Morocco king keeps checks on new Islamist govt

[Little Tich]

Source: CBS News / AP

RABAT, Morocco —
Morocco's ruling coalition formed a new government on Tuesday that gives top posts to an Islamist party but also keeps close allies of the king in powerful positions.

The Islamist Justice and Development Party, known as PJD, won the most seats in the Nov. 25 parliamentary elections as part of the wave of election victories by Islamist political parties across North Africa following a series of uprisings across the Arab world.

"This new government has a true will for reform and we will keep all the promises we made," said Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane outside the palace after the swearing in. "We will do everything to encourage foreign and domestic investment to create a climate of prosperity."

Benkirane's PJD party is not expected, however, to radically change the politics of this North African kingdom because it had to ally with three other parties close to the palace, and the king still retains veto powers over most decisions.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57351208/morocco-king-keeps-checks-on-new-islamist-govt/

[On the Road]

1. Do You Know Anything About Morroccan Politics, Little Tich?

My impression is that it has been calm for many years. Haven't heard much about conflict or repression, but then Qaddaffi managed to hide his record pretty well. Some conflict in the Western Sahara area, but there were never that many people native to that area.

The geography and history of Morocco is fascinating to me, and I've been wanting to go there for years. Just has to a be a little safer than some other parts of North Africa.

[Little Tich]

2. Morocco survived the Arab Spring because people are not oppressed.

The King has the last say in politics, but he's trying also to usher in new measures that give more power to the parliament.

I was there a few years back, in Agadir, and I had a great time. I also visited Rabat, which was a very busy place. Everyone spoke french, there were some poor people around, but I always felt safe. Morocco is definitely worth a visit.

[On the Road]

3. Wow, You Were in the South

There is so much variety and so many places to visit I can't see doing it all on one trip. I don't mind going to seedy places, but once locals start targeting tourists or Westerners in general that's a big red flag. Good to hear that isn't happening.

My impression of Morocco was also that it is calmer and less authoritarian than most of the Arab world -- big change from the days of the pirates.