Magharebia

Some Moroccan students and families claim to receive minimal help deciding what to do after completing the baccalaureate. There are tools in place to help families choose the right options, officials counter.

Moroccan non-governmental organisations have come together to address the issue of tobacco and drug addiction among young people. Still, no progress can be made unless families play their part in the lives of their children.

The Ministry of Education in Algeria is stepping up measures to combat cheating and other problems in the 2009 bac exams, which will begin early next month.

Tunisia's Nessma TV covered the Cannes Film Festival this year for the first time, providing Maghreb television viewers with a "local" experience of the legendary cinema event.

The "Musicians from Tunisia" festival strives to bring together musical genres from across the Maghreb. Young people are increasingly interested in discovering this music, noted Tunisian singer Sirine.

The demand for private lessons increases each year in Algeria as final exams approach. Parents see them as improving their children's chances, but officials warn against unregulated training programmes.

Morocco's Mawazine Festival continues with a heavy burden; the closing-night disaster could leave a mark on next year's event.

With less than six weeks left before the exams, students are making every effort to ensure high scores. Some group together and share information, others choose to study in libraries and cultural centres. Some enrol in private schools, others use the internet for more sources.

Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia addressed a reassuring message to Algeria's young people this week, telling them the government is working hard to create new work opportunities. He said the measures provide a brighter future than the orchards of Barcelona and the building-sites of Marseille can offer.

For the second year running, Algerians in the capital enjoyed a car-free day on Friday. Many people said the event should be more than one day and that it should include more provinces.

For the first time ever, a Moroccan minister is talking about the issue of royal pardons for terrorists. Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa's recent comments before Parliament are stirring questions on all sides of the issue.

After round 28 of the GNF1 championship series, Raja Casablanca need only one point to win the league title.

Eleven people died in an accident during one of the Mawazine festival's last concerts. Authorities are doing all they can to help the victims.

The Algeria Cup series came to an end on Thursday, with CR Belouizdad claiming their sixth title. Even though challengers CA Bordj Bou Arreridj played better football through much of the match, the shoot-out favoured CRB.

In an attempt to placate "some Gulf countries", the Arab Motorcycle Federation decided not to allow Tunisian women racers to participate in the upcoming Arab Championship.

Tunisian political analysts say a victory is unlikely for anyone but President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in October.

The British Council, in collaboration with the English Premier League, will assess the efforts exerted by participants in the Premier Skills programme.

Students in Tunisia are on edge, with the bac exams drawing near. Faced with reviewing a year's worth of material, some students use caffeine or even steroids to stay alert.

Former presidential candidate Louisa Hanoune claims that her fellow parliamentarians do little more than endorse the government's agenda, but her recent call to dissolve parliament is raising questions about her motives.

On the fourth anniversary of the National Human Development Initiative, the Moroccan government set out to assess progress made and discuss shortcomings. "It's time to launch a fruitful debate about the durability of projects," said one official.

The impact of the world economic crisis is becoming more evident among the Moroccan community in Europe. Unable to make ends meet, the best option many have is to return to Morocco.

Joint training, military co-operation are the key to regional stability, 5+5 defence officials agreed Sunday in Tripoli.

Algeria and Tunisia each marked World Telecommunications Day by announcing national campaigns to protect children in cyberspace.

New measures aim to curb smuggling and increase co-operation along the Tunisian-Libyan border.

Music fans from across the kingdom flocked to Rabat to enjoy the 2009 edition of the Mawazine festival. Performers include Warda, Kylie Minogue, Cheb Khaled and Stevie Wonder.

In the run-up to Morocco's local elections, the Interior Ministry wants to block candidates from switching parties. Some MPs have threatened to resign.

Moroccan workers are in the process of electing labour union representatives. This year's ballot is of critical importance; the resumption of talks with the government depends on it.

The National Union of Tunisian Journalists leadership accused the government of standing behind efforts to unseat it. Some union members countered with a claim that the board is working against their interest.

An effective Arab Maghreb Union and improved North-South economic relations would contribute to a better regional economy, Maghreb and European experts said at a recent conference in Tunisia.

Moroccan singer Bassma Boussail continues her run on Star Academy 6, still going strong into the 13th prime on Friday.

A recent government study in Morocco is stirring up controversy over the definition of "middle class".

The first Maghreb Employers' Union forum ended in Algiers amidst high hopes on behalf of business leaders and officials to see further economic integration between Maghreb countries.

Morocco claimed another victory against terrorism on Tuesday, with the announcement of a series of arrests that put an end to a cell planning attacks in the kingdom.

Casablanca is preparing to welcome one million celebrants for the second edition of its popular group wedding festival, Zawaj Derb Soltane. Ten lucky couples will have all their expenses paid by a community association.

In a recent letter, El Para goes farther than his repentant peers by apologising for his actions. The jailed terrorist hopes his appeals will convince more fighters to accept the government's offer of peace.

Morocco undertakes a new initiative to develop public research with help from academics and the private sector.

As Morocco's strong economic ties to a weakened Europe begin to weigh down the national economy, the government unveils a new plan to boost overseas trade.

Day 29 of the Algerian football league sealed the fate of RC Kouba, who are now certain of relegation to Division 2. Meanwhile, ESS took another step closer to winning the title.

Business leaders from all over the Maghreb are preparing to meet in Algiers for the first Maghreb employers' forum. The private sector hopes this is the first step towards economic integration.

Algerian families are worried over the recent uptick in school violence. In response, officials agreed to deploy 21,000 security monitors to protect students.

The Moroccan Human Rights Advisory Council signed the latest agreement with the government to implement the IER's community-building recommendations.

Nations along Algeria's southern border are collaborating to curb terrorism and organised crime.

The new, interactive Zawaya service provides a space for thoughtful and intelligent discussion.

Moroccan women's rights organisations call for action to be taken against child marriage.

The famous Jardin d'Essai du Hamma opened to the public last weekend after a five-year restoration. Algiers residents will finally have a space to breathe and to enjoy the tropical scenery.

Morocco's textiles industry has been hard hit by the global economic crisis. An aggressive government aid plan aims to minimise losses.

JSK needed a win over El Harrach to have a shot at keeping the D1 title away from ESS, but a late equaliser changed everything for the Kabyles.

Two NGOs organised a debate in Casablanca on using a reconciliatory approach against terrorism.

Since swine flu first appeared in Mexico, the swift-moving and potentially fatal virus has spread to multiple countries and prompted the World Health Organization to warn of a global pandemic. Maghreb states have been quick to take precautionary measures.