as Ali Dawabsheh.

Burned alive: A relative holds up a photograph of 18-month-old Ali Dawabsheh who died in an arson attack by suspected Jewish extremists

Reuters quoted eyewitnesses as saying that attackers smashed the house’s windows and threw fire bombs inside shortly before dawn, while the family was asleep.

“I never imagined that this could happen, that someone could come and burn people alive while they are sleeping,” said Hassan Dawabsheh, the slain child’s uncle.

“’I don’t know what those people were thinking. What do they have inside their hearts and minds?” he wondered.

According to haaretz,the attackers wrote a slogan used by Israeli extremists on the walls of the home. They spray-painted the words “revenge” and “long live the Messiah” on the walls.

Palestinian baby burned to death, three wounded after settlers set fire to home http://t.co/jWPhJZNnUc http://pic.twitter.com/yRIJVCjNRt

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) July 31, 2015

This barbaric attack has been described by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “terrorism.” “This is an act of terrorism in every respect. The State of Israel takes a strong line against terrorism regardless of the perpetrators,” Benjamin Netanyahu said in a tweet.

PM: This is an act of terrorism in every respect. The State of Israel takes a strong line against terrorism regardless of the perpetrators.

— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 31, 2015

The Israeli army issued a statement saying that theyboosted forces in the area to search for the suspects, described as “two masked terrorists”, and to prevent any escalation in violence.

Israeli DefenseMinister Moshe Yaalonsaid Israel would not allow ‘Jewish terrorists’ to carry out such acts.

“We will not allow Jewish terrorists to harm the lives of Palestinians in Judea and Samaria,” he said in a statement, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name. “We will fight against them firmly and with all means and tools at our disposal.”

However, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which dominates the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, said it held the Israeli government “fully responsible for the brutal assassination” of the child, Ali SaadDawabsha.

This is the worst attack by Israeli terroristssince a Palestinian teenager was burned to death in Jerusalem a year ago.

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Six Injured in Train Collision with Truck in Morocco

Rabat – At least six people were injured on Friday morning when a train hit a truck on the railroad tracks, near the railway station of Assilah, 39.47 km (24.52 miles) away from Tangier.

The collision happened around 9:55 am local time at a level crossing near Assilah, according to a statement by the National Railway Office (ONCF).

The train was enroute to Tangier from Casablanca.  The collision happened because the truck driver allegedly did not pay attention to the signal post at the rail crossings and crossed the track, getting hit by the train.

ONCF’s statement said the train conductor and his assistant, along with the truck driver were taken to the hospital, with minor injuries. Three passengers were also slightly injured and received medical treatment.

The collision caused damage to the truck and forced the train to stop for two hours to clear the railway.

ONCF extended apologies to passengers for the two-hour delay.

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We Won’t Allow Anyone to Undermine our Territorial Integrity: King Mohammed VI

Meknes – Firmness, solidarity, and credibility; these are the values which underpin Morocco’s foreign relations, stated the Sovereign in a speech on the occasion of Throne Day, July 30, 2015.

These values serve as ‘one’ in the Moroccan foreign policy model to “safeguard the nation’s best interests,” with the domestic policy designed to serve the citizens.

“Don’t allow it, don’t tolerate it,” just do it. This slogan summarizes the communicational strategy of firmness which needs several tools to be achieved  in Morocco. For instance, to achieve the objective of this strategy in the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces (the so-called Western Sahara), Morocco should follow the advanced regionalization scheme, as well as the development model of these provinces to keep their unity.

“Morocco will do whatever it takes to defend its best interests. It will never allow anyone to undermine its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or social model; nor will it tolerate any attempt to harm its institutions or offend the dignity of its citizens,” the King stated.

To mark the 39th anniversary of the Green March, the Sovereign said “No” five times. “No” to the modification of the regional conflict’s nature. “No” to the revision of negotiation principles, including the mandate of MINURSO. “No” to complacency. “No” to place on the same footing oa “member state” at the United Nations with the POLISARIO separatist movement. “No” to legitimizing the lawless state.

However, as Morocco is a flexible country well-versed in adaptation, this slogan of”Just Do It” is not final. “This does not mean the case has been closed. Indeed, we all need to remain vigilant and mobilized to thwart the schemes and plots of our adversaries and counter whatever deviation there may be from the UN settlement process,” the King continued.

Morocco’s solidarity with Arab and African countries

As far as solidarity is concerned, Morocco made many gestures of solidarity toward the countries hit by the so-called Arab Spring. These gestures involved tourism, economics, and security through visits or negotiations, as the recent Skhirat talks to resolve the crisis in Libya indicate. “No matter how complex the situation is in the Arab region due to growing fanaticism and terrorism, the Palestinian cause remains critical for the achievement of peace in the Middle East region,” stated the Monarch.

Solidarity is also about cooperation when it comes to shared interests. According to the royal speech, the Kingdom’s strategic diplomacy is aimed at promoting active South-South cooperation, especially with African sister nations. On the religious level, Morocco showed a huge solidarity. Hundreds of sub-Saharians came to Morocco to learn Islam and the way of understanding the divine religion in its theory and practical levels. Cooperation is also made with European, American, and Asian participants.

In regards to credibility — the cooperation, partnership, and hosting of international events are the best indicators. Morocco aims especially to develop cooperation with France, with whom it maintains an exceptional partnership, Spain, who is seen as a strong ally; and Europe, generally as a strategic partner, calling for a “balanced, equitable partnership that goes beyond narrow, short-lived interests.” Morocco aims also to strengthen its cooperation with the United States, whose people share the same values as Moroccans, as well as Russia and China as part of its “endeavors to diversify its foreign relations.” “Morocco’s credibility is also shown by its positive involvement in dealing with various issues of global concern,” the speech continued.

The Moroccan model shows more of a ‘challenge’ than a ‘change’ imposed by the uprisings that have shaken the region, read the royal speech. Torn between ‘evolution’ and ‘revolution’ concepts, several books and articles were written outside of Morocco about its remarkable stability after the so-called Arab Spring. This evolution led to the new concept of “exception.” Morocco is, as the authorities repeat, an “exception” in the Arab world and its Islamist Prime Minister, AbdelilahBenkirane, who was back at the Davos Economic Forum this year to promote the “secrets of Morocco’s success,” wrote the Guardian.

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Meknes: Decoration of personalities of royal Wissams on of the Throne Day

Meknes – Several personalities working in Meknes have been decorated of Wissam at the prefecture of Ismailia, on July 30, 2015 by royal decree, on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of King Mohamed VI’s accession to the throne.

Wali of Meknes Mohamed Kadiri gave first class of national merit honors to senior officials in the Interior Ministry. These include the principal pasha in Meknes, the principal official at the Ouali Cabinet in Meknes, Abdelaziz Benmoussa Dahri, and the principal official in the Wilaya, Abdelkrim Bouazzaoui.

Dozens of teachers and public service officials were given second class honors. In a festive andalouse music ambiance, the event was followed with the royal speech.

The new Wali of Meknes intends to adopt new strategies to develop the “Great Meknes” plan. Part of his communications plan, these decorations are an act of gratitude that reinforces a sense of belonging to the country and the desire to serve it globally.

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