Maghreb countries fear return of radicalized citizens after Assad’s fall
The downfall of the Assad regime in Syria has been celebrated globally. But there are many questions about what happens
In an exclusive article for Bled Strategic Times, the official gazette for the Bled Strategic Forum, Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita outlines King Mohammed’s vision for furthering peace talks in the Middle East. There are five key areas that are listed: firstly, there is “nothing, neither religion nor objectives that can justify the unspeakable hallmark violence of this conflict.” King Mohammed IV goes on to say, “that what the merchants of violence on all sides « have in common is not religion; it is precisely ignorance of religion ».” Secondly, “only a political space for peace with the contribution of moderate voices can put an end to the deadly spiral of violence.” Thirdly, the need to defend peace “inside and out” as well as rejecting extremism; it is a reason why King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, “has been constantly denouncing the sectarian and provocative acts carried out, particularly in the holy places of Jerusalem/Al-Quds Acharif.”. The fourth concern that needs to be addressed is that the “unresolved core issues and root causes, protracting the spiral of disappointment and violence,” meaning that “the core issue, was, is and remains the two-state solution: an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State within the borders of 1967, living side by side with the State of Israel, in peace and security.” Lastly, that peace in the Middle East must be a wake-up call; Nasser Bourita concludes that it is “time for the international community to comprehend that the Middle East conflict has reached a systemic breaking point: the point of no return. Now, the international community has to act, fast and durably.”
Sign up for the weekly newsletter and get our latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.