Magharebia

Tunis is hosting the second "Laughter Week" comedy festival, treating audiences to a series of performances by Tunisian and foreign comedians. The festival's directors will donate a portion of profits to charity.

Algeria's Rural Renewal Programme has officially begun, with the training of the first group of regional experts tasked with implementing and overseeing the projects in the field. The multi-billion dinar programme aims to stimulate economic activity in the rural areas that are home to 40% of Algerians.

As the investigation to uncover the identities of those behind the four Madrid train bombings of 2004 goes on, the Moroccan-Spanish partnership to fight terrorism is strengthening. The Moroccan judicial police remanded Abdelilah Ahriz into custody on January 28th upon a request by the Spanish lead judge.

Moroccan Rai singer Rachid Bryiah received a helping hand from superstar Cheb Khaled, who has invited him to come to France to seek international promotion of his music. Bryiah speaks with Magharebia about his plans and about the origins of Rai music.

A Moroccan television channel devoted to Amazigh language and culture has stirred up interest from the Amazigh cultural movement. Government officials say the programming will cater to a sizeable number of Moroccan viewers, but one Amazigh activist is worried that the channel could be divisive.

In the wake of recent, Hollywood-style robberies, several Moroccan banks plan to tighten internal security and launch modern surveillance cameras. Casablanca banking customers hope the new measures will dissuade potential robbers from carrying out new operations.

A car bomb exploded early Tuesday morning outside a police station in the Algerian city of Thénia, leaving two dead and 23 injured. The attack comes a day after authorities killed a suspected architect of the December 11th bombings.

A Maghreb education workshop hosted by Tunisia last week culminated in a five-point report aimed at improving the region's quality of education and cutting the illiteracy rate by half.

As one of a series of measures targeting the spread of terrorism in the country, the Algerian government has begun using Radio Qur'an to broadcast Islam-based arguments against violence and extremism.

Concerned about a cold snap in the High Atlas, members of Morocco's Parliament met with Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa to discuss the government's emergency plans to ensure the safety of Morocco's most remote populations.

The Moroccan national football team lost 3-2 Thursday against Guinea, shocking fans and making it harder for the team to qualify for the second round of the African Cup of Nations.

Morocco presented a combined report on the status of its reforms to promote gender equality to a UN committee in Geneva on Thursday. Initial feedback has been positive, saying that Morocco will soon achieve its goals.

The Carthage Eagels stunned fans, players and even former coach Benzarti with their 2-2 draw against Senegal in their CAN debut in Ghana. The Group D match featured aggressive play from both sides, but some Tunisians have questioned coach Lemerre's decisions during a match they think should have ended in victory.

Opposition leader Maya Jribi, Secretary-General of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), announced in an interview her intentions to enter the Tunisian presidential and legislative elections in 2009.

A round-15 win on Saturday over Hassania Agadir helped FAR Rabat hold the top spot in the Moroccan tournament. Olympique Khouribga are tied at number two, while Jeunesse Massira, Olympic Safi, Moghreb Fes and Ittihad Zemmouri de Khemisset all posted wins.

Algeria's 300,000 small and medium enterprises are the "most fragile in the Mediterranean region", the National Advisory Council for the Promotion of SMEs tells business leaders in Algiers. A national programme is now in the works to help these SMEs flourish in the competitive world market.

Morocco invited European Union leaders to Rabat on Monday to discuss the transformation of its current Association Agreement into "advanced status" with the EU. The European ministers in attendance underlined their support for the Moroccan initiative.

Morocco moved into the top position in Group A with three points following a 5-1 win over Namibia on Monday at Accra's Ohene Djan stadium. Soufiane Alloudi was the star of the match with three goals in the first 28 minutes.

In an effort to attract Arab petrodollars, Algeria hosted Arab businessmen, investors and bankers this week for the 3rd Arab forum on investment.

To encourage citizens' help with counter-terrorism efforts, Algerian authorities published the names, photos and known aliases of more than 120 suspected terrorists and set up a toll-free hotline. Some Algerians fear, however, that the risk of reprisals will keep people from taking action.

As the Tunisian national football team prepares to play Senegal on Wednesday (January 23rd) in their first African Cup of Nations match in Ghana, coach Roger Lemerre remains upbeat about his team.

Hundreds of Algerian students participated in demonstrations across the country on Saturday, in protest of a new curriculum they say is too demanding for students in exam years. The students have threatened a general strike on January 27th if the education ministry does not make official changes.

Morocco's national team will play its first 2008 African Cup of Nations match against Namibia on Monday (January 21st). Victory is crucial if the team hopes to live up to fan expectations and score a repeat of its 1976 cup win.

The General Syndicate for Secondary Education organised a strike by high school teachers throughout Tunisia on Wednesday and Thursday. The union protested what it calls the Ministry of Education's politically-motivated actions against teachers.

As Moroccan families prepare to celebrate Achoura on Saturday, January 19th, the trade in toys and traditional Tâarija drums is flourishing. In addition to celebrating with special meals, street celebrations and fireworks, families offer zakat, or a tenth of their annual money, to the poor.

The Moroccan government has announced an ambitious programme to reform its health care system to provide better care in all regions of the country. Health Minister Yasmina Baddou said the ministry hopes to make more affordable treatment available to the country's least privileged.

The United Nations has declared its intentions to conduct an independent inquiry into the events of December 11th in Algiers. The Algerian government has rejected the idea, saying it represents interference in the country's domestic affairs.

The "Moroccan Hollywood," as film buffs call the southern city of Ouarzazate, has turned into an international capital of the seventh art. Morocco now plans to invest millions to improve the city's movie industry infrastructure and attract more filming operations each year.

In a videoconference on Tuesday, a senior official representing the new US Africa Command explained the future role and goals of the new organisation to an assembly of Algerian officials, journalists and academics.

Matters have heated up in the fight between the government and trade unions over Algeria's new pay scale, with many workers observing a national one-day strike on Tuesday.

Following their win against KAC Kenitra, FAR Rabat managed to return to the top of the rankings after round 14 of the Morocco Premier League. Meanwhile, FUS Rabat managed to score their first win this season.

With the recent terrorist activities in Algeria and Mauritania, vigilance is the watchword in Morocco, where a new law allows security guards to carry and use weapons. Those working in this sector, however, say applying the law will be difficult.

The new National Union of Tunisian Journalists held its first conference on Sunday, where it elected an executive board and established some of its short-term goals.

Three million Moroccans who hold a bank card are now able to use them for Internet purchases. This change, which is leading the way in Africa, became a reality thanks to a technical initiative by the Centre Monétique Interbancaire.

The Amazigh New Year on January 12th was celebrated with events as diverse as the many Amazigh communities across Algeria. Festivities for "Yennayer" were held even in non-Amazigh regions and Algiers offered cultural events. With the widening popularity of the New Year festival, Amazigh activists hope to see January 12th recognised as an official holiday in Algeria.

USFP leaders have said their national council helped it overcome the turmoil it has endured since the legislative elections and subsequent resignation of leader Mohamed El Yazghi. The party will hold a congress to decide on new leadership in May.

Tunis hosted the first Arab Architecture Week from January 7th-10th, which produced the Tunisia Charter and called for expanding the activities of the Arab Architects' Organisation to include Maghreb countries.

The temptation among young people to leave Algeria for Europe is growing. In 2007, nearly 1,500 Algerians were arrested along the coastline, and 83 more were confirmed dead.

During a press conference on January 8th, Tunisia's tourism minister said tourists from the Maghreb region accounted for one third of total incoming tourism in 2007. A new plan proposes easing land passage over borders with Libya and Algeria and improving amenities for tourists from neighbouring countries.

With terrorists resorting to suicide attacks, Algerian authorities find themselves having to adapt to the new strategy.

The third round of negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front came to an end on Wednesday without resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. The parties, maintaining their original positions, agreed to meet again in March.

At the new National Corruption Monitoring and Transparency Development Centre in Casablanca, Transparency Maroc will work to track, publicise and resolve corruption problems throughout the country. The NGO is calling on the government to make its anti-corruption action plan a reality.

Moroccan officials announced plans to build Africa's largest football stadium in the Casablanca district of Sidi Moumen. The shantytown area is best known in recent years for its ties to suicide bombers, but a major overhaul of the district will coincide with the stadium project.

Thanks to a joint project between Tunisia and the United States government, the Association of Parents and Friends of the Handicapped now offers Tunisians three more training centres.

Olympic medallist and lead organiser of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Lord Sebastian Coe, visited Morocco to discuss sports initiatives for the country's young people.

New Year's traditions in Tunisia vary from region to region, offering glimpses into how the country's different cities celebrate the occasion.

Winter sales give bargain-hunting Moroccans an opportunity to update their wardrobes without breaking the bank. Traders look forward to moving old inventory, but some shoppers warn that sale clothing may also be out of style.

The death penalty in Morocco, suspended since 1993, has been the subject of a national debate in recent days. The justice ministry declared before parliament recently that the country will not support an upcoming UN resolution to abolish capital punishment.

The Tunisian Football Federation severely punished CS Sfaxien for leaving the field on December 29th. Debate over the controversy continues for fans and football officials.

Tunisia opened up a promising new market by entering the Free Trade Zone Agreement with the European Union, but some business and political leaders caution that without protection and modernisation measures, the economic gulf between Tunisia and the EU could get worse, not better.

Female race driver Saida Ibrahimi was among many Moroccans disappointed after last Friday's announcement that the 2008 Dakar Rally would be cancelled.

Mauritanians were dismayed by Friday's news that the entire endurance race would be scrapped. Mauritania had heightened rally security measures following the recent killings of four French tourists and several Mauritanian soldiers.

Musicians from across the globe gathered in Casablanca to celebrate cultures and promote tolerance. The event was part of an international concert series showcasing how music transcends nationality and language.

Debate over Tunisia's 2009 presidential elections has already begun. Opposition parties are raising questions about the potential candidacy of current president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the fairness of the elections.

In the face of rising oil prices and increasing demands, Morocco's government is considering an overhaul of its programme of subsidies on consumer goods.

Under heightened security across Tunis, a court sentences 30 in the "Salafi Group" case on terrorism charges. Tunisians from all political and intellectual groups appear united in condemning the group's actions.

After two deadly bombings in Algiers last month, al-Qaeda terrorists began 2008 with another suicide attack east of the capital. Algerian authorities arrested the mastermind behind the April 11th attack.

First division league leaders JSK were knocked out of the Cup of Algeria in first-round play last week. A small, second-division team from the high plateau region put an early end to the hopes of the Kabylians, who have failed to win the Cup since 1994.

2007 was a pivotal year for the development of Internet, mobile telephony and fixed-line telephony in Morocco, with deregulation beginning to make a notable impact.

In the wake of the December 11th suicide bombings in Algiers, security personnel are stepping up security operations in the capital and across the country. The plan has gone into effect despite continued attacks in the Kabylia region.