Abdelaziz Karraky
Abdelaziz Karraky is a Moroccan university Political Science professor in Rabat and a human rights activist. Karraky has also worked extensively on human development issues and on democratisation.
Opinions by this panelist
Elections are essential to democracy (Comments: 3)
Elections are an indispensable prerequisite for democracy, because they permit competition for the transfer of power and abolish individual claims over power, ensuring that it is shared. And because they institute the concept of a political contract between rulers and… more
A cultural shift must first take place for women's advancement in politics (Comments: 2)
All constitutions of the Arab Maghreb countries state - in one form or another - the principle of gender equality, and many of them had ratified the Convention on the Political Rights of Women adopted on 20 December 1952. According… more
Education in the Maghreb has not achieved its objectives (Comments: 6)
The speech of President Barack Obama in Cairo University was not only limited to developing a road map which will certainly lead to building real peace in the Middle East, but it also pointed out the mechanisms of progress in… more
Reconsidering the law governing parties (Comments: 3)
The clamor of the electoral campaign that lasted for 12 days and in which 30 parties were competing for 27,795 seats is finally over. If one reflects on the outcome of these elections, one will draw a set of data,… more
There is no law that allows kidnapping innocent people (Comments: 3)
First of all, there is no law that allows kidnapping innocent people, and forcing their families or countries to pay ransoms in exchange for their release. Many people might say that Algeria was right when it decided not to deal… more
Al-Megrahi's release was primarily done for humanitarian reasons (Comments: 1)
One of the things that has provoked many viewers worldwide this summer is probably the images that were aired by TV networks from Libya of Libyan national Abdel Baset al-Megrahi - who is accused of bombing the PAN American plane… more
Fighting extremism in Somalia and beyond cannot rely solely on force (Comments: 2)
The declaration of the African Union leaders to make of 2010 a Year of Peace and Security in the Continent prompts them to confront many challenges, including democratization, eradication of famine, and peace establishment. All these issues are interrelated and… more
Democracy has to come to Africa first before the continent can aspire to a permanent seat (Comments: 4)
The first address of the Libyan leader Muammar Kadhafi to the United Nations General Assembly this year will remain a memorable event. Kadhafi is one of the leaders who protested in their own ways before the UN, like Khrushchev who… more
A real rapprochement needs to occur between Morocco and Algeria (Comments: 5)
The global popularity that football is enjoying today has turned it into a field where political, economic and social interests interact, thus making the organs supervising this sport gain a power that many international organizations do not have. This popularity… more
This appointment is a tribute to Morocco (Comments: 5)
This appointment is a tribute to Morocco on three levels: Firstly, it is an explicit recognition of Moroccan efforts in terms of self-reconciliation and putting an end to human rights violations through the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. Secondly, it is… more
Restoring stability comes through the establishment of democratic rule (Comments: 2)
Political turmoil prevails in a number of regions in the world today, affecting all fields, thus making it hard - if not impossible - to meet the most basic needs of life. Some disorders are of ethnic nature and were… more
Maghreb citizens must realize the importance of preserving historical sites (Comments: 2)
The Great Maghreb has a large number of archaeological sites that have witnessed the succession of various human civilizations. It is not about scattered antiquities, as much as it is about entire archaeological cities where people live today without -… more
Palestine, no matter other threats, is the overarching issue for the Arab World (Comments: 4)
The Arab League held its 22nd meeting in Sirte, Libya, March 27-29, 2010. This summit emphasized, once more, the decline of the interest of Arab peoples in the Arab League's meetings, as their expectations and aspirations are much bigger than… more
Accepting others as they are, not as we want them to be (Comments: 8)
Authorities were able, until recently, to draw boundaries for the freedom of expression as they wished, and make it consistent with the exact perception they had of it. Newspapers could be confiscated, or their issuance could be stopped when they… more
Democracy relies on a free and responsible press (Comments: 6)
Free press is seen today as one of the finest types of freedom of expression, and as an inseparable element of true democracy. Free press conveys news to citizens, and enables them to build positions about all core issues concerning… more
The National Initiative for Human Development, a new way of thinking about development (Comments: 5)
The National Initiative for Human Development is evidence of the country's awareness about the deficit of the development model that prevailed for a long time. This old model can no longer meet the growing and diverse needs of large proportions… more
Solving the Sahara issue would enable greater cooperation among Maghreb nations (Comments: 10)
Mauritania has suffered from al-Qaeda more than once. Consequently, the country decided that the first confrontation with this organization should be through the control of borders, in order to prevent the infiltration of terrorist elements into the Mauritanian territory. It… more
The danger of terrorism is far-reaching (Comments: 5)
Any normal human being can't but be shaken by the sight of murder scenes, wherever they take place, and whatever excuses are invoked, especially in places where people seek entertainment, only for their joy to evaporate in a second because… more
Large projects can alleviate the economic crisis in the Maghreb (Comments: 7)
Similarly to the 1929 global crisis that had crawled all over the world and destroyed the economies of many countries, the current global economic crisis has repercussions on every corner of the world. While the direct negative impacts emerged first… more
An independent press is a measure of a society's freedom (Comments: 5)
The existence of an independent press in a given country indicates an important margin of freedom in it, and underlines the non-existence of political hegemony over the whole social pattern, thus indicating a genuine pluralism that encourages intellectual diversity. So… more
Civil society channels ideas into action (Comments: 6)
The International Forum for Human Development was held in Agadir, shortly after the international summit hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to discuss the Millennium Development Goals in New York on 20-22 September 2010. Both events confirm that… more
Maghreb countries can better prepare for natural disasters (Comments: 5)
No matter how powerful and advanced a country is, it cannot face natural disasters. Countries are often helpless before the wrath of nature, which destroys everything on its way. However, technological progress made it possible today to mitigate - not… more
The clashes of Laayoune point to the need to solve the conflict (Comments: 10)
The events that took place in Laayoune during the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik camp were not ordinary clashes between security forces and demonstrators, nor similar to those happening in the rest of the world, including developed countries. Despite the… more
Radical institutional change will not ensue from recent Maghreb protests (Comments: 13)
The recent events that took place in some Maghreb countries confirm the existence of social and economic inequalities, as well as disruptions in terms of exercising freedoms. However, it should be noted that the exercise of freedoms varies clearly among… more
Reforming the army and the State crucial in Libya (Comments: 12)
Since Muammar Gaddafi took power in 1969, the Libyan army warred against Egypt, Chad and Sudan. These wars were not defense-oriented, as much as they were whims to seek positioning. The Libyan political system established a special relationship between the… more
Rights and duties go hand in hand (Comments: 7)
Maghreb youth have initiated political reform, since senior political elites were utterly submissive and often engaged in endless concessions in exchange for personal benefits. These elites lost their leading role due to their inability to be creative and innovative in… more
Human rights in Morocco: taking on a new life (Comments: 10)
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is the legitimate successor of the Advisory Council on Human Rights (CCDH), and its inception marks the start of a qualitative shift in Morocco aiming to monitor the respect of human rights by all… more
Islamic parties need to be included in the political process (Comments: 10)
Religion raises quite a few issues at the political level, in one way or another. The West settled this matter when it separated between reason and faith a long time ago, whereas the issue remains pending for many Muslim communities… more
Strengthening the judiciary: a must for democracy (Comments: 9)
Any humane person would get emotional if someone is imprisoned because of their political views, and when someone is released after being acquitted of political charges. Through the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, Morocco studied the phenomenon of political detention in… more
Terrorism cannot change the quest for freedom in the Maghreb (Comments: 7)
I don't know what motivated the perpetrators of the terrorist attack against Argana Café in Marrakech to choose this special timing for Moroccan society, in order to carry out this awful act that disturbed the debates and dialogue seeking a… more
Ratification of optional protocols: the only way forward (Comments: 4)
There have been certain disparities so far between Maghreb countries in terms of accession to international conventions on human rights and their optional protocols. Tunisia and Libya had already ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of… more
Countering AQIM through the creation of positive ideologies (Comments: 7)
The Libyan civil war has contributed to an unprecedented proliferation of weapons. This situation will likely persist until the establishment of an authority capable of imposing the rule of law. Libya is very close to the strongholds of al-Qaeda in… more
Maghreb societies need to move towards separation of powers (Comments: 3)
All Maghreb countries, except for Libya, are former French colonies whose Constitutions are based on the French semi-presidential model introduced by De Gaulle. This model resulted from a historical experience that confirmed France's failure in adopting the English parliamentary system,… more
Maghreb countries will benefit from Morocco's accession to the Pompidou Group (Comments: 3)
Drugs are a threatening scourge on many countries worldwide, including the Maghreb. Drugs are consumed particularly by young people who are the productive force of society; their traffic systematically sabotages the economy; and they help spread organized crime, which undermines… more
Countering radical ideas by enhancing the well-being of the people (Comments: 3)
Experience from around the world has demonstrated that a security-based approach is not enough to counter terrorism. This phenomenon has ideological foundations that easily convince people, and is fueled by the widespread poverty and vulnerability that are usually used to… more
The 09/11 terrorist attack, a shock to the entire world. (Comments: 2)
The 09/11 terrorist attack shocked the entire world. People couldn't believe this kind of horror that used to be seen only in the fantasy world of movie studios. Thousands of innocent people were killed mercilessly and pitilessly, just because they… more
Improving quality of life first as a line of first defence (Comments: 4)
The mysterious death of Ibrahim Ag Bahanga will certainly cast its shadow on the Sahel region, for an unknown period of time, due to many reasons, mainly: • The nature of his organization, its structure, and its ability to find… more
Protecting the youth through the promotion of values within the family (Comments: 5)
The internet offers the possibility of freely browsing an endless virtual world, and facilitates communication between people more than ever before, thus turning the world into a small borderless village. However, it is also a dangerous tool misused by many… more
The International Criminal Court should be involved in trying Saif al-Islam (Comments: 2)
Libya is going through a transition phase with a political regime and future ruling institutions that lack clarity. The way the Libyan Colonel was killed and his dead body abused, proves that society is dominated by revenge. The situation is… more
Relying on Maghreb expertise for the development of the Sahel (Comments: 8)
The Sahel consists of poor countries that face natural hardships related to climate change; political difficulties resulting from the total or partial absence of democracy; social and economic problems with the highest poverty rates in the world; and the negative… more
Avoiding war in the Sahel through development (Comments: 1)
On July 4, 2006, the Malian government and the May 23, 2006 Democratic Alliance for Change (ADC) signed the Algiers agreement. Many believed back then that the Tuareg problem in Mali was solved once and for all, thus sparing the… more
Said Elakhal
Said Elakhal is a Moroccan researcher in political Islam and a journalist in the daily Al-Ahdath Al-Maghribiya.
Opinions by this panelist
Local elections, a key to assessing democratic process (Comments: 1)
The local elections held on June 12, 2009, represent a key stop in assessing the democratic process that Morocco is applying under the rule of King Mohammed VI, who has adopted a social, modern and democratic project, and seeks to… more
The doctrine of takfir: A legitimization of the principle of istehlal (Comments: 0)
Terrorism perpetrated by takfir groups known as Jihadi ones, is the embodiment of subversive doctrines held by these extremist organizations. These groups are present and dynamic thanks to these beliefs that have been distorted from their historical and doctrinal context,… more
The appointment of female spiritual guides endorses the aptitude of women in religious education (Comments: 0)
The royal initiative in Morocco to appoint female spiritual guides and preachers is a very important step on two levels: - The first level: A religious/doctrinal level that puts an end to the male monopoly of religion, and recognizes the… more
Introducing the freedom of belief to the constitution is key to ensuring religious freedoms (Comments: 0)
Religious freedoms have been witnessing further restrictions in recent years in Maghreb communities, mirroring the degree and level of pressure which has been exercised by political Islamic movements in each of the Maghreb countries. Given the fact that these Islamist… more
The Afghanization of North Africa is part of al-Qaeda's strategy (Comments: 2)
The facts and terrorist events associated with the return of Maghreb fighters from Afghanistan to their home countries proved that they have supervised the formation and training of terrorist cells, as well as the spread of Takfirism among young people… more
The role of women scholars is shaped by male dominance and Bedouin jurisprudence (Comments: 0)
Tackling the role of women scholars and jurists in the Islamic world leads us to evoking the socio-cultural and political factors that marked each era in the Islamic history. Historians and biographers are unanimous about the special place that female… more
All Maghreb bodies are condemned to paralysis due to political conflict (Comments: 0)
Religious scholars are usually the ones entrusted with the protection of religious beliefs in their communities from any distortion or fraud. These scholars are also the only party that people resort to in order to learn about religion matters. The… more
Those who blow up mosques will not hesitate to blow up stadiums (Comments: 0)
Al-Qaeda is certainly pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy, both in terms of expanding the areas of its operations and determining the nature of the targets to be destroyed, and in respect of the new generation of recruits to carry out terrorist… more
Global war on terror is the only option to defeat its threat (Comments: 1)
The execution of the French hostage Michel Germaneau, despite his age (78 years) and his humanitarian activity for the benefit of African tribes in the north of Niger, is neither the first nor the last incident of this kind. Al-Qaeda… more
Women's status reflects society's maturity and the awareness of its elites (Comments: 0)
Arab societies are witnessing social and political mobility in terms of women's rights and respected legal status as citizens, while the situations of Arab women show obvious discrepancies from a country to another. The political and civil rights that women… more
Political, doctrinal and social motives of the hijab (Comments: 3)
The phenomenon of wearing the hijab has been spreading in the Maghreb societies among women, young girls, and even 7-year-old girls. The hijab, as a dress code that covers the curves of a woman's body, does not convey the same… more
Both men and women can be Sheikhs and issue Fatwas (Comments: 1)
Women in the Arab and Islamic worlds are subject to systematic exclusion from advisory that is exclusive to men. This exclusion reflects the male mindset that considers female voices and bodies Awrah in order to keep women away from public… more
The Amgala cell, a critical cornerstone in al-Qaeda's strategy (Comments: 1)
Al-Qaeda has been seeking since 2002 to set up terrorist cells in Morocco, in order to undermine the country's stability and hit Western targets. In the summer of 2002, dormant cells that were plotting to attack ships in the Strait… more
Al-Qaeda has enough excuses to legitimize violence even against free nations (Comments: 2)
The Arab region is undergoing major changes in the wake of the peaceful popular uprisings conducted against the authoritarian regimes, and aiming to establish democracies based on the values and culture of human rights. These changes can unveil the real… more
Bin Laden's death doesn't mean the end of his doctrines of takfir and jihad (Comments: 0)
Bin Laden's elimination by a U.S. commando team is no longer questioned by Arabs after al-Qaeda's statement confirming it and vowing vengeance against the U.S. and the West. Our peoples are used to questioning events that do not match their… more
Islamic parties want a religious State in civilian clothing (Comments: 4)
The Moroccan political scene is witnessing a large-scale social movement, involving all society's groups and stakeholders, especially the February 20 movement which accelerated the process of constitutional reforms. All these forces call for change, but with different demands. The modernist… more
Dialogue is a lofty, religious and ethical value (Comments: 1)
Dialogue lies at the heart of the Islamic value system. It's a Qur'anic moral that marks the relationship of Muslims with other monotheistic people, whose freedom of religion is preserved by Islam without any restrictions. The Holy Qur'an mentions several… more
Islam does not oppose democracy and human values (Comments: 1)
The entire world is following every moment of the Arab revolutions, which are making Islamist, Salafi, leftist and liberal political activists face the following dilemma: Are they ready to respect people's choice and will? Will they commit to the democratic… more
Iqbal Al Gharbi
Iqbal Al Gharbi is a Tunisian psychologist with a doctorate in anthropology from the Université René Descartes at the Sorbonne in France. She is the Director of the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and University Curriculum Reform at the University of Ez-Zitouna in Tunisia, and an advisor to the UN.
Opinions by this panelist
Cooperation is the solution for the states of the region against terrorism (Comments: 0)
Since the 1950s, international tourism followed a steady growth: 700 million people have traveled in the world in 2000, compared to 25 million in 1950. Globally, tourism is one of the top activities: It provides a third of service exports… more
What hinders Maghreb women from participating fully in political life? (Comments: 1)
Women's participation in political life has triggered many discussions by legal officials, politicians, as well as feminist and non-feminist civil society institutions in the Maghreb, and in the Arab world in general. Positions vary from supporters of women on the… more
Towards a comprehensive and multidisciplinary vision (Comments: 1)
It is striking that US President Barack Obama visited two notable institutions: Al-Azhar, which he considered a beacon of Islamic sciences for more than a thousand years, and the University of Cairo, which he considered as a fountain of progress… more
Fatwas of Istehlal: An Islam Against Islam (Comments: 2)
The Quran stipulates explicitly the unity of the human soul and stresses the human ties that take priority over all ethnic, religious, and cultural adherences. Allah Almighty says: "O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a… more
Can Maghreb expatriates living in Europe reform Islam? (Comments: 1)
As we all know, religion is also a culture. It structures the spacetime, allows the domestication of the world and represents a fermata, a destination for personal itineraries. It is a way for groups to recognize and build themselves. Muslims… more
Maghreb families adapt new technologies to Ramadan (Comments: 0)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, and the month of divine revelation. Every year during this period, Muslims observe a purifying fast. Believers who observe the fast during Ramadan wait for sunset to eat and celebrate the… more
Religious freedom is the foundation of modernity (Comments: 1)
The Maghreb has a rich cultural diversity, as a result of many Roman, Arabic, Ottoman and European invasions and conquests. Moreover, the Maghreb's heritage has been enriched thanks to the mobility of traders and the ease of trade in this… more
The return of Maghreb suicide bombers: Reason and irrationality (Comments: 1)
A phenomenon that surprises us. "Judging doesn't mean understanding, because, if we understood, we couldn't judge." André Malraux . At the beginning of this millennium, and since September 11 in particular, the new emerging images before our eyes are characterized… more
Valentine's Day: A Creative Outlet for Young People (Comments: 1)
According to the legend, Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served under the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At the end of the second century, when the Emperor outlawed marriage so that young men don't get busy with love… more
Feminist Islam: in the Maghreb and abroad (Comments: 0)
The emergence of feminist Islam a few years ago has affected not only the place and rights of women in Islam, but has also influenced various forms of discrimination, the plurality of interpretation of religious texts, and the diversity of… more
A terror show (Comments: 1)
A spectacular press release: The group of al-Qaeda in North Africa and the Maghreb has threatened to carry out a bombing at a football game in the upcoming World Cup taking place in South Africa. The press release published on… more
UN Women: An opportunity for Maghreb women! (Comments: 2)
The establishment of "UN Women" is a historic turning point towards the coherence of the United Nations system. The General Assembly of the United Nations has created a new entity that will be in charge of strengthening institutional mechanisms to… more
A global fight (Comments: 0)
78-year old Michel Germaneau who was abducted on April 19 in northern Niger, was a retired engineer involved in humanitarian work in Niger, as part of a voluntary project to help local communities. The execution of Germaneau was announced yesterday… more
One hijab, many hijabs... (Comments: 11)
A specter is haunting both sides of the Mediterranean: the hijab, or the Islamic headscarf. Some governments forbid it, namely Turkey, Tunisia and France; whereas others tolerate it. The hijab has become a State issue. Notwithstanding polemics and controversies, it… more
Whoever dominated the past, will dominate the future.... (Comments: 2)
Broadcasting Iranian blockbusters "the Messiah", "the prophet Joseph", and "Virgin Mary" on Maghreb channels, such as Nessma and Hannibal, has stirred many debates and controversies! Some believe that these historical series are "based on Shia fatwas that allow the depiction… more
The relationship between religious knowledge and women requires a gender approach (Comments: 0)
Barriers that have prevented women from issuing Fatwas stem from the prevailing perceptions and the common beliefs that have dominated our rich and complex civilization for centuries. In ancient civilizations, women enjoyed cognitive authority, namely in medicine, astronomy and divination;… more
Renewing the social contract (Comments: 5)
Morocco enjoyed a great deal of continuity throughout its history, as it inherited a long State tradition and did not succumb to the Ottoman stranglehold. Moreover, colonial authorities had preserved the traditional structures of the country and relied on traditional… more
Modernist achievements not at risk in Tunisia (Comments: 3)
Our inherent human dignity fueled the revolution The Jasmine Revolution broke out when a young Tunisian man set himself ablaze in protest against a policewoman who slapped him, insulted him and seized the wheelbarrow he used to sell vegetables and… more
The ideological meltdown of Al-Qaeda (Comments: 6)
Al-Qaeda spared the Maghreb its spectacular actions until 2006, but the region has now become a new field for international terrorism. As a matter of fact, the GSPC officially joined Bin Laden's organization on September 11, 2006, and this new… more
Bin Laden's death will only have a relative impact on the Maghreb (Comments: 2)
On the one hand, Bin Laden's death won't have any impact whatsoever on the functioning of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which never had any direct ties with the central organization. Actually, AQIM is the self-proclaimed satellite of al-Qaeda in… more
Creating a new political model that's modern and ethical (Comments: 0)
The Arab countries live to the rhythm of the Arab spring. The Spring of Nations was triggered by a deep crisis occasioned by several factors, namely a structural economic crisis, the closure of public space, and excessive social and regional… more
A global strategy (Comments: 0)
Mauritania has launched a loan programme to help integrate former Salafi prisoners into the workplace following their repentance. This strategy might be effective, because a mere security-based approach is not enough to deal with the complex phenomenon of Salafism. The… more
Security is a political issue (Comments: 1)
Tuareg rebel leader Ibrahim Ag Bahanga died in a car accident in the region of Kidal, Northern Mali, on August 26, 2011. Bahanga received military training in Libyan camps that were open to the Tuaregs of the Sahel in the… more
Family, a bulwark against cyber-terrorism in the Maghreb (Comments: 0)
Terrorist groups survive thanks to their ability to recruit new members; and their recruitment strategies often target teenagers directly. The internet has become an ideal tool for these groups, because teenagers often consider it a refuge and a private space… more
Sahel and Maghreb populations are fighting the same evil (Comments: 2)
Representatives of 30 member States of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), a number of Sahel countries, as well as regional and international organizations, all attended a meeting on terrorism. The meeting focused on five aspects: Border security, cooperation between police… more
Combining economy and security (Comments: 0)
Terrorism is not a new threat for many African countries, but many governments have just now realized that it threatens the security and economic development of Africa as a whole, thus requiring a coordinated joint response. However, Africa lacks a… more
Saloua Charfi
Saloua Charfi is a Tunisian professor of communications at the Institute of the Press and Information Sciences at the University of Manouba. She is also a journalist and contributes to several newspapers. Her interests revolve around information technology, human rights, media and politics. Much of her work and her writing have focused on improving women’s legal conditions in Muslim and Arab states, as well as human rights in general.
Opinions by this panelist
Are the principles of usefulness and satisfying public needs still respected in media practices? (Comments: 0)
In the coverage of the recent swine flu pandemic, the media tended to focus more on the number of victims than on prevention and symptoms. We noticed that in headlines that often announce first the number of deaths, even when… more
The necessity of an epistemological break in education (Comments: 1)
The baccalaureate exam does not only represent the end of a course of studies, but it is also a test of effectiveness for the educational policy in terms of curriculum, knowledge and pedagogical methods. The baccalaureate had been able -… more
TV reality shows: Selling dreams, not talent (Comments: 4)
Is it possible for a show that relies on fiction despite claiming being based on reality, and which seeks quick gains through excitement, to produce creativity? To answer this question, we should look at the industry of reality TV shows,… more
The power of social networks lies in their ability to create an atmosphere reflecting the feelings of the moment (Comments: 0)
Social networks, especially Twitter and Facebook, which are not older than three years, are among the most important means of communication and news sources. Facebook is the fifth most visited website in the world, and the number of its members… more
Prevention should be both political and social (Comments: 0)
The Algerian proposal that suggests putting an end to the practice of paying ransoms is raising humanitarian, political and practical issues. Is it permissible to gamble with the lives of hostages for an uncertain win in the long term? Britain… more
Acting upon education and the media for a new interpretation of the Qur'an (Comments: 3)
If we start from the rarely contested fact that the Qur'an is a text that is open to multiple and different interpretations, we can then agree with R. Barthes "that the text does not reflect reality, but it reflects its… more
Tunisia ought to adopt a new media policy (Comments: 0)
In Tunisia, streets remain dreadfully deserted for nearly two hours after breaking the fast; during this time, Tunisians watch two national soap operas. It has often been the case in Ramadan, as the national TV channel has always managed to… more
Rural areas are certainly lucky for not having traditional welfare infrastructures (Comments: 1)
It is unfortunate to see our farmers give up on the good baskets made of alpha or wicker, in order to use those hideous plastic bags that choke nature and stick to it like a second skin. That being said,… more
Unfair competition against the Maliki rite (Comments: 2)
The holy city of Kairouan, in Tunisia, hosted a Maghreb seminar on the Maliki rite on the 16th and 17th of March 2010. This conference is the second event dedicated to the main theological school in the Maghreb, after the… more
The media: showing more love and less blood (Comments: 1)
The media do not create information only. They also - and above all - create values that are communicated through pure information. The media are an effective means to instill new behavior and attitudes that fit easily into the dominant… more
Cultural barriers and mistrust (Comments: 1)
A band has recently played to a packed house in Tunis; tickets were mostly purchased online, and quickly sold out. In Tunisia, online purchasing and payment are very recent. There is a variety of websites for clothing, makeup and pastries;… more
Online terrorism (Comments: 2)
The Tunisian network on Facebook looked like a country that was devastated by a terrorist attack. For some people, this was September 11on the internet. Some cyber terrorists had declared "online jihad" against those who have opinions that are different… more
When teachers are depreciated (Comments: 1)
In Tunisia, corporal punishment in school is prohibited by law, under penalty of imprisonment for the guilty teachers committing it. Nevertheless, students allow themselves to assault their teachers. The observatory of the teachers' union -founded for this purpose - has… more
Reinforcing the sense of citizenship (Comments: 1)
The striking thing about Kampala's double attack claimed by Somalia's Islamist al-Shabab militia, which is close to al-Qaeda, is the fact that it is the first operation carried by al-Shabab outside the borders of Somalia. This action is a logical… more
Altering the social system through the law (Comments: 1)
August 13, 1956, was marked by the issuance of the Code of Personal Status in Tunisia. This code was not accepted back then by the conservatives who thought it was an infringement of the Quran, especially regarding the abolition of… more
Rejection of dead foreign languages (Comments: 4)
Over the past ten years, teachers have started warning the government and public opinion in Tunisia about the poor performance of students in learning the French language in particular, and not foreign languages in general. While the French language is… more
The global repercussions of terrorism require a global approach to fight it (Comments: 1)
28 Mauritanian members of AQIM escaped from the Sahara camps to turn themselves over to the authorities. To encourage other young recruits to defect from this organization, a threefold approach is needed, covering the security, psycho-educational and social levels. Mauritania… more
Salutary self-revolution (Comments: 4)
A young unemployed man from a deprived Tunisian region committed suicide on the 17th of last month, by setting himself on fire for being ignored by local officials. This incident sparked public uproar in Tunisia, and the anger has been… more
Democracy is not confined to the electoral process (Comments: 4)
International habits, customs, and law stipulate that governments ought to respect the existing commitments, treaties and agreements made by their predecessors. Governments may change, but the State as a moral entity symbolizing the people remains, and agreements are made on… more
Supervisory structures should establish an online presence (Comments: 0)
New technologies mean a new culture and a new generation. In Tunisia, young people watch television, listen to the radio, read newspapers and make new friends online. They even started a revolution two months ago, thanks to the internet. It… more
Holistic approach led by Algeria (Comments: 9)
The Tunisian and Libyan revolutions are a stroke of luck for AQIM. Since the outbreak of the Tunisian revolution, AQIM had announced its intention to take full advantage of the security slackness to establish itself in the country in a… more
Useful dialogue (Comments: 1)
Some people regard interfaith dialogue as a useless luxury. Others consider it a trap for values, as each religion believes other religions are not revealed truths, and that only its own faith is a source of salvation for humanity. Hence… more
Building a democratic culture requires stability (Comments: 0)
The recognition of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) by the international community is vital to strengthen the legality of the new Libyan authority. When a legitimate power is illegal, it remains fragile and prone to instability. Tunisia's example, after… more
Nessma's case: A conflict that is more political than religious (Comments: 3)
To understand the tension stirred in Tunisia by Pan-Maghreb TV channel Nessma after broadcasting the Iranian film "Persepolis", we should note its particular Tunisian context. The conflict is part of the polarization experienced by Tunisians, amidst the election campaigns of… more
Islam: A religion with no church (Comments: 5)
After the relatively recent emergence of religious political movements in the Maghreb, political discourses are polarized by Islamists and conservatives on the one hand, and modernists and liberals on the other. The former believe that Sharia must be the sole,… more
Salah Zeghidi
Salah Zeghidi is a retired executive at the Tunisian National Bank for Tourism Development. He is also a founder of the 2004 Democratic Initiative for legislative and presidential elections. A former Union founder and activist, Zeghidi has also written about human rights issues.
Opinions by this panelist
Elections should result in transfer of power (Comments: 0)
Elections in democracies are critical milestones in political life; events that emphasise the sustainability and vitality of the democratic aspect of these regimes. Elections also are the gateway to sharing power for interested citizens, whereby voters get to change their… more
Education and innovation alone will not solve problems of Maghreb countries (Comments: 1)
In the systematic speech he delivered in Cairo, President Obama tackled a variety of topics and issues in the scope of what he presented as a call to Arabs and Muslims... With regard to the part of his speech about… more
The joy at the release of the Lockerbie bomber is a testimony to the country's backwardness (Comments: 2)
The release of Libyan terrorist who carried out the bombing of the Lockerbie plane, which killed more than 200 innocent civilians, has sparked many reactions that ranged from deep resentment to jubilant joy. While many circles have expressed their disapproval… more
A cultural battle rages at the heart of democratization in the Maghreb (Comments: 0)
Elections in democracies are critical milestones in political life; events that emphasise the sustainability and vitality of the democratic aspect of these regimes. Elections also are the gateway to sharing power for interested citizens, whereby voters get to change their… more
The premise of an African seat on the Security Council is hard to achieve (Comments: 0)
The attitudes and practices of Colonel Kadhafi always stir a lot of tense and ironic responses, and his governance style itself causes surprise and bewilderment. As a matter of fact, Kadhafi is the only leader in the world to have… more
Social tragedy (Comments: 3)
No one disagrees that the problem of homelessness is a social tragedy that cannot be compared, in terms of seriousness, to any other social issue, especially that it has been affecting a growing number of children. Moreover, some Maghreb countries… more
Eradicating terrorism through border security and economic prosperity (Comments: 0)
Some African countries have become a breeding ground or a passage for drug-trafficking, or even stable or mobile bases for AQIM terrorist battalions and groups to train their members, kidnap people, and move across the borders as they please. Al-Qaeda's… more
Civil society also needs to help build a unified Maghreb (Comments: 1)
It's been more than twenty years since the establishment of the Arab Maghreb Union, that comprises Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania... The Maghreb leaders established this Union under circumstances that were characterized by two major factors that had definitely… more
Maghreb unity is the only way for the region to face the threat of terrorism (Comments: 2)
Arab summit meetings take place with the same pace, and implement the same technical, organizational and media mechanisms. The latest of these "historic" dates was held in the Libyan city of Sirte. The surprising thing about this session is that… more
The dilemma of press freedom in the Maghreb (Comments: 1)
The dilemma of press and media freedom in the Maghreb region is getting increasingly complicated day by day. Numerous and various reports are continuously issued, but they all - or almost - agree on the poor situation of the press… more
Fundamental societal reform key to development (Comments: 2)
The Institute of Economy and Peace issued, for the third year in a row, its Global Peace Index for more than one hundred countries across the world... This index indicates the extent of progress of the sampled countries in all… more
Civil society sees its participation in sustainable development hindered (Comments: 1)
There has been a lot of talk recently about sustainable development as a new concept and orientation for development issues that are the main concern of all governments and global institutions. Consequently, many organizations and associations emerged to occupy a… more
The Laayoune clashes have strengthened the Polisario (Comments: 16)
The dramatic events that took place in the Sahara last month were a huge surprise to everyone, given the magnitude of the demonstrations and the intensity of the clashes between thousands of demonstrators and the Moroccan army. Some observers of… more
Unemployment could become a explosive time-bomb (Comments: 2)
Illegal immigration of Maghreb youth to Europe, also known as "Herguan" in Tunisia, in order to earn a living or reach the "El Dorado" they think France and Spain are, has become part of our daily lives in Maghreb societies.… more
Tunisia: A period of transition (Comments: 4)
Tunisia's changes in the aftermath of the uprising that toppled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, raise a big question mark over the extent of the potential transformations in major Tunisian political choices regarding the universal system of human rights.… more
Libya at the crossroads (Comments: 3)
Libya has several specific characteristics. Everyone knows that the ruling regime in the Libyan Jamahiriya is unique... Gaddafi defines his regime as a republic, governed directly by the populace through the People's Committees. Since the beginning of the uprising of… more
Maghreb armed forces: a role being defined (Comments: 3)
Whenever a Maghreb country becomes a scene of critical events that may affect its political stability, the political and civil elites raise an extremely important and controversial question: Can the armed forces in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco maintain stability and… more
Secularism as the only viable model (Comments: 9)
After toppling the regime's most prominent figure who ruled the country for 23 years, Tunisia witnessed the surprising rise of Ennahda party and the return of its leaders who were living abroad. What's truly striking is the emergence of Ennahda… more
The quest for more freedom continues (Comments: 1)
Political prisoners have been, unsurprisingly, a central issue in the struggle for democracy in the Maghreb for nearly forty years, as many democracy advocates in the region were detained for years in the prisons of authoritarian regimes... Political imprisonment is… more
Will terrorism stop reforms? (Comments: 3)
Islamic terrorist activities in the Maghreb have decreased in the past few months, with fewer and less intense confrontations in Algeria, and no bombings or explosions in Morocco and Mauritania. In the meantime, the focus was centered on social and… more
A true independent judiciary is a must to protect citizens (Comments: 1)
The establishment of democracy in the Arab-Muslim world, and the Maghreb, is a complex and multidimensional issue... The problem that arises first is the scope of the relationship between the State and religion, not in terms of symbols, but in… more
The revolution must continue (Comments: 3)
The successive events that have been taking place in a number of Arab countries give rise to intense debates and important questions. Nobody is left unaffected by the "Arab Spring". The fall of dictators such as Ben Ali and Mubarak,… more
The smuggling of weapons in the Maghreb: a new challenge for governments (Comments: 0)
The issue of arms smuggling in the Maghreb region has caused a great concern for the leaders of the Maghreb countries in the last decade, especially since the emergence of Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb. There have been several meetings and… more
