Magharebia

Morocco's unemployed graduates have intensified their protests in the hopes of pressuring the government to make more jobs available in the public sector. Authorities said they are doing the best they can to remedy the crisis.

Criminal networks and terrorist groups in the under-patrolled Sahel region are building mutually-beneficial ties.

Tunis hosted an international conference on maritime transportation. "An efficient transport system is an indispensable prerequisite in pursuit of economic growth and integration in the Mediterranean," said an EU official.

It was the end of the road for long shot finalists ES Ben Aknoun on Thursday. Fans can look forward to a high-profile match between ES Setif and CABBA in the Algerian Cup semi-finals.

The Moroccan government has mistreated illegal immigrants, said a group defending the rights of migrants. "Morocco is a civilised country," replied the government spokesman.

Five candidates running for the presidency in Algeria speak out against recent comments about their chances for success.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika changed his message on reconciliation recently, placing greater demands on repentant terrorists. Critics fear the move may threaten the entire process.

Authorities in Morocco are determined to battle homosexuality. Human rights activists charge that the new government campaign "constitutes an infringement on personal freedom".

Five candidates will challenge President Ben Ali in the upcoming Tunisian elections, with the addition of Ettajdid leader Ahmed Brahim.

Moroccan authorities closed Rabat's Iraqi School this week over allegations that the institution promoted Shi'ism.

Presidential candidate Mohamed Djahid Younsi says he will stand for all Algerians if elected.

The political crisis in Mauritania takes a turn for the worse, with just over two months remaining before the June 6th presidential elections.

Esperance are still in the lead, but the tight race in second place is keeping everyone guessing about who will win the title.

Theatre companies from many countries come to Rabat to showcase their respective cultures to Moroccan fans.

The Moroccan Royal Athletics Federation fired Said Aouita from his post as technical director, prompting protests from both fans and athletes.

Young men and women from around the world, meeting in Tunisia, agreed to assume a greater role in society and be more effective in the leadership of their countries.

Day 23 of Algeria's top football tournament pitted two sets of rivals against one another. JSM Bejaia played JSK to a goalless draw, but USM Algiers trounced MCA 3-0.

When Mauritania holds presidential elections in June, one candidate will be a brave young woman who has done it all before. Aicha Bint Jeddane talks with Magharebia about why she is seeking the country's highest post for the second time.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika chose continuity as his theme when he kicked off his election campaign this Thursday in Batna. Not everyone, however, is supportive.

As relations with Iran deteriorate, Moroccan authorities are taking a closer look at Shi'ism in the Kingdom and its possible links to terrorism.

From now until the presidential elections on April 9th, Algerians will see six candidates battle for their vote on TV, in print and in person.

Many Mauritanian students fear that since the presidential elections in June coincide with the baccalaureate exams, politics could end up hurting their performance.

In response to widespread complaints over the state of Morocco's public schools, the government allocated 3 billion dirhams to school improvements over the next two years.

The ruling Mauritanian council freed a previously arrested journalist on Wednesday, following widespread protests over the authorities' stifling of press freedoms.

Maghreb music group Alma performs a wide variety of songs, from traditional tunes to the latest mix of genres. Alma's hope is "to step beyond geographic and political boundaries".

Algeria promised 15 million dinars to each candidate to help with their electoral campaigns, but no money has been made available. The lack of funding is a growing concern for candidates.

A musical childhood led Moroccan performer Karim Kadiri to a career playing the lute, but his spirituality and love for jazz shaped his unique style as an adult.

As Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi and labour leaders go back to the bargaining table, one official hints that the government will agree to a wage hike.

The new satellite network will offer Algerians religious programming that limits religious ideas imported from foreign countries.

Housekeepers and other domestic staff across Morocco are hopeful that a new bill will lead to substantive reform of the historically informal sector.

Some Tunisians say that Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi expressed violent opinions concerning Tunisia's achievements in the field of human and women's rights. Now in Tunisia on a formal visit, al-Qaradawi has provoked some angry reactions.

Algerian authorities intensify their outreach efforts among Algerians living abroad, ahead of the April 9th presidential elections. "[We] remain deeply attached to Algeria by an umbilical cord which has never been broken," said one Algerian living in France.

Disabled women often endure both physical handicaps and discrimination. A ground-breaking forum in Tripoli tackled this issue and tried to find appropriate solutions.

A declaration of support by Moamer Kadhafi for Mauritania's ruling council sent waves through the nation's political establishment.

Even as Moroccan authorities rule out terrorism as the cause of a video arcade explosion Wednesday, some people question how anything other than a bomb could have caused such extensive damage.

The Moroccan government wants to end women's marginalisation from politics. "The political culture that we have now is open to women as well as men, and yet many women don't think about going into politics," said one analyst.

A new Morocco forum hopes to boost dialogue between the Amazigh, Arab and Jewish communities.

The first feature from director Lyes Salem, "Masquerades" brings back "good old Algerian cinema".

As part of its ongoing modernisation project, Algeria's Ministry of Justice launched a new electronic tool to reach out to its citizens and save time.

Women's rights advocates in Tunisia worry that the government has turned a blind eye to the increase in outward religious signs seen on the streets.

International Women's Day this year took on a special significance for Algerian women, as it came just one month before the presidential elections. Algerian women hold high expectations that change will come about more quickly.

The Mouled is celebrated in Algeria with a colourful hail of fireworks, despite a general ban. Locals, ignoring the risks, remain devoted to the tradition.

Algerian league leaders ESS stumbled on Day 21, forcing them to share the D1 top spot with Bejaia. The bad news for Setif is good news for JSK.

After wrapping up his inaugural visit to the region, the new UN special envoy to Western Sahara believes chances are good that parties will return to the negotiation table.

In response to the requests of Moroccans living abroad, the government is exploring ways to give expatriates a voice in national affairs.

Some 3 dozen Moroccan women completed a unique 3-month training programme last week in Fez to learn how to launch their own business ventures.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika plans to have the treasury buy back Algerian farmers' debts. Many cash-strapped farmers are relieved.

Tunisian champion biker Hamida Saklaoui created her country's first association for female motorcyclists. "It's a dream coming true," one fan said.

Despite the global financial crisis, the European Union plans to step up its involvement in Morocco's structural reforms.

The Algerian Constitutional Council announced the final six candidates to run for the presidential elections.

To build confidence about Algerian security ahead of the presidential elections, Interior Minister Zerhouni disclosed details about the government's counter-terror successes.

The new Maghreb Network of Journalists' Unions will enable journalists' unions to keep in permanent contact with each other and take action where the freedom of the press is curtailed.

Since mid-February, Moroccan human rights activists have voiced outrage over the continued detention of journalist Chekib El-Khayari for allegedly "collaborating with foreign entities".

The Moroccan government is hoping that many newly registered voters will participate in the June 12th communal elections.

Algerian football league leaders ES Setif appear on track to take the title this year, after securing another key point from their Day 19 draw with USM Annaba.