[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Maghreb and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Maghreb Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to maghreb@jadaliyya.com by Sunday night of every week.]
Algeria
"Quand le FMI sollicite l`Algerie" The IMF is soliciting Algeria in hopes that it can assist the cash-strapped international institution.
"Islamist Party funding stirs up controversy in Algeria" Foreign funding for political campaigns from Islamist sources in Turkey and Qatar threaten to undermine upcoming elections.
"A second chance for Algeria`s Islamists" Upcoming elections in Algeria may show that though democratic reforms have been made, voters may wish for further changes.
"Algeria, Tunisia strengthen unity" Leaders meet, increase ties, urging for cooperation on security threats in the region.
"جدل في الجزائر حول غرامة الامتناع عن التصويت" Algerian`s debate proposal to fine non-voters, some arguing that free and transparent elections are the only incentive needed to increase participation.
"More on Islamist Performance in Algeria” Factionalized state bureaucracies and parties are obscured by popular terms and references.
Libya
"Libya`s Misrata sees slow return to normality" With city still in ruins, citizens say that government is not doing enough to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure.
"Libya: NTC Must Assert itself and Consign federalism to the Dustbin of History" NTC must come up with creative solution linking local politics to a central government, and giving authority to local politics while maintaining Libyan cohesion.
"The End of History in New Libya" While Qaddafi-era propaganda textbooks have been thrown out, a struggle remains to find new ones to replace them.
"Remember Libya?" Libya faces new challenges in policy in order to reel in and control militias, despite lack of assistance from the west due to focus shift to Syria.
"محمود جبريل: 3 سيناريوات لليبيا" Former Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril discusses the increasing gap between the citizens and the transitional council, and other obstacles facing Libyans.
Mauritania
"Mauritania Snippets: protests, slavery, intrigue, human rights violations" Blogger Lissnup summarizes recent stories about Mauritania.
"Mauritania: Thousands of Refugees From Mali Facing Poor Conditions" Mauritania having a difficult time coping with the influx of 50,000 refugees from Mali crisis.
"Nouakchott : Des élèves manifestent pour de meilleures réformes éducatives" Students protest, demanding changes to the education system.
"Mauritania: The Face of Modern Day Slavery" The Mauritanian Government and Mauritanian experts respond to CNN"s special report by highlighting the complexity of economic inequalities and employer-employee dynamics.
"Business, profits souterrains et stratégie de la terreur La recolonisation du Sahara" Strategic misrepresentations of the MNLA movement fall within colonial rhetoric and power-plays for the region`s resources.
Morocco
"Morocco Wine Thrives in Face of religious ban`s Heat" Strong investment in the 1990s, and investment from French producers has given Morocco a lucrative wine market.
"Morocco reforms are tested by case against rapper" The case against rapper El Haqed tests the supposed reformations of the Morocco government regarding freedom of expression.
"Morocco`s Second Spring" Morocco’s promise of reform can only go so far if economic situation does not change in Morocco.
"Media Freedom in Morocco Takes a Backward Step" Comments by the justice minister trying to make state media more religious flies in the face of freedom of expression.
"Morocco Clamours for Justice" Lack of reforms in the justice system show gaps between rights on paper and rights in practice, and has led to corruption among judges.
"المغرب والفرنكوفونية... إلى أين؟" Analysis of the intersection between Morocco, the Maghreb, and France`s literary legacy.
"Grabuge chez les politiques" Analysis of Feb 20 movement`s effect on Morocco`s party framework.
Tunisia
"The Social Media Peace Corps" The reopening of Peace Corps in Tunisia is no replacement for the lack of adequate foreign policy in the North African region.
"Joblessness Threatens Tunisia" Interview with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki outlines issues of unemployment, investment in Tunisia, and a potential new constitution.
"Political Violence Persists in Tunisia" Government enforcement against political violence lacking in the face of attacks on citizens from ultra-religious group.
"Tunisia Marks World Book Day" Cultural event gathers citizens with a silent protest and show importance of literature in burgeoning democracy.
"Tunisia: Corruption and nepotism like in the past, blogger" Tunisian blogger explains that in her opinion, corruption, and oppression have not really changed in the “New” Tunisia.
"Tunisia: “The Illusion of Islam” unveils the illusion of liberty" Families of two men accused of blasphemy speak about their public ostrasization.
"The Beginnings of Transition: Politics and Polarization in Egypt and Tunisia" Examination of the intersection between diverse social and political groups, as well as their divides, at the "Transitions Dialogue" hosted by the Brookings Doha Center in January 2012.
“A quiet protest in Tunisia” Tunisians celebrate World Book Day by hosting the "Street Reads" on Habib Bourguiba Avenue.
"Le ministère de l’équipement couvre-t-il encore des affaires de malversation ?" Discussion of the sustained corruption across Tunisian institutions, particularly within the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Western Sahara
"The Western Sahara: forgotten first source of the Arab Spring" The issue of the Western Sahara, and this authors opinion that the UN and US have been neglecting the issue.
Recent Jadaliyya articles on the Maghreb
El Haqed: Examining Morocco`s Judicial Reform in 2012
Post-Ben Ali Partisan Developments in Tunisia: The Guarantor of Pluralism in a Nascent Democracy