Magharebia

According to a just-released report, Morocco has yet to achieve its goal of protecting women.

A new initiative aspires to help Moroccan youth develop their imagination and leadership.

At the conclusion of a convention on extremism in Nouakchott, Mauritania adopted an 11-point strategy to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and preventive way.

Tightened security has made the capital safe, Algerian authorities assert. Citizens are taking note of the change in atmosphere.

While some criticise the Tunisian radio sector for light content, the newly born station Express FM aims to bring a fresh stream into the country's media landscape.

The UN Special Envoy wrapped up a regional trip on a hopeful note but his optimism was marred by violence in Western Sahara.

Once accused of spreading radical Islam, religious schools in Mauritania are now embracing moderate ideas and, with government support, seeking ways to curb extremist thought in the country.

This year's event spotlights the contributions of under-represented North African cinematography and young professionals.

Renowned Tunisian film-maker Raja Ammari is winning international acclaim with her cinematographic skills and ability to tackle controversial issues.

Elderly Algerians just got an increase of about 7,000 dinars in their monthly social security checks. The move is drawing criticism from the family members and associations that provide their care.

Morocco launched a massive campaign to extend the application of Moudawana to women living and working abroad.

At a recent Oran forum, participants discussed ways to promote rural women's involvement in economic activity.

Terrorists are "thieves who are disguised under the cover of religion", according to Islamic scholar Cheikh Abdellahi Ould Baya.

While Morocco offers benefits to refugees returning from the Tindouf camps, many Sahrawis who never left receive nothing.

A week-end forum in Mauritania presented Sufism's unique perspective as an alternative to extremism.

FITA marked a much-awaited comeback of the ancient custom of narrative art.

A growing trend towards private schooling in Mauritania has some officials concerned that it comes at the expense of public academies.

As the short film festival began in Morocco, some expressed scepticism over the timing of the event.

With its tremendous natural potential, Algeria seeks to play a leading role in the production of renewable energy resources in the region.

In an event dedicated to legendary Algerian comic strip writer Ahmed Haroun, cartoonists from around the world met to celebrate their art and restore its once burgeoning importance.

It took 16 years of intense restoration and research work to put him back together, but a young man from the 6th century BC is now back home in Carthage.

Communication analysts dismissed negative ideas about Islam and sought to promote interfaith understanding through journalism and education.

As patients die awaiting organ donations, the Algerian government is stepping up efforts to encourage more transplants.

Morocco's social development and labour ministries have joined forces to protect women and girls.

Participants at a Tunis forum blamed political despotism and conservative religious thought for stalled development in the Arab world.

Women in Morocco are taking action against negative stereotypes in the media.

Emergency crews from around the world gathered on a Tunisian football pitch to test their response to a chemical weapons attack.

As Christopher Ross returns to the Maghreb to rekindle the stalled peace negotiations, scepticism runs high in the region.

With the recent closure of four satellite television stations by the Egyptian government, viewers expressed their opposition to censorship, even if the channels promoted extremist ideology.

The Moroccan Interior Minister invoked a special responsibility on the Maghreb states to confront the terrorist threat and tighten co-operation.

Mauritanian government leaders, football officials and fans were united in their excitement over the big match in Nouakchott. Reaching agreement over plans to revamp the league won't be as easy.

African and Arab leaders just held their first formal meeting in 33 years. Host Moamer Kadhafi decided it was a good time to discuss Arab countries' role in the slave trade.

A Moroccan organisation lionised a number of women in an annual festival held as part of celebrations for the country's National Woman's Day.

The respected spiritual leader lamented the lack of unity among Touareg and called on youths to show solidarity in the fight against terror.

Sports fans in Mauritania finally have something to be proud of.

Nouakchott is sprucing up its streets and older Mauritanians are recording their memories on film. It's all country's 50th anniversary celebration.

Experts proposed a two-fold counter-terrorism strategy, combining a military solution with economic and social development.

Educators from across the Arab world met in Tunisia to hone their technological skills, exchange experiences and celebrate innovation.

The number of Moroccans moving back from working abroad is up dramatically in the last year as the government and charity organisations struggle to assist the expat community.

As cross-cultural nuptials become increasingly common, more and more people overcome barriers by integrating different customs.

In a new book, Betty Batoul shares her bitter life experiences and calls on women to maintain hope and resilience.

A new report prepared for the Tunisian government suggested areas where the country can improve in order to regain its position as a leading holiday destination in the Maghreb.

A new method for singing the national anthem and paying respect to the Tunisian flag is stirring controversy among students and education professionals.

Al-Qaeda number-two Ayman al-Zawahiri recently called for Pakistanis to use their country's post-flood fragility as a chance to attack their government, but the request is falling on deaf ears.

Participants in an environment ministers' conference in Tunis this week urged co-operation between Muslim countries in preparing for natural disasters.

World renowned Tunisian artist Dorsaf Hamdani discussed her inspiration and how she was able to perform a variety of musical genres.

Tunisian youths use "convenience marriage" to bypass restrictive immigration laws in Europe.

As life expectancy increases in Morocco, the government faces new challenges in its efforts to aid the elderly.

American basketball coach Craig Esherick offered training tips during a visit to Nouakchott.

While some argue for setting minimum education requirements for Moroccan MPs, others fear that the measure would render the parliament less representative of its constituencies.

The musical blend of Arabic and Hebrew reveals Morocco's unique cultural heritage.

Impounded newspapers, court cases and a hunger strike are spurring media watchdog groups into action.

While the Polisario have accused a former police official of espionage, the man's relatives launched an appeal to international organisations in an effort to gain his release.

A youth association in Morocco has created a new initiative designed to encourage communication between young people and their political representatives.

While Shems FM aims to attract young listeners, critics complain that Tunisian youth want more than just sports and music.

Weeks after the start of the school year, many university students in Tunisia continue to worry about finding suitable housing.

Transforming education and expanding political freedoms are necessary steps to curb radical Salafist thought, according to Alaya Allani, a Tunisian expert on political Islam.

Domestic and foreign companies and public agencies participated in Tunisia's first national recruitment salon.

The Middle East Partnership Initiative showed the next generation of Moroccan leaders how the internet can help effect social change.

US businessmen visiting Algeria met with several ministers to discuss investment opportunities.

Five years after the state ended its transport monopoly, Mauritania is back in the bus business.

Social tension is the reason for increased terrorism, says Tunisian political Islam expert Alia Allani.