Zawaya

Driss Ben Ali

Driss Ben Ali is a professor of Economics and the Director of Research at the Faculte des Sciences Juridiques, Economiques et Sociales at the University Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

Opinions by this panelist

Sustainable Development

Is economic growth a good indicator of prosperity and welfare? Should we seek to maximize it? There is no theory that sets the maximum rate of growth. Yet, how can we not be delighted when growth is increasing, unemployment is… more

Social policy

Is it possible to carry out an economic policy without a social one? If we ask this question to politicians, their answer will certainly be no, since all economic policies are meant to ensure a decent life for citizens. Therefore,… more

Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb

On July 1st, 2008, the New York Times published an exclusive interview with the designated leader of al-Qaeda in the Maghreb. To the question "what is your biggest accomplishment?", Droukdal responded: "We believe that our greatest achievement is that jihad… more

Cooperation on energy matters could help unite Maghreb countries

The quest for energy independence drives the economic policies of the Maghreb countries more than ever. This independence is an issue of legitimacy for the governments, since they are accountable to the citizens for the global conditions of prosperity and… more

Graduate unemployment

The events that shook a few cities in southern Tunisia last week are rekindling the debate on a throbbing evil that has been gnawing away at Maghreb societies, i.e. unemployment among young people, notably graduates. The persistently high unemployment rate… more

Investors now expect further reforms in the Maghreb

Political stability is key to economic activity nowadays, especially in a global economy context where everybody depends on everybody and where the media conveys and amplifies the turmoil taking place in the world. The political events shaking up the Maghreb… more

Libya's unrest takes a toll on the Sahel

The prevailing situation in Libya is greatly worrisome to the Sahel, as manifested in the statements of some politicians in the region. Local officials are also openly expressing their concerns about the recruitment of thousands of young Tuaregs to fight… more

Repercussions of the Gulf's proposal

The proposal of the Gulf Cooperation Council to Morocco is surprising, and raises several questions. Firstly, this invitation is an insult to geography, because it's quite astonishing to invite a country to join a geographical group that's located 6000 kilometers… more

A new social contract between government and citizens

More than two centuries after Europe and twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it's the Arab world's turn (including the Maghreb) to be shaken by an unprecedented tidal wave. After kowtowing for decades, and even centuries, the… more

Maghreb expatriates are revitalizing their home economies

Expatriates - often referred to as the diaspora - have made invaluable contributions to their home economies. They send remittances to their families, supply their home economies with foreign currency and capitals, and offer the needed technical and scientific skills… more

Libyan arms: A threat that requires Maghreb cooperation

Gaddafi's death is certainly a pivotal event for the Libyan people who successfully got rid of a fierce and irresponsible tyrant. However, the death of this unpredictable and capricious despot also raises new threats and serious concerns for Maghreb countries… more

The Sahel has become a ticking time bomb

The area stretching from the Atlantic to the Red Sea is highly important on the strategic, economic and security levels. It is home for hard drug dealers, mercenaries, spies, former extremist Afghan fighters, illegal immigration candidates, slave traders, deserters from… more

Building credible institutions

Since Kadhafi's fall, Libya has been seeking a new existence, and aiming to implement a more democratic and stable regime. However, the country has been facing substantial hardship. The new Libyan authorities are struggling to disband (former-revolutionary) armed militias who… more

Employing youth is an urgent matter

Ever since Bouazizi set himself ablaze in Tunisia in December 2010, triggering the Tunisian revolution and the Arab Spring, self-immolation has become the ultimate expression of protest by desperate young people in the Maghreb. This practice is symptomatic of the… more

Mali as a wake-up call for the Maghreb

Half of Mali fell under the control of Touareg rebels, Islamists and various armed groups within days of a coup d'état. When a "country" like Azawad is born this easily, it becomes clear that neighbouring nations could disappear with equal… more

Africa would benefit economically from Morocco AU accession

Morocco is stepping back onto the African stage. Supported by active diplomacy and a coherent strategy of co-operation, Morocco ranks as the second most active South-South co-operation country on the continent — right behind South Africa, and way ahead of… more