Magharebia

Work is set to start on new centres to upgrade the management skills of Morocco's elected officials and to foster collaboration across various levels of government.

As Tunisian candidates use Facebook to campaign, observers are divided on the ultimate effect it will have on the October elections.

The third annual Tunis International Film Festival honoured female directors and actresses and recognised their contributions to the art of cinema.

A plan to roll out biometric passports in Algeria has been delayed until 2010, but the government says it is still on track.

Round six of Tunisia's Premier League tournament ended with Espérance in first place following a 1-0 win over ES Sahel.

As floodwaters from heavy rains recede, government aid and international assistance are beginning to flow to Mauritanians displaced from their homes.

Torrential rain and high winds struck Tunisia for much of the week, leaving 17 dead from the coast to Gafsa.

Moroccans are casting their ballots to decide the winners of this year's Khmissa Awards, which honour the country's women by recognising those who excel in various fields.

Moroccan security forces arrested 24 suspected members of a terrorist recruiting network. The alleged cell is reportedly linked to terrorist groups in Europe and the Middle East.

A new study of Algerian Web users reveals that millions rely on the internet for news, research and activities such as social networking.

Peace can be achieved in the Middle East and Mediterranean region through hard work and co-operation, according to leaders gathered at this week's Restore Trust International Forum in Stockholm.

A recent online appeal for religious justification by AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel may signal a growing despair within the jihadist group.

A childhood steeped in Tunisia's rich cultural heritage, particularly its music, set vocalist and dancer Amal Allam on the course to stardom.

Competitive seed prices, steps to spur mechanisation and more disaster relief are among the measures Morocco plans to implement to boost agriculture, a mainstay of its economy.

Many Algerian families trade old-fashioned experts for modern medical clinics when the time comes to circumcise their sons.

Morocco's tiny Jewish community marked the arrival of the New Year, or Rosh Hashanah, beginning Friday (September 18th).

Dangerous playthings and fireworks are still on the market during Eid al-Fitr, despite Tunisia's efforts to limit their sale.

Despite the fast pace of modern life, Moroccans find time to spend Eid al-Fitr with family and to help those in need in their communities.

After Day 6 of play in the Algerian Division 1 tournament, MC Algiers solidified their lead with a 1-0 win over NAHD and JS Kabylie returned to competitive form.

Even after paying for Ramadan meals, new school supplies and summer holidays, Libyans still find ways to prepare for Eid festivities.

Following the killing in Somalia of alleged Al Qaeda leader Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, Maghreb analysts are re-examining the stakes of failing to halt the spread of terrorism.

Magharebia speaks with the head of the Association of Lovers of Musical Creativity about this year's spiritual music festivals and the place of such music in Tunisians' lives.

The convergence of holiday and school expenses creates a financial headache for Algerian families already suffering from the high price of food.

A new Algerian project aims to replace many of the country's 12 million satellite dishes with a consolidated phone, Internet, and cable TV service.

Sales of traditional Eid honey cakes are booming as Algerian working women turn to stores and "rolling-pin" experts to make the holiday treats.

A charitable initiative by Tunisia's Health Ministry, the National Agency for Waste Disposal, and the Tunisian Union for Social Solidarity has collected thousands of boxes of medicine.

Torrential rainfall interrupted busy workday traffic Tuesday, with many main roads and train routes completely cut off in Rabat.

Story-telling's deep roots in Moroccan culture are the focus of a unique annual festival near Rabat.

Work to promote cross-border visits for families separated by the Western Sahara conflict was high on the agenda of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres when he visited the Maghreb last week.

The presence of Polisario leader Mohamed Abdelaziz at Libya's 40th anniversary celebrations sparked a diplomatic spat between the host country and Morocco, but leaders from both sides say the issue is now behind them.

Tens of thousands of Algerians are without internet connections following the failure of negotiations between public operator Algerie Telecom and service provider EEPAD over unpaid debt.

Tunisians hold engagement and circumcision celebrations to maintain Ramadan traditions passed down to them by their ancestors.

Many Moroccan university graduates with impaired vision are protesting what they call the government's marginalisation of their efforts to obtain public-sector jobs.

In the wake of changes to Tunisia's Electoral Code that lowered the voting age to 18, political parties are vying for the ballots of roughly half a million young people in the October elections.

Worshippers at many Tunisian mosques are hearing a unique appeal around the time of taraweeh prayers: Donate blood.

Education Minister Aboubekeur Benbouzid has announced a new strategy to shield Algerian students from the swine flu virus, among other changes.

Young Moroccans exchanged ideas and mingled with their peers at the first-ever Civil Society Forum in Rabat.

Morocco renewed its commitment to fight against illiteracy, with educational programmes geared towards adult students.

Health authorities in Tunisia are preparing for the school year with a range of measures to prevent students from contracting the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

Morocco will offer vaccinations for vulnerable sectors of the population as one of several steps to contain the swine flu virus.

Regional analysts are hailing the positive intent of the African Union's Tripoli Declaration, which aims to bring peace to the continent. But many remain concerned about its implementation.

A sixth strike by RAM pilots, this one at the height of labour negotiations, pushed the minister of equipment and transport to step in.

Tunisia forced Nigeria to a draw in a nail-biting Abuja qualifier, keeping both the Carthage Eagles and the Super Eagles alive in the chase for a World Cup ticket.

The Atlas Lions played to a disappointing draw on Sunday against Togo, at a time when they needed a win to revive hopes of qualifying for the African Nations' Cup finals.

Algeria defeated Zambia 1-0 on day four of the qualifiers at Blida's Tchaker Stadium, strengthening their chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Residents of the capital region are treated this week to a Ramadan festival in Salé, replete with cultural and artistic attractions that highlight the history of the city.

Morocco's education minister has launched an emergency plan to overhaul the school system and extend compulsory primary education to age 15.

Morocco's 2010 national budget targets improving Morocco's track record for human development.

Everyday life takes a backseat as Mauritania celebrates Ramadan with prayer, feasting and games.

Morocco's collapse in Berlin may mark "rock bottom" for the country's track stars, says Aziz Daouda, technical director of the Confederation of African Athletics, but young athletes still have plenty of Moroccan legends to emulate.

Tunis' first-ever festival to honour the most revered of instruments, the oud, brings together some of the country's most talented players.

Nearly half a million Moroccan households will receive baskets of food from the Mohammed V Foundation this Ramadan.

Leaders of a national campaign to protest high food prices are planning sit-ins nationwide and a protest in front of the parliamentary building.

Moroccans choose from a variety of activities to mark the festive nights during Ramadan.

Libya is looking ahead to greater political and economic openness, as well as back upon its rich cultural heritage, in festivities on the occasion of 40 years of rule by leader Moamer Kadhafi.