Morocco is an interesting place. Beautiful women and an interesting culture. There is a lot more to their customs then just Islam. it is sad to note how many 911 suicide sky jackers were from Morocco... but I think this country has a European sensibility... or at least it did 50 years ago. At the very least it was a great place for Beatnics to pray on young boys. eh... "WHAT COULD GO WRONG?"Morocco achieved all of the goals of the protests of the so- called Arab Spring without bloodshed or instability. What sets Morocco apart is the willingness of its far-seeing king, whose legitimacy is not disputed by pro-democracy protestors, to meet his people's legitimate demands for freedom.
Political parties are united in support for the king's proposed new constitution, except for the radical Islamists of Al Adl Wal Ihsanne and the Maoists of Annahj.
Morocco is fortunate in its history. Its struggle for independence was coupled with demand for the return from exile of its king in the 1953. Morocco became formally independent in 1956. Thus, for more than 50 years, Moroccans have celebrated what they call the "Revolution of the king and the people." Unlike in other lands, the king can actually be a revolutionary figure.
But, still, the Moroccan example holds lessons for other Arab lands. Rulers can either lead their people to democracy or get shoved aside by reformers. They can either live to be loved by their people or, like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, loathed and exiled.
With any luck, the July referendum on the new constitution will determine more than just the future of Morocco. via hudson-ny.org and image via telegraph.co.uk
