Friday, May 23, 2003
‘At a crossroads between democracy and theocracy’: Anyone who’s been to Morocco -- and Marrakesh in particular -- knows that the Casablanca bombing is a first-class tragedy that was waiting to happen, despite Morocco’s outward-looking, tourist-friendly, moderate image and aspirations. What a shame. ... Morocco is a country neoconservatives should be concentrating on right now if they truly believe democracy can transform the Muslim world. Morocco would dearly love to join the EU, the basic infrastructure is there for economic growth, the country has close ties to Spain and France (well, the latter is actually a drawback), the transportation system is excellent, etc. Morocco is far ahead of, say, Iraq in terms of ‘break out’ potential, but they need help. They also need to help themselves. The country has a dark past but a bright future if they play their cards right. ...
