Morocco's King Warns against US Embassy Moving to Jerusalem

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has expressed his strong opposition to the Trump administration plan to move its embassy to Al-Quds (Jerusalem). In a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, HM the King stressed the need to preserve the status of the holy city

President Mahmoud Abbas and King Mohammed VI

In the letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the sovereign warned of the serious consequences of such an initiative for the efforts to resolve the Palestinian question and also on "peace and security", not only in the Middle East, but also on the rest of the world.

The monarch, who presides over the Al-Quds Committee, reiterated his commitment "to defend the holy city" and "its inhabitants" and "to protect their legitimate rights guaranteed by the International resolutions and the principles of the Fourth Geneva Convention ".

The King said he followed with particular interest the developments of the American project and that he makes a "regular evaluation of all the indicators and the probabilities". At the same time, Mohammed VI affirmed his readiness to "coordinate" with Mahmoud Abbas and the "other Arab and Islamic leaders" as well as those "friendly countries that support Palestinian law" in order to "defend with all possible legal means, political and diplomatic, the legal status of Al-Quds-East in accordance with the international resolutions.

On 23 December, the Security Council voted in favour of a text condemning Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The resolution was made possible thanks to the Obama administration's abstention. However, the appointment of Donald Trump has completely changed the situation. Encouraged by plans to move the US Embassy to Washington, Israel announced last week the construction of 566 homes in three Arab neighbourhoods in Al-Quds East.


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Françoise Atlan and the Al Quds Ensemble

Françoise Atlan and the Al Quds Ensemble - Morocco Palestine


O garden now closed to our encounters,
You have been discarded through the fires of exile,
Bring me, bring me those blossoming trees
And their perfume of eternal bliss!
Ibn Hamdîs – 11th century

The repertoire encompasses original works from the great tradition of Jerusalem to the Sufi songs of Sohrawardi Alhhâllaj, touching upon Ahmed Rifaï and interpretation of spiritual texts in the form of Mouwashshahat poetry.

"They will be singing lyrics that evoke the garden in this specially created programme." Zeyba Rahman told the audience before the concert.

Françoise Atlan, who appeared in the Festival's opening night performance "Love is my religion", is at the very centre of musical tradition in Morocco. From Ladino song to the Judeo-Arab tradition, from the Judeo-Berber tradition to Andalusian music, she has nourished this fundamental heritage over many years. Such heritage springs from a labyrinthine history and a fascinating oral transmission in Morocco; Atlan's work has made these traditions accessible and alive.

Françoise Atlan is considered a traditional singer by the classical music world, and as a lyrical singer by the world of traditional song. She is one of those rare sopranos who can deliver both repertoires without confusing them.

With the Al Qods Ensemble accompanying her, (and members of Arabo-Andalusian Orchestra of Fes under the direction of Mohammed Briouel) Atlan sings sacred and profane poetry with both emotion and knowledge. The songs have the richness of great muwashshah that takes us back to the time when this type of poetry was invented and developed in Andalusia at the end of the 10th century by Mokaddem Ibn Mouafa de Abra. It is a melodius song consisting of multi-lined strophic verse. Over time it has taken various forms in both North Africa and the Middle East. In Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, it is found in the nouba; in the Middle East it lives on as the foundation of tarab (musical ecstasy).


The Concert

A smaller than expected crowd filled Batha Museum today for Françoise Atlan’s second performance of the 2013 Fes Festival, following her glowing success at the Opening Concert last Friday. Hot, dry and 36˚C in the shade, attendees used whatever they had on hand to shield their eyes and bodies from the unforgiving heat.

Maher Diba and Françoise Atlan

Unfortunatly this specially arranged Arab-Andalucían performance for the Sacred Music program was extremely poorly advertised. It was only during the introduction that the crowd learnt Palestinian singer Maher Diba would follow Atlan, with instrumental backing by the Al Quds Ensemble, then return with Atlan to finish the afternoon concert.

Given the crowd’s later reaction to Diba’s voice, the Fes Festival should have definitely made more of an effort to –putting it plainly- publicise their programming and information correctly.

Atlan led the first half of the concert, resplendent (if not stifling) in jet black long sleeve silk. Her friendly smile and motherly demeanour drew audience members in, and the soprano started with a voice as clear and bright as the summer sky. Playing the kaman (Arabic violin) with both bow and fingers, three members of the Al Qud Ensemble provided a soothing melody that allowed Atlan’s voice to soar.

Today’s concert centred on Arab-Andalucían traditions, with Atlan singing a mixture of Arabic, Berber and Andalucían styles. While thoroughly entertaining, the Al Quds Ensemble and Atlan seemed out of sync in parts; the musicians occasionally playing quite fast and Atlan’s vocals raced to follow her sheet music and to match the tempo.

Atlan sang with a voice that sparkled and was as full of light as the glitter on her dress and the diamante cuffs on her wrists. Overall, her vocal style today is best described as inhabiting some perfect place between classically trained soprano and lyrical singer. Her ability to naturally combine the two into a harmonious whole highlights her skill and talent as one of Morocco’s premiere vocal artists.

Maher Diba

Maher Diba then came to the stage. He had a quiet, reserved disposition. He sung of Mashreq (the Arab region east of Egypt and north of the Arabian peninsula) and Maghreb (encompassing Morocco and Arab-speaking countries in western North Africa), with an almost sermon-like delivery to his lyrics.

Maher's long, drawn out notes drifted across the audience like the cool breeze that began to provide some relief from the heat. He is described as a young Palestinian singer from a generation of musicians dedicated to empowering communities and educating them through music. Many of the Moroccans in the audience were completely transfixed by his presence, vocals and the content of the pieces he performed.  The crowd were enthusiastic and responsive, singing along, clapping in recognition of a well sung phrase and even ululating their appreciation. Cheers of joy followed each song.

So hot - musicians in sunnies!

Fans to beat the heat at Batha

The skill of the Al Quds Ensemble, particularly the qanûn (large zither-like plucked string instrument) player, took Diba’s performance to another level.

Finishing with Wa Nasitou Da’ei the crowd erupted and excitedly bopped in their seats, hands out, heads lowered, clapping and listening to the lyrics.

As a final treat, the audience witnessed the collaboration between Diba, the Al Quds Ensemble and the effervescent Françoise Atlan.

In full, hot sunshine, Atlan smiled and began. The combination of her soprano, Diba’s levelled, considered tone and the talent of the Al Quds Ensemble was the perfect end to a great afternoon.

 A standing ovation and encore performance ensued, and the audience basked for one last moment in the symphonic harmonies of three talented groups brought together for the 2013 Fes Festival.

Text: Natasha Christov, additional text: Vanessa Bonnin
Photographs: Vanessa Bonnin

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Massive Marches Expected in Morocco

Moroccan political bodies have called for citizens to take part in the largest march in the Morocco's history - "The March to Jerusalem".  The march will take place this coming Sunday with activities on Friday as well. The recent mass marches in Rabat have been seen as the prelude to the Jerusalem march events. Plans for the event include a joint forum with students from Jordan and a declaration of a fast day in efforts to show solidarity with Jerusalem.

On Friday, a number of marches will be held simultaneously, leaving from Casablanca, Fes and Meknes. Two days later pro-Palestinian organizations will launch a mass rally in Casablanca expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people.

The Moroccan Islamist group Al Adl Wa Al Ihssan (Justice and Charity) called in a statement all the Moroccan people to make Friday March 30 “a day of solidarity and protest in support of Palestine and Jerusalem” by organizing protest marches in all the Moroccan cities.

Last Sunday's pro-Palestinian march in Rabat

The Islamic group had organized a massive march for Jerusalem in Rabat last Sunday (25/3) but no political bodies which support the Palestinian issue participated in the march.

Next Sunday's march (1/4) was called for by several political bodies and parties, left-wing and right-wing, in addition to Justice and Development Party, and its ideological wing the Unification and Reform Movement, in order to organize “the largest march in Morocco history to support Jerusalem and the Palestinian cause,” according to Lakom Kam newspaper on Wednesday (28/3). The organisers have picked Casablanca as a starting point due to its huge participation. The march comes as a response to “justice and charity” march which surprised the observers in terms of participants’ numbers and the movement’s ability to organise.

The newspaper stated that the observers are waiting for the government’s reaction and media in dealing with the next march. The government has allowed the Justice and Charity group to organize a huge march for the first time, though it is not licensed to operate yet as a political party, but the official media had totally ignored the march that surprised the observers, the newspaper added.

The march will be in solidarity with other marches around the Arab world. In Lebanon, participants will convene for a prayer session on the Beaufort, which overlooks the border with Israel. Public figures are expected to deliver a speech at the site, with organizers looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of participants.

According to Lebanese reports, security forces held a Turkish vessel carrying activists from Iran, Turkey and other Asian states for long hours. Hezbollah representatives reportedly mediated in efforts to resolve the crisis.

Jordan has set the gathering point at the site where it is believed that Jesus was baptized, a location overlooking Jerusalem. According to plans, this rally will also include speeches and masses of protestors.

Jordanian coordinator of the march, Ribhi Halloum, said: "We feel the immense interest in the event expressed through donations from private individuals and the Islamic Movement."

The Al-Dustour newspaper reported that Jordanian Prime Minister Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh expressed his readiness to provide the Jordanian government's sponsorship to the march which he said would be non-violent.


While there is no public safety threat, tourists in Morocco are advised to avoid the areas where the marches are taking place.

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Fes Forum asks the questions

Katherine Marshall has long been involved with the Fes Forum at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. She is a
Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University.

In the following article published in the Huffington Post, Katherine explains just what the Fes Forum tackled at this year's Fes Festival. The Forum is a debating platform that takes place over the first four days of the Festival - this year the theme was a Debate on Wisdoms. Influential people from all walks of life are invited to take part in discussing important world problems.

A SPIRITUAL TAKE ON THE PALESTINE-ISRAEL CONFLICT & THE ARAB SPRING

The Fes Festival faced pouring rain early this week but that did not dampen the spirits of the tens of thousands of people who mill around this beautiful old city in search of beauty and the inspiration that comes from a rich menu of sacred music. In a world where interfaith dialogue rarely makes headlines and provokes not a few cynical asides, it is heartening to see both large audiences and a forest of cameras and recorders at the Festival's "idea" segment, the Fes Forum. Why? The notion of linking the world's cultural diversity and its challenge meets a strong echo. And the inspiration of music frees people from set patterns of communications, opening the path to fresh exchange and a lively dialogue.

On Sunday and Monday (June 5 and 6) the Forum plunged into hot waters, with two morning sessions devoted first to the conflict in the Middle East, and second to the turbulent events that have shattered apathy and perhaps complacency in North Africa. The youth uprisings inspire great hopes here, and real apprehension. Here in Fes, there is a sense of sitting near the epicenter of the seismic changes that are transforming not only politics but also culture and social norms.

Beginning on an artistic note, Sunday's discussion began with a reflection by Dr. Katia Legeret Manochhaya (professor at the Sorbonne) on India's traditions of wisdom. Wisdom is so tightly connected to spirituality that the two are inseparable. Asked about wisdom, many Indians look up to the seven great sages who they see in the constellation of the Great Bear. "Ri" evokes the three actions that are attributed to the wise: to situate, to participate, and to act. In India, the rich spirituality of wisdom is conveyed above all through stories and art, legends and parables drawn from the great texts, and above all the Bhagavad Gita. That is how the young learn and the traditions are transmitted.

We moved swiftly from Indian spirituality to the turbulent present realities of the contemporary Arab world and the Near East, with the geographic and spiritual focus shifting rapidly through the morning's discussion. The rhythm and tempo of discussion rose: emotions ran deep as sensitive, often taboo, topics were evoked. However, one participant's reflection was that the capacity to discuss and exchange frankly on these issues marked an opening.

What is the "Near East"? Majid Rahnema, reflecting on Iran's revolutionary history, painted a large canvass for the day's discussion. He tied the "surprises" of political uprisings to the world's social injustices, especially today the four billion people who are poor. Then Mahmoud Hussein (pseudonym for two French Egyptian scholars and activists) read passages from their work that traced the daily evolution of Egypt's political transition, again evoking the themes of surprise set against the deep forces at work which explain this year's events. Edgar Morin saw many parallels between the French Revolution and today's changes and challenges: the blend of hope and anger, in the face of arbitrary dictatorships and corruption. Symbols bring people together and mobilize them to move beyond paralysis and apathy, whether the young Tunisians and Egyptians confronted by arbitrary, cruel power, or the Bastille in the France of 1789. The principle of liberty is the thread that links these political earthquakes.

With so many injustices and conflicts in the world, why, asked Edgar Morin, does the Palestine-Israel conflict assume such a central role? Is it a cancer that has metastasized to the world? This theme of cancer and of the open wound of conflict touched off exchanges that evoked many unresolved debates. What are the causes of conflict, what leads to their transmission, and where can we find the balance between the very local elements of conflict and their global ricochet effects in today's fast moving world? Where are the solutions?

Nabil Ayouch brought a deeply personal element that transformed the discussion. His own family and upbringing -- Muslim and Jewish -- led him to question deeply both identity and assumptions. He came then to work with film, and specifically travelled to the tragic refugee camps in Lebanon and to Israel and its dynamic and connected young generation. Religion and politics, geography and culture, all are part of the paradox of the present. His conclusion: that the worst enemy today is not hate but indifference -- the capacity of Israel, especially, to cut itself off from the history and present realities of its neighbors. Yet he recalled the wise words of a young girl who said it is not the land that is too small, but people's hearts.

The latter discussion and the intense questioning from the audience centered on the Palestine Israel conflict. The paradox was evoked again and again: the solutions to the conflict appear to be well known, yet the current situation is blocked, hopelessly it seems. Borders, Jerusalem, refugees, come up again and again in an endless cycle. The discussion and above all the emotional undercurrents are hard to capture, but among the points of concern, and hope, are prospects that in September the United Nations will recognize Palestine as a state, the failures of the Quartet (the UN, European Union, the United States, and Russia) and the hopes and disappointments surrounding the role of the United States and President Obama.

Indian spirituality seems far removed from the troubling cycle of discussions about politics in the Near East, but the elements of wisdom evoked in the opening ran through the discussion. To situate and ground, in both realities and perceptions, is a first imperative. A second imperative, to participate, is the essence of the new revolution and the re-engagement of people in shaping their future. And to act is also part of wisdom. So, the Forum is left with the challenge of its vision: can the "spirit of Fes" help in breaking the vicious cycle of hate and indifference? Can it restore human dignity to the stalemate and hurt? Can this blend of history and present, spiritual and material, help bring solutions?

On Tuesday, Fes Forum moved closer to home, plunging directly into a spirited discussion of the immediate realities facing the Maghreb. The large panel -- nine participants -- from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and France, veered from history and reflections on the deeper causes that inspired and provoked the uprisings and demands for change to what all acknowledged was speculation about what will come next. Youth, women, employment, poor governance, and links between Europe and the Arab world were constant themes.

Despite the element of surprise, even shock, of what one participant characterized as an earthquake, a clear set of deeper causes lay behind the waves of reaction and action that followed the suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia. While each country is very different, there are important common threads. Today's youth, the young people at the forefront of the incessant demands for change, are the product of demography: a baby boom that has tripled the region's population in 30 years, the changing age pyramid accentuated by declining births. Thus youth have burst onto the scene demanding attention. Images and preconceptions to the contrary, the societies have been fundamentally feminized: women are there, and they want to share power and responsibility. In societies where community was a historical norm, the individual has emerged as an actor, not only in the visible Facebook and Twitter transformation but in what lies behind it, in human terms. Many recognize now that small groups can bring large changes. And the benefits of massive increases in education across the region, whatever its shortcomings, are apparent in a much broader and deeper political discourse and participation. A result is that all institutions, top to bottom, face new challenges. The conclusion? If people had looked behind the façade, the makings of revolution were quite apparent. Change was and is inevitable.

While Sunday's discussions about Palestine and Israel spilled over into Monday's reflections, still the absence of focus on that conflict belies the image of a region obsessed and blocked by the unresolved tensions further to the east. The question lingers and arouses passions and concerns, but it is not at the center. What is more immediate is the economy. Youth need jobs, a huge challenge that is not being met. The ultra-liberal free market model has not delivered. Neither has the trimming of the state that came with it. Better, not less, government is what is needed now.

Then on to the revolution itself and its character and its future. This revolution is proudly seen as non-violent at its heart, a rejection of old ideologies, whether of Marx or of Islamism. New values are emerging -- shaped in part, Amel Arfaoui suggested, by the important role of women who challenge the paradigms of dominance and power of the past. The new generation is allergic to all forms of corruption. But against this hopeful picture, the counsel of wisdom obliges us to question how far this is truly a new kind of revolution, or pattern of social change, or will the historical patterns of hope, turbulence, anarchy, dictatorship emerge? The risks are real and great.

The role of Islam, Islamism, and Islamania (fear of Islam or, more truly, obsession) was woven through the discussion. The culture of Islam deserves as much focus as the politics of Islam, argued Veronique Rieffel. A hard new look at both culture and religion are essential, in Europe and in the Maghreb.

The revolution affects both the southern and northern banks of the Mediterranean and brings home both common interests and differences. Some of these differences have stymied the ideals of the Mediterranean Union project. But what is striking, the group argued, is the common interests. What young people everywhere want, Bariza Khiari emphasized, is really exactly the same. The hope is that the Arab spring can break through preconceptions -- the old Orientalism that has colored and distorted Western images of the east, lending it both a passive and an aggressive character. There is hope in the new visions and understanding that are an essential part of the events of recent months. Linking north and south, Europe and the Maghreb and the Arab world, make sense and indeed such reinforced links essential for both. But there is plenty to debate: how far do these geographic spaces make sense as a central organizing principle? Where does a Mediterranean focus leave Iraq? The Baltic? Africa? Plenty of issues and obstacles emerged. However, a hard new look at what seems an eminently sensible and important idea, even a vision of rebuilding ties, is needed now more than ever.

The future? It will be difficult and there is much that is highly uncertain. It will surely be exhausting and demanding, yet full of hope and exhilaration. Civil society's role and the establishment of a state of law and justice, including fair distribution of wealth, and building on the emerging pluralism, in many senses of the term, need to be at the center. Education and jobs need urgent attention and action. There is no option but to hope, for peaceful, intelligent, wise change. An alliance of positive forces can help avert the risks and shape a positive destiny. Nations, alliances, and solid regional groupings, one concluding remark emphasized, are forged far less by common elements and even interests but more by a common vision that unites across differences. The Arab Spring thus promises to this very diverse region the new position in the world that it has long desired and deserved. The region's political leaders and its elites face great responsibilities, a collective challenge, and an opportunity to translate their ideals and promise into reality.

Jewish and Palestinian music at Fez Festival

When the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music was first launched in 1994, it aimed to have music from the three Abrahamic faiths: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. While the Festival has since expanded to include music from virtually every other belief system, this year's event will have two afternoons devoted to Jewish and Palestinian music.

16h00 SUNDAY 5 JUNE at the Batha Museum

The Hevrat David Hamelech Chorale from Strasbourg in France will perform Jewish liturgical songs of the Bakachot vigils, and Piyoutim poetry.

‘Our masters tell us that King Ezechias was not the Messiah because he didn’t sing …’

The Jews of North Africa, and particularly of Morocco, are inheritors along with the Arabs of an immense musical heritage, usually known as Andalous music. The Jews have held on to their nostalgia for this Spanish golden age, and such nostalgia is still to be found in their daily religious music.

Events such as Brith-Milas, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, public or family parties all feature Pyoutim (poems) sung by one or more Paytanim who are singers, poets and composers all rolled into one.

In an atmosphere of joy, détente and accomplishment, the Jews of the mellah went to the synagogue to listen until dawn to the pure Andalous style of the poems of Rabbi Jehouda Halèvy, Ibn Gabirol, Rabbi David Hassin and many other poets, both well-known and obscure.

The Hevrat David Hamelech Chorale of Strasbourg continues this repertoire that is fundamental to the history of the music of the Maghreb.

16h00 MONDAY 6 JUNE at the Batha Museum

Nawah Songs from the Jewish Sephardic and Palestinian traditions
Françoise Atlan, vocals
Moneim Adwan, vocals and oud
Bijan Chemirani, zarb and daf

At the crossroads of the three monotheistic traditions of medieval Spain and of a musical tradition evoking exile, a lost homeland and sublime love, Françoise Atlan and Moneim Adwan (pictured above) cement an encounter between the music of the Maghreb and the Middle East.

Entering into resonance here are compositions, skilful improvisations, traditional and popular songs, alternating between liturgical texts and poetic verse, tarab and duende, the two emotions associated with Andalusia. The nostalgia of Sephardic song and the Jewish-Spanish romances of Françoise Atlan join with the heartbreak of a Gaza childhood – that of singer and oud-player Moneim Adwan.

Adwan performed at the Fes Festival in 2004. His songs are inspired by the traditional musical heritage of the Al-Châm region (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine) and by the classical Arab repertory. His compositions are an attempt to keep the tradition alive in a country which wavers between modernism and ancestral traditions.

With a background in two cultures and blessed with great vocal expression, original technique and style, Françoise Atlan has Judeo-Berber roots that have naturally led her to her passion for the Mediterranean vocal heritage, particularly the Judeo-Spanish and Judeo-Arab traditions, during her career as a lyrical singer.

Alongside her career in music and artistic projects which takes her all over the world, Atlan is also Artistic Director of the Festival de la Musique Andalousie Atlantique in Essaouira and has often performed at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.

Fez Festival of Sufi Culture - Day Five

Moneim Adwan from Gaza with his group at Batha

Today's concert at the Batha museum was one of the best to date. It was presented by Moneim Adwan from Gaza. The title of the concert was very appropriate to the setting - Les Jardins de L'ame - or gardens of the soul.

The audience were totally captivated

Faouzi Skalli introduced the afternoon's performance with a detailed explanation of the states of altered consciousness experienced by Sufi adepts. This was a rare exposition of esoteric practices which would normally be reserved for initiates. Faouzi was obviously speaking from deep personal experience and this, combined with his eloquence and charismatic personality, made a profound impression on his listeners, who were spell-bound. It's probably fair to say that everyone present was totally engaged with his discourse.

Faouzi Skali was inspiring.

He elaborated on heightened states of awareness where relative world concerns dissolve, and where the devotee is present in the presence of the divine. There was a moment of wry humour when Faouzi said that this ecstatic state is known amongst Sufis as ivresse (intoxication), a strange word, he said, in a Muslim context.

Moneim Adwan

The "conversation" between violin and oud was superb

Moneim Adwan was born in 1970 at Rafah in Gaza. He started singing as a child, mainly popular and religious songs.

At 17, he began to play the oud and few years later, he left his country to go to Tripoli (Libya) where he got a Masters in Musicology at the University of Arts, with teachers Fateh el-Ramiz (singing) and Abdallah Sebaï (Oud).


After spending time in Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan and Iraq, he worked for 6 years performing at different events for the Palestinian government, the Ministry of Education, in the theatre and cinema. He composed the opening music for Bethlehem in January 2000. Since 1999, he has recorded 3 CDs in France : Chicha (with the musician Michel Montanaro and the music of Provence), Nawah (with the singer Françoise Atlan and her Sephardi songs), Motayem "ecstatic with love" (with the group Pêcheurs de Perles, music from Iraq).

In June 2004, he sang at the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music.

Spotted in the audience was the exceptional Moroccan singer Anass who trained for some years in Syria and Turkey.His recent international performances have taken him all over Europe including Poland where he has been a huge hit.

On previous days we have mentioned the international media, so it would be remiss of us not to feature our favourite Moroccan photographer (pictured below).


Photographs: Sandy McCutcheon.
Additional reporting: Aurora Borealis & Helen Ranger.

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

King and Queen of Jordan visit Fez

No strangers to Fez, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were in Fez this weekend on a private visit.


Accompanied by the King's uncle, Prince Talal and his wife Princess Ghaida, the royal party arrived in Fez on Sunday afternoon and were greeted by King Mohammed VI, Princess Lalla Salma and their son Moulay Hassan.

Private visits such as this one give an opportunity for the two monarchs to discuss the close cooperation between the two kingdoms and to forge a common Arab stance on various issues. They also talked about current events and how to bring peace to the Middle East.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri told the press on Friday that Amman and Rabat had a clear vision about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The creation of a Palestinian state is the solution to the crisis in the Middle East," he said. "It is futile to seek other alternatives."

He said both countries backed Egyptian efforts to mediate a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas in and around Gaza.

King Abdullah and Queen Rania were the guests of honour at a dinner held by the Moroccan royals. Today the Jordanian King and Queen are off on an official state visit to Portugal.

HRH Queen Rania of Jordan at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, 2007

(photo: Sandy McCutcheon)

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Palestine - Lest We Forget

The sad truth is that in the last decade more than twenty Israeli civilians have been killed by weapons fired from Gaza. The Israeli response that has unfolded in the last few days has killed (to date) almost 700 Palestinians. On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers been killed so far, including four soldiers fallen victim to two friendly fire incidents. While moral equivalence arguments take us nowhere, it is blindingly obvious that the Israeli response is outrageously over the top.

The Israeli notion that crushing Hamas will somehow bring stability to the region is flawed. One only needs to look at the reaction in countries around the world. First we saw sad disbelief, but as atrocity piled on atrocity that sadness has turned to anger. The Palestinians have long memories and while there is disgust around the world at the slaughter of forty-three refugees killed in two United Nations schools, for Palestinians these killings will be added to a long list of grievances.

In a recent article, Robert Fisk asks why we should be surprised by the killings in the UN schools.

Have we forgotten the 17,500 dead – almost all civilians, most of them children and women – in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon; the 1,700 Palestinian civilian dead in the Sabra-Chatila massacre; the 1996 Qana massacre of 106 Lebanese civilian refugees, more than half of them children, at a UN base; the massacre of the Marwahin refugees who were ordered from their homes by the Israelis in 2006 then slaughtered by an Israeli helicopter crew; the 1,000 dead of that same 2006 bombardment and Lebanese invasion, almost all of them civilians?

So, how should we respond? Calls for justice are warrented and yet, if history is any guide, will fall on deaf ears. While some (like Fisk) are now calling the killings a war crime, there is little chance that Israel will ever face court for their actions. Yet the killings of civilians and the use of illegal phosphorus munitions calls for a response. With few exceptions the international community has condemned Israel's actions but proved powerless in the United Nations. Many point the finger at the US administration for thwarting a global response. The USA have long supported Israel and only the arrival of Barak Obama in the Whitehouse will show us if any change is possible.

The sad fact is that the frustration and anger of Palestinians and their supporters may feed into the cycle of violence and reap years of violent reponses. Yet, calls for the destruction of Israel and the deaths of suicide bombers and innocent civilians will solve nothing. It should be remembered that there are many Israelis who are actively protesting their government's actions in Gaza

In the long term, what will make a difference is a world united in providing Palestinian statehood, peace and eventual prosperity. In the interim Israel does need to be held to account, if not in international courts, at the very least in the international media. Thankfully there are respected journalists, such as Robert Fisk, telling the story.  It is a sad tale but one we dare not forget.

Yes, Israelis deserve security. Twenty Israelis dead in 10 years around Gaza is a grim figure indeed. But 600 Palestinians dead in just over a week, thousands over the years since 1948 – when the Israeli massacre at Deir Yassin helped to kick-start the flight of Palestinians from that part of Palestine that was to become Israel – is on a quite different scale. This recalls not a normal Middle East bloodletting but an atrocity on the level of the Balkan wars of the 1990s. And of course, when an Arab bestirs himself with unrestrained fury and takes out his incendiary, blind anger on the West, we will say it has nothing to do with us. Why do they hate us, we will ask? But let us not say we do not know the answer.

Morocco's Humanitarian Response.  

On Wednesday, Morocco's King Mohammed VI issued an order that Morocco should take in several hundred wounded Palestinians and treat them in two hospitals in Rabat. According to sources close to the King, his order was as a result of his own personal grief at what is unfolding in Gaza where there are estimated to be around 3000 wounded civilians.

The official MAP news agency says: "Following direct instructions from King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom of Morocco voices readiness to receive immediately 200 wounded for care and treatment.They will be treated in the Mohammed V Military Hospital and the University Hospital Avicenne, both located in the capital Rabat."

Morocco's response is timely, compassionate and practical. King Mohammed VI is to be congratulated.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Hamas victory and the rush to judgment

Today we woke up and the sky was a different color. We have entered a new era - Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, of Fatah.

While many Palestinians who have been disillusioned with a Fatah weakened by divisions and corruption allegations and yearning for change are celebrating the landslide victory, the blogosphere and the mainstream media seem to be in a rush to judgment over the win by Hamas in the Palestinian elections.

The Ottawa Citizen published an article today headed Hamas won't change its spots, by Barry Rubin... "Why should we believe that Hamas will do anything other than murdering thousands of people and installing a terrible dictatorship over Palestinians? Well, there's always naive wishful thinking."

The Blogger News Network was frankly horrified:

If you've ever said that it's not the Palestinian people that hate Israel, just their government...

...if you've ever said that the Palestinians just want to live in peace with the Jewish state...

... if you've ever had any illusions about what it would take to get peace between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East...

...this is your wake-up call.

Palestine Blogs was slightly hopeful... "I believe that since Palestinians are all alone facing their destiny with no one ever being able to stop their suffering, then it�s only Palestinians who have the right to choose their representatives. Let�s give Hamas a chance, and hope that things will become better� I know I sound extremely optimistic, but let�s wait and see!"

Beshara Doumani from the Department of History at Berkeley, writing in the hikm: an attempt at wisdom blog sees that ... "On the regional level, Hamas� victory is part of a larger trend of the ascendance of political Islam via the iconic vehicle of the secular liberal political order of the Enlightenment: the ballot box. The incredible scenes of women supporters of the Muslim Brothers in Egypt scaling walls in order to reach polling stations sealed off by police sent in to prevent a certain electoral defeat of the ruling government party, reveals a great deal about the determination of Islamist political parties that have swept to victories in many other countries, including Iraq and the limited municipal elections in Saudi Arabia."

Ed Lasky writing in The American Thinker says that Hamas will not moderate when in power: "When Hezbollah became part of the Lebanese government it only emboldened them. Now Hamas looks set to become the leading Parliamentary party in the Palestinian areas and will likely assume control of the region."

In a well-reasoned piece Sabbah ( Back to Nowhere ) points out that Hamas has no experience in running a government. Fatah, he says "...must have learned by now that they need a new blood to run the field. They failed miserably in all what they did in the past few years". He also draws attention to the fact that "While this is the situation in Palestine, we have to keep in mind that this elections represent ONLY Palestinians inside Palestine. Not a single vote was cast by millions of Palestinian living in the Diaspora. This is another lesson Fateh should learn".

The Israelis and Americans appear horrified by the outcome of a democratic vote, yet there are other voices in the Arab world who appear to be taking a more cautious "wait and see" approach.


Queen Rania of Jordan (who is of Palestinian origin):

"It remains to be seen how Hamas will step up to the plate now they're in a position of responsibility: Whether they will pursue a peaceful track and change their course or whether they will remain focused on the ideology they've propagated in the past."



Afghan President Hamid Karzai:

"If the people of Palestine have expressed their will by voting for Hamas, we should respect that will, and give Hamas a chance to prove itself while in government." He also urged Hamas to have what he called "the courage" to treat Israel as a nation which has an equal right to exist as the Palestinians do. And he called on Israel to treat the Palestinians as a nation, and to try to live with them as well.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf:

"Let's give Hamas a chance. If Hamas was the organization obstructing peace previously, they may be the organization to have the power to reach for peace also."
He also stated that previous politicians who had been considered warmongers by Muslims, notably Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, had transformed themselves into peacemakers.


Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi:

"The Islamic Republic of Iran congratulates Hamas and all the Palestinian soldiers and the great Islamic people. The Palestinians have voted for the resistance and have shown their loyalty. The allies of the Zionist regime must closely examine the evolution of the region and open their eyes to the undisputable realities of the Middle East. The result of these elections will reinforce the unity of the Palestinian people in defending their rights. The massive participation of the Palestinians shows their will to continue the struggle and resistance against occupation."

The reaction from the European Union has been more guarded, though not openly dismissive. The EU, the biggest provider of aid to the Palestinian Authority, said it would work with any Palestinian government that is committed to peace.

"We are happy to work with any government if that government is prepared to work by peaceful means," said external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner in a statement.

"In holding competitive and credible elections the Palestinians have shown their commitment to determine their political future via democratic means," she added.



TIME FOR CAUTION.

There is no doubt that the Hamas landslide has shifted the balance of power in the West Bank and Gaza Strip away from the Fatah Party that has dominated Palestinian life for four decades. Yet the transition will not be without incident.

Across Gaza and the West Bank, thousands of Hamas supporters, marched, danced and sang in the streets, firing guns in the air in celebration. Streets in Hamas strongholds were awash in the group's hallmark green banner. Within hours of the victory Fatah official, Abu Ali Shaheen, was predicting heightened friction between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas' members "do not accept the other," he said. "If they don't dominate him and oppress him, then they think of pushing him aside."

Hamas official Naji al-Serhi dismissed such worries.

"We want to reassure all the brothers in the police and the security forces that we will not fire anyone unless they break the law," he said. "We are a disciplined movement...that does not settle scores."

But some trouble was immediate. Fatah loyalists clashed with triumphant Hamas supporters who briefly raised their green flags at the entrance to the Palestinian parliament in Ramallah. Fatah activists trampled on one of the banners when it was lowered. Shots were fired nearby.

We give the last sobering word to Karim Elsahy from the One Arab World blog:

"The terrorist organization has become the government. They can no longer hide under the pretence of splinter guerrilla factions. The next attack will be a formal declaration of war between two nations. Any advantage Hamas may have had under those pretences are now gone. Their old methods don�t stand a chance in this new paradigm shift."

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