Magharebia

An international colloquium organized by the High Commission for Amazigh discussed the origins of the Tifinagh alphabet and the best ways to bring it back into modern usage.

Mohamed Arkoun, an Algerian professor in Paris, looks at Islam's former open and productive relationship with Europe and encourages Muslims to recapture the glory of that era by embracing modernity and tolerance.

The Moroccan government has enacted a law explicitly forbidding money laundering and related financial crimes as a tool to combat both terrorism and organised crime.

A devastating fire at a telephone exchange in central Algiers has cut off government institutions, businesses and residential subscribers from the outside world. Workers at Algerie Telecom have worked furiously to restore connections, but residents and government officials are concerned with the time it is taking and the lack of emergency response measures.

A march against the rising cost of living, planned for March 25th in Casablanca, ran into determined opposition from security services.

Music from the Maghreb, combined with styles from around the world, can be a force for cultural dialogue and understanding. Mohamed Jabara speaks about his and other young artists' experience with the international music scene.

Mauritanian president-elect Ould Cheikh Abdellahi vows to instil the principles of democracy and political pluralism based upon respect for the other and for the role of the political opposition.

More Moroccan women are living abroad than ever before. Officials in the country organized a seminar to discuss the challenges these women face and to discuss a new council to work actively in response to their unique needs.

Human activities are largely responsible for a loss of forest cover in Morocco. The government is taking steps to combat deforestation, but more remains to be done.

Citing its long cooperative history with the Maghreb, France announces a new initiative to reinforce ties with the Maghreb. The reinvigorated partnership will focus on the promotion of the French language, a shared audiovisual culture, increased civil society co-operation and educational opportunities for the Maghreb's future elites.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) kindled huge hopes for the future following its launch in 2001. Seven years on, the time has come to look back on what has been achieved, and to consider methods and means which could be used to allow this initiative to meet its objectives.

Moroccan banks are expected in the coming weeks to begin marketing three new forms of Islamic financing, recently authorised by the Central Bank. They include musharaka, murabaha and ijara products.

Amazigh artist Yuba speaks with Magharebia about his musical roots, his desire to address social issues through song and his interest in collaborating with foreign musicians.

One week after the failed terrorist attack in a Casablanca neighbourhood, a number of citizens and local businesses are examining the problems which caused such an attack and are identifying solutions.

A regional conference on human rights education recently concluded in Algiers. Delegates advocated the promotion of human rights and women’s rights, especially within the education system.

Maghreb leaders discussed plans for health coverage under mutual insurance programs with their African counterparts.

In its third annual plenary session, the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly reaffirmed the commitment of Mediterranean nations to intercultural dialogue and the fight against terrorism.

Star Academy Maghreb kicked off on Friday -- a first for parent company and host, Nessma TV, a satellite network devoted to Maghreb culture.

A recent report by UNICEF outlines the region's progress in strengthening the rights of women and children. Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria were singled out for their unique commitment to empowering women.

Morocco has committed itself to a program of privatisation since 1993, releasing control of dozens of enterprises to the private sector.

While the trial continues in the El Khalifa Group affair, Algerian officials await news of the extradition of Rafik Abdelmoumen Khalifa, recently arrested in Britain. Legal and political experts wonder what effect his arrest may have on the trial currently underway in Algeria.

Transportation workers across Morocco went on strike this week to protest a new road safety bill. Their grievances were addressed in negotiations with government officials, and drivers have recommenced their duties Friday.

In Morocco, most children with disabilities do not have access to basic education programmes. To combat the problem, the government has crafted a five-year plan to provide primary education to this vulnerable sector of Moroccan society.

Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, sentenced to death in a controversial HIV infection case in Libya, say they were tortured by police. As a result, they have also been charged with slander.

Under a new bill spelling out the role of imams, the Algerian government would no longer permit imams to run as candidates in elections, join political parties or use mosques for the purpose of political campaigning.

Following a suicide bombing in Casablanca on Sunday, the Moroccan government reaffirmed its commitment to fighting terrorism in the country.

With no clear victor emerging from Sunday’s presidential elections in Mauritania, top candidates will compete in a second round later this month.

While repairing the floor of the great prayer hall in Karaouine Mosque, workers discovered archaeological remains dating back to the 12th century.

Tunisia's religious educators and leaders are making efforts to improve religious programming in order to draw youth away from extremist broadcasts.

Sunday's presidential election in Mauritania is creating excitement throughout the country. Most Mauritanians welcome the potential for democracy and prosperity, yet some have doubts about the fairness of the election.

Director Mohamed Idriss staged a contemporary version of William Shakespeare's "Othello", in which he deals with the issues of integration, racism and exclusion.

After an upsurge in terrorist violence, particularly in Kabylia and Ain Defla, Algerian army units have been redeployed en masse to the affected regions to flush out those behind the attacks.

Morocco's insured workforce is pleased with the benefits and protection health insurance provides. The government programme is promoting competition and standardisation between public and private healthcare facilities, but some health practitioners are concerned about the programme's low payment rates.

The Ministry of Social Development has launched a programme to reduce the number of beggars on the streets by reintegrating them into their families and helping them find work.

Algeria's irrigation system in the Saharan regions of Touat and Gourara has stood firm for centuries and bears witness to the numerous civilisations which have inhabited the region's oases. However, the effects of modernisation have compounded the problems of desertification in the "triangle of fire" and this regional heritage is now threatened with extinction.

A Sudanese rights group wants Maghreb women more involved in the plight of Darfur women.

A new Spanish-run parking meter system will soon be implemented in Casablanca. The 2,500 parking attendants currently responsible for safeguarding vehicles in the city are up in arms, and are protesting with frequent sit-ins.

Moroccan artist Touria Hadraoui fuses traditional Moroccan singing with Western music, hoping to unite cultures and erase borders.

The Media Observatory for Youth is calling for a more concerted effort to fight drug addiction in the country.

Civil society organisations in Mauritania are relying on 800 observers spread out across the country to monitor the course of the presidential elections and ensure that it is conducted with full transparency and fairness.

Moroccans celebrated the birth of the king's second child with festivities and signing the visitors' book.

Houssein Ould Meddou, media advisor to the Independent National Electoral Commission, talks to Magharebia about the preparations for the March 11th presidential elections.

Experts worry that Tunisia may not be able to afford retiree pensions if the population growth rate continues its decline.