US Congress reviews Morocco drone sale approved under Trump

The U.S. Congress is preparing to review in the coming days the agreement to sell four MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to Morocco, produced by General Atomics, as reported by Iberian media. The U.S. State Department has already approved the contract, which was signed during the Trump administration, according to the same source. This announcement came on the same day that former President Donald Trump recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Under President Joe Biden's presidency, the

Moroccan diplomats #11 : Mohamed ben Askar, the Saadi dynasty's unlucky emissary

In the 1630s Morocco and England argued over piracy activities. By the end of 1638, Saadi sultan Mohamed Cheikh Es-Sghir sent diplomat Mohamed ben Askar to Charles I’s court to demand action against English corsairs. The mission was a complete failure. 

Libya reiterates its opposition to a Maghreb union that excludes Morocco

Libya reiterated its commitment to the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU). This announcement was made by the First Vice-President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Moussa Al-Kouni, in statements broadcast on the evening news of the Al Aoula channel, following his talks on Saturday, May 4, in Banjul, Gambia, with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The official reaffirmed his country's determination to «revitalize the Arab Maghreb Union», an objective which requires «contacts

Diaspo #337 : From Go-Kart to WTCR, Sami Taoufik chasing dreams in Morocco

Sami started racing when he was five years old. From Go Kart to Formula 4 and 2, the young man embarked on a racing career, winning local and European championships. This weekend, he fulfills a dream by participating in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCR) in Marrakech.

Moroccan diplomats #10 : Ahmed Ben Adel aka Shakespeare’s «Prince of Morocco»

Sent by Saadi sultan Ahmed Al Mansour to Queen Elizabeth I a couple of years before diplomat Abdeouahed Anoun, Caid Ahmed Ben Adel discussed the first terms of the Anglo-Moroccan Alliance. In London, the diplomat had even inspired William Shakespeare for his playwright «The Merchant of Venice».

Morocco jumps in press freedom ranking, but concerns remain

Morocco ranked 129th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' annual World Press Freedom Ranking 2024, up 15 places from last year's ranking.

Morocco's PPS party summons minister over suspension of social assistance

The Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) group at the House of Representatives has summoned the Minister Delegate for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, «for an urgent meeting at the Parliament to discuss the suspension of direct aid to some families». The group explained that «the government decided in April 2024 to suspend direct financial social assistance to many beneficiary families in our country. Some of these families received a text message informing them of the suspension,

Three dead in Casablanca elevator fall during hotel renovation

Three maintenance workers lost their lives on Thursday after an elevator malfunction caused them to fall from the 16th floor of a hotel located at the intersection of Anfa and Zerktouni streets. According to local online newspaper Kifache, the victims were working on the hotel's renovation when the incident occurred. The bodies of the three workers were taken to the morgue of Casablanca's Ibn Rochd University Hospital. An investigation has been launched under the supervision of the

Moroccan diplomats #9 : Mohammed Ben Ali Abgali, an ambassador who loves science and art

In the 1720s, Mohammed Ben Ali Abgali was sent to England as Moulay Ismail’s ambassador to the English court. Once in London, he attended arts events and visited the country’s prestigious educational institution.

The earliest direct English translation of the Quran was done to argue against Islam

British lawyer George Sale was the first man to conduct a direct English translation of the Quran. His 1733 translation contained notes and an interpretation of Muslims’ manners and laws.