Archive for July, 2009
Bricolage, Blessing or Curse?
Bricolage in Morocco isn’t the same as improvisation in a developed nation. It isn’t exotic, romantic, or an art form. It may be the sign of an inventive spirit, but more essentially it’s a response to a dysfunctional and even exploitative system.
Posted by eatbees on 28 Jul 2009 at 12:54 under Culture, Economy, Morocco, Politics.
Comments: 7
Islamism and Democracy 2
My friend is a secular leftist who cast his ballot for the PJD, because he sees it as the party most likely to bring democratic change to Morocco.
Posted by eatbees on 26 Jul 2009 at 12:37 under Morocco, Politics, Religion.
Comments: none
Islamism and Democracy 1
“Some people claim that to be against Islamism is to be with the Makhzen. Others claim that to be against the Makhzen is to be with the Islamists. But they’re both wrong. There is a third way.”
Posted by eatbees on 26 Jul 2009 at 12:27 under Morocco, Politics, Religion.
Comments: none
Why Is Morocco Stuck?
When I reflect on the stuckness of Morocco I reflect on two things: the political and economic system, and the mentality of the people.
Posted by eatbees on 17 Jul 2009 at 08:58 under Economy, Morocco, Politics.
Comments: 5
Thinking for Yourself
To question the validity of a single idea in the Qur’an or Sunna is like pulling on a thread that could unravel the whole social garment. As a result, while Islam is indeed a vast and rich system allowing for great diversity of expression, the risk of stepping outside it and finding oneself in revolt against all of society is very high.
Posted by eatbees on 17 Jul 2009 at 08:56 under Culture, Morocco, Religion.
Comments: 5
New Generation
Why hasn’t the state made an example of some of the old-guard officials and well-placed families who profited under the old regime? That would be the best way to put officials on notice that corruption will no longer be tolerated in Morocco.
Posted by eatbees on 17 Jul 2009 at 08:53 under Morocco, Politics.
Comments: 1
The Morocco Show
As we watched an open air concert I proposed, “So the rich want to turn Morocco into a show for foreigners to get their money, rather than developing the country in the interests of its people.” My friend replied, “That’s it in a nutshell.”
Posted by eatbees on 17 Jul 2009 at 08:49 under Culture, Economy, Morocco, Politics.
Comments: none
Nothing Has Changed
Since returning to Morocco after being away for three years, I keep hearing the same message from most of my friends. Nothing has changed, and that means Morocco is slowly sliding into an abyss of futility and defeat.
Posted by eatbees on 07 Jul 2009 at 17:02 under Culture, Morocco, Personal, Travel.
Comments: 2
Travel Update
I have a backlog of photos and stories I’d like to share with you, and I expect to begin updating this space “live from Morocco” within the next few days.
Posted by eatbees on 06 Jul 2009 at 14:03 under Morocco, Personal, Travel.
Comments: 2
Iran: Let’s Be Clear
We need to be vigilant if we want to understand objectively what is currently happening in Iran, because there is always the possibility of hidden interests that want to manipulate the system to their own private ends.
Posted by doga on 06 Jul 2009 at 13:24 under Civil Rights, Iran, Politics.
Comments: 1