International experts hail Morocco as model emerging market nation
2008-04-13
Finance and trade officials from 18 countries attended the first African Emerging Markets Forum in Rabat from April 7th-9th. Guests discussed the development experience of various nations, as well as opportunities for further regional co-operation.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 13/04/08
 [Sarah Touahri] The first African Emerging Markets Forum, held last week in Rabat, attracted officials and experts from 18 countries. |
The first African Emerging Markets Forum, held in Rabat from April 7th-9th, brought together officials and experts from 18 countries. Hailed as the first major event of its kind, the forum provided an opportunity for exchange and dialogue between government leaders and world-renowned specialists.
Economics professor Salim Karroumi told Magharebia that major events of this kind encourage foreign investment and stimulate the job market: "It's very important for Morocco to host this kind of meeting since it will raise the country’s profile in the eyes of investors. It will also have a tangible impact on the national economy, which will become better able to cater to jobseekers."
Due to the high profile of participants, the forum was more than a mere meeting, economist Noureddine Sefrioui noted. "The discussions attended by Moroccan representatives will help us benefit from the experiences of developed countries and will therefore have an impact on the growth of our economy," he added.
Moroccan Economy and Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said Morocco has advanced in three areas to help maintain the country's socio-economic growth: democracy and freedom, openness and social development. "Our country has defined its distinguishing features and the assets on the basis of which it can build a strong and attractive economy. It has therefore chosen to take advantage of its strategic geographical location, its highly qualified workforce, its natural resources and its openness by means of free trade agreements. Morocco now offers greater visibility to economic operators, which makes it more attractive in terms of investment and business," he said.
Calling a united Maghreb a "strategic imperative" as well as an economic opportunity, Minister of Foreign Affairs Taieb Fassi Fihri insisted on the need for regional co-operation. He deplored the fact that the Arab Maghreb Union, created in 1989, is the "least developed" such body on the continent.
He said that while nations have made advances in bilateral relations, economic integration at the regional level is essential for further progress.
Several attendees at the forum hailed Morocco for its development experience. Former Swiss President Joseph Deiss said that for an emerging country, Morocco is advancing at a steady and well-managed pace: "Morocco, which has considerable potential, including its significant human resources, is on the right track with a solid institutional framework and stability which is highly conducive to development."
Michel Camdessus, Honorary Governor of Banque de France and former managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said Morocco is consolidating the basis of its economic growth but is also seeking to do so by means of regional exchange with other countries.
Ahmed Zerhouni, a third-year political science student, was delighted by the attendance of a variety of leading political, financial and business figures including former heads of state, ministers and officials from major financial institutions. "I followed the proceedings and I think the forum will make a difference, not only for Morocco, but also for African co-operation," he said, adding that Morocco was held up as an example for emerging African economies.
The meeting in Rabat was a prelude to the annual meeting of the Emerging Markets Forum scheduled to take place in Hanoi in June, the latest meeting under a global initiative led by the Centennial Group, a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Washington DC.
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hoggar Posted 2008-04-13
Excerpt from Wikipedia, supported by information supplied by the Makhzen (regime): 15% of the Moroccan population is unequivocally below the poverty line, 40% of Moroccans are in poverty, near-zero reserves, neutralised by debt, a GDP down from last year. And 1000 problems that affect the daily lives of Moroccans; weak children's education, high illiteracy, 3 million joints smoked every day, and drugs represent between 15 and 40% of GDP... etc... etc. If with all this, Morocco is a model of emerging development, then Algeria must be like America. What is regrettable, Magahrebia, is that reading your articles on Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia gives me the same feeling I get when reading pro-government newspapers, which serve no purpose save to lie and tell the people that everything is getting better. This is a shame, and it is a shame 1,000 times over. I advise you to visit the website TSA, Tout sur l’Algérie, where you will see that the Algerian journalists from France have not mastered the empty language of your authors. They offer criticism in an objective way about all of Algeria’s current events. Fine though, the world is so hypocritical that Tunisia, it seems, has just passed its Human Rights exam, and did so with honours from the jury. This is funny for the country with the dictator Ben Ali. Keep it up, and you will see that the poor people of the Maghreb will never be free. Alas, it is also thanks to you. Have a good day or evening. -Salutations to the free men and women!
Abdu Posted 2008-04-13
Your voting systen is not working it only shows the nefative vote snipet. the positive one only shows up after you click the negative one. Abdu
wassila Posted 2008-04-14
I am proud of my mother's country and I am also happy to say that everything these jealous nay-sayers may say is just (slander). Morocco is fine - the country has the luxury of making people jealous. Blessed Morocco! Infinite thanks to God, who protects the country.
aissam najid Posted 2008-04-14
Hello friends, I am a student at engineering school in Paris. I wondered, as many others do I assume, what my role will be in the growth of my country. We don't know how, but we believe in it!! Faced with attractive salaries in the West, I would like to know what efforts the Moroccan state is making to curb skills migration (I should say credentials migration). Sincere thanks, Aissam Najid, engineer, Telecom Paritech
enamorada de marruecos Posted 2008-04-14
Go Arab Moroccans!
Anonymous Posted 2008-04-14
JUST BLAH BLAH FROM M6 to calm the game down. He is inviting the Zionists to talk on the radio and with the journalists.
mouloud Posted 2008-04-14
Hello everyone, I am an unnerved Algerian... As in the saying "the truth will set you free", I tell my two brothers Algeria and Morocco... we are too late. I am 56 years old, and unfortunately I haven't seen any new progress like Europe or China. It pains me to see others advance while we attack ourselves. Where are the solutions? What are our leaders doing and when will we reunite, like France and Germany? I am just a simple citizen- I would like for someone in charge to answer me. Thank you.
LEMBIRIKOVICH Posted 2008-04-15
You have really excellent articles that enlighten us about business, finance and politics. Thank you so much and keep up the good work. You are doing a great job.
Etaim Posted 2008-04-16
Morocco made a lot of progress since its independence. Its elites govern the country, no matter what the critics say. But, Morocco has suffered two severe handicaps along with it. The first is the poverty of certain populated regions that are essentially in the mountains. Journalists are calling this part of Morocco “useless Morocco”, but this does not give the proper significance to the important populations in the countryside. The other handicap is that the country has a heavy energy bill and very few subterranean resource riches compared to its neighbours. Morocco needs to continue to fight poverty in the countryside and put in place real education policies. And, as for you, Hoggar, you can keep your “Tout sur l’Algérie” (TSA); it is a very poor newspaper in terms of analysis, but rich in terms of discriminating information. (And, this is for good reason: the DRS finances it.) For my part, I recommend Le Matin DZ or an article on my blog:
reda Posted 2008-04-16
Aissam Najid: Young man, you are welcome in your country! With this advancement and bewitching economic dynamism, you could only be happy here. Moreover, your background in telecommunication (ICT) matches Morocco’s privileged and most excellent sectors perfectly. Mouloud: Morocco is already on the path to modernism and development (not in theory, but in practice- economic indicators tell all), with considerable financial situation that even Algeria may not have in 30 or 40 years when the oil runs out. I am just telling you that you fate is in our hands. The presidential elections are approaching, and if the Algerians want to get out of their current gloom, then may they only vote in competent men. God is with you, as are Moroccans with all of their heart.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-17
To Aissam Najid: Allow me, if you will, to give you some friendly advice. If you have a high-paying job as an engineer at Telecom Paritech, then I formally advise you against trying to switch paths in order to go back to a country that absolutely does not give you any satisfaction or a better quality of life than the one you enjoy now. In short, I tell you, my brother, stay there!!! You will earn your future and, God willing, that of your children as well!!! If you are waiting for a change in your country, then it won’t be coming in this century!!! My reasoning is logical, given everything that is going on the countries of the Maghreb!!! A word to the wise!!! -From Algiers, bye
un sage Posted 2008-04-17
You have got to laugh at the one named “Hoggar”. It seems that someone has a few screws loose!!! That he loves his country is commendable, but it is that he concentrates his hatred, which is in reality pure jealousy for Morocco....,??? In fact, everything they have is thanks to this dear country! Mr. Clown thinks that Morocco is not up to being compared to Algeria; he thinks it should be compared to Mexico or Brazil!!! Yeah, yeah, that’s it!? You should compare yourself to Nigeria, as it is at your country’s level, my dear, or Sudan… or, to stretch it, Libya. But, there is nothing beyond this, please. Otherwise, ridicule may not kill, but he is ridiculous just the same! Oh, yeah, a comparison with Venezuela I’ll give to you. One more thing: Magharebia is not a Moroccan website, but a Maghreb site, sponsored by the Pentagon to gauge our level- I see it is well served!!
Mounir Posted 2008-04-18
Honestly its this negativity that leads morocco no where. What gets me frustrated is how these elites of morocco do nothing to invest more in the country. No innovation, no new way of doing business, just the same old stupid way of thinking in the same industry's, that don't advance the country to a better future. People the government can only do so much, government is useless everywhere not just morocco this is all on us fellow Moroccans to make things better. Just look at the Chinese, yea there not perfect nor is there government but even now there innovating, instead of spending there lives buying Japanese and American products they built up there own company's and manufactured there own TV's, cell phones, medical equipment, and cars. Just look at the arab world in general why is it that we dont have out own brands of cars while we spend thousands buying Mercedes and toyata's. The problem here is people are to stuck in there comfort zones thats why were so stuck on tourism and agriculture, and manufacturing other peoples crap instead of our own. Just go do your reasearch on developing and country's that have developed in the past 20 years. Country's like india, china, korea all have there own industry's selling almost everything the big boys sell. But the Arabs, morocco especially just focuses on tourism and agriculture. Recently i saw a Moroccan car designer laraki say he was going to manufacture his own super car in morocco, this mans thinking is exactly what we need, he's taking a risk and is on the right step to develop us for the future and create future job growth, and also lead other to take these types of risks. We can have all the engineers in the world but if they dont have an industry to work in then there education is useless.
Anonymous Posted 2008-04-18
"Sage"; Our country, Morocco, has a poverty rate of 33.4 per cent. It is necessary to specify that “average citizen” has nothing to do with reality. Then, connecting the average Algerian citizens income to the price of a barrel of oil represents an idea indeed anchored in political and economic thought relative to this country. It does not make sense to do the same thing for the neighbouring countries—Tunisia and Morocco, for example. This is only Algeria’s economy, like that of Libya and Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries of the Gulf, which are intimately connected to oil activity and its revenue.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-19
Hey “Sage”, you do not seem to be wise at all!!! In your response to Hoggar, you seem to underestimate countries like Nigeria, Libya, Sudan, Venezuela. Do you at least know that it is these countries are the oil producers that make the price of oil go up or down??? They are active. Can the same be said about your country (which, though this is in passing, I respect)? But, saying such things cannot leave us without an opinion. The landmass of the aforementioned countries you underestimated is far superior to that of yours. So, be modest, because, even if ridiculousness does not kill, you are all the same being ridiculous. -From Algiers, bye
le sage Posted 2008-04-19
To Slim 16: It is always the same old line for you all, and it has been that way since 1970. You have not made even a single step in progress. On the contrary, you have made several steps backward. Why? A great landmass does not mean a great state. Moreover, you are showing off if you think that only Algeria has oil. I was not speaking about that, though, but about its political weight, democracy, the diversification of the economy, education and standard of living. But, to explain is to educate. It is well known that Algerians—but not all of them—are jealous and envious in nature. It is not shocking that Algeria has no friends or allies.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-21
In Response to “Sage”: I will relate to you some facts that you cannot deny. Read the words of “Anonymous” and I think you will understand my logic. Moreover, I think that it is you who is showing off. You have to be jealous of Hoggar’s knowledge, which is so well documented. Treating him as a clown brings you no honour. You try to offer a valuable judgement about Algerians while behaving jealously and enviously towards them. You absolutely do not have the two cents it takes to understand the behaviour of people more educated and instructed that you wanderers!!! You think you are more witty than the Nigerians, more instructed that the Libyans, more educated than the Sudanese and more organised than the Venezuelans!!!??? By my own words, you are superman! No, I simply think that you are ruined by your own stupidity. Keep it up like this, you’re good at it! Just to let you know, I was not insulted. -From Algiers, bye
Tunisien Posted 2008-04-22
To “Sage”: God bless your father! Do you have parents? I don’t think so. People like you, who know nothing of life and reality, have to be born in caves. Take a look around, you animal!
clair de lune Posted 2008-04-23
To Slim-16: As if by accident, the first to take up speaking in the name of hatred against Morocco is who??? None other than the indoctrinated Boras, who wants to impose ‘his’ hateful ideology on us!!! Why don’t you go to the pro-nationalist forums in order to spit your hateful venom? As usual, this type of [expletive] still has not managed to admit that Morocco is an example of progress in the socio-economic sphere. Indeed, all of this comes in spite of the difficulties Morocco is encountering! You don’t believe your ears, ass!? It can’t be true!? You are professional rhetorician, huh? You need to climb out of your shell, because it stinks like something is rotten over there. You are bogged down, my buddy, with your identity crisis. Frankly, you astonish me. Fortunately, a jackass has come along to remind us that there are problems in Morocco. Listen, loudmouth, poverty and like problems are everywhere. You can start by taking a look at yourself. But, this is not the subject here; we are talking about the situation in Morocco with regards to its plans in the works. Do you understand??? You are asked to comment on the subject!!! Try to stick to the topic a bit more! Morocco’s problems are not your problems! Look at what you have on your plate, instead of checking out what your neighbour is eating. We did not wait around to have a scatterbrain bring up ancient history for us. But, I understand your reaction, you phoney: your country has got poor footing on the international scene and you would like to make yourself feel more reassured by talking about your neighbour—a neighbour that never asked for anything from you. Morocco is a model with regards to its plans in the works. So, what is wrong with that? Do you feel hurt by this? I do not know anyone in the world who can be jealous of a country where they slit babies’ throats and which is economically, politically and culturally bankrupt. This is a shame to the globe!!! -Goodbye from someone way ahead of you-
Melkome Posted 2008-04-23
“A Stubborn, Capricious and Arrogant Algeria” The Kingdom is only asking for peace. May this irresponsible, belligerent little girl of a country let the Maghreb as a whole and it's people live in peace. Algeria is advancing with speed. It is a shame that it is advancing to the detriment of the Algerians and to the benefit of Chinese society and the fat apparatchiks. Moroccans as a whole have the fantasy of achieving economic co-operation that would be realistic, peaceful and profitable for all of the Maghreb. With regards to the independence of the Sahara, we will be heading down a path where we have to grant independence to all the inhabitants of the African Sahara, from the Atlantic to the Horn of Africa—even the Sahelians and, why not, the Bedouins. We will have to grant independence to the region of the Rif Mountains, another of Morocco’s ancient territories that was a Spanish protectorate. And, the same goes for the Kabyles in their frustrated desires to separate from the ungrateful and infamous central government. Let the Christians live in peace, as they are only asking to do what the Algerian government itself had done in Europe. And, the Jews… Oh no, there aren’t anymore over there. Can one live in peace there, without being afraid of running into a false obstacle, with being afraid of getting one’s throat slit for no reason, no matter who the perpetrators are? The Algerians do not even know themselves, and if they don’t, then who can?... maybe the Chinese, who know them better than they know themselves. For a country so rich in gas and oil reserves, this is not the image it gives off. Algeria does not have the image of the Gulf countries. The outlook for young Algerians is unemployment, violence and emigration—the latter being the situation of older Algerians in Europe, particularly in France. DZ's atmosphere is a polluted one. It is not good to live there: it smells like gas.
Melkome Posted 2008-04-23
What remains is indeed bread, meat and vegetable shortages such that they are imported at unaffordable prices. Maybe this is normal, but there is no real honour in drinking and eating your oil. Rather, it would be ideal if real use could be made of the currency it brings us. In the end, when you play with fire, you get burnt. In any case, behind all these remarks, you can feel the dignity and the blind, nationalistic pride of Algeria. If you are so strong and unalterable, why not accept opening the border? You do not want to take any risks, is that it? Or is it that you risk being put in contact with a people who are original, secular, rich in their hearts, cultured, have an identity and who will not let these lands be taken from them by a hostile government, eager to spread itself to their detriment. Indeed, without the current Algerian government and its Pinocchio-style goings-on, we would have a tranquil Maghreb.
Jean François Honniger Posted 2008-04-24
As a student in economics, I am very interested in developing countries. I went on a school trip to Morocco in 2007 and—I do not want to offend the readers here, because, after all, this is just my personal opinion—I have to say that the title “Morocco as a Model Emerging Market Nation” is fairly excessive. Morocco's economy is primarily based on agriculture, the performance of which is as random as the rainfall. The proof was given in 2007, when the growth of Morocco’s economy was practically zero because of weak agricultural performance. There is certainly a small manufacturing sector, but this does not suffice for a country that plays a key role at the international level. Moreover, as far as social, educational and infrastructural parameters go, they are insufficient for a country to be qualified as developing. Morocco has an illiteracy rate of 50 per cent according to the qualified experts I got to meet, and health care falls way short of norms. These are just a few elements that do not permit Morocco present itself as a model country. This country still has a long road ahead of it, especially given that the rural population that makes up the majority of the society is illiterate and very poor. -Fondly
Mansour Edahabi Posted 2008-04-24
As a Moroccan living in the Netherlands i always think about our future. Why is it that the Europeans unite, 27 nations, different languages , cultures, histories, religions and we NOT? Why we dont build highways between our countries and let our peoples travel and do business? Why shouldnt we open the borders so we can intermarry and know each other? We are one people. One history, one culture, one language, one religion. I am Amazigh, but i dont like to distinguish myself as different, i am Moroccan an Muslim. Therefor i call on all my brothers and sisters: we must unite because only together we can succeed!!! We have to demand our rights from our governments!! Why we cant travel and work in neighbouring countries? Open those borders!!!!!! All Arab Governments!!!
E.T de la planète MARS Posted 2008-04-24
Honniger; Take another look at your text. The message you want to send is both clear and mistaken. The French of French origin know Morocco well and their way of expressing this is a lot more elegant. This won’t work; we already had our dealings with a “Canadian” and a “German”. Now, we have a “Frenchman” who speaks a French that the French themselves no longer use. Experts have said that Morocco is a model for emerging countries and we agree. If that bothers you, Mr. Frenchy, then that is your problem. This is the height of how low you can get!!!
clair de lune Posted 2008-04-24
I prefer and I insist upon the word “emerging”, because the Kingdom’s economic indicators prove that it has had the green light for a few years now. This performance can, in particular, be attributed to dynamic domestic demand. Moreover, I do not think that the Moroccan economy is “essentially based on agriculture”. What you are advancing is nothing more than erroneous information. If you were well educated with regards to your field of study, then you would known that Morocco’s economy is based on three elements, not one: services, industry and, finally, agriculture—coming in third. What you have come forward with is a failure then, no? Furthermore, that Morocco has—and I quote you here—“a small manufacturing sector… |that| does not suffice for a country that plays a key role at the international level”, means absolutely nothing. This textual argument adds nothing at all to the coherence of the subject. Where exactly were you going with this??? According to you, a country developing at a relatively rapid rhythm is not an emerging country. In this case, what should it be called? I sincerely fear—and I do not want to offend you here—that you have not mastered the definition of the word “emerging” nor the subject matter. Morocco has a liberal market economy. Its economic system is characterised by being wide open to the outside world and by the development of the banking, offshore-investment and tourism sector. What is more, there is the acceleration of the rate by which governmental programmes are executed, proving well that Morocco is an emerging country and a model in the Maghreb. And, all of this is in spite of the “elements” you just cited, which have nothing to due with the definition of that word either. I think that a bit of studying up on this subject is needed. Sincerely
Farid Posted 2008-04-25
In Response to Melkome: This is exactly it: our neighbours in the West spit their venom on Algeria because our government refuses to open the border. Logically, the investigation into the Marrakesh bombing has been closed ever since President Zeroual asked at the opening of the investigation that evidence proving the implication of the Algerian Military Security be presented, being that your Minister of the Interior, may God curse him, accused this institution—something that wasn’t the case. So, the border remains closed. Bouteflika has no choice in this, otherwise he would have opened it. No, believe me, this is the desire of the majority of Algerians. Moreover, personally, I do not see the point. You government dared to introduce visas for Algerians, so it should take responsibility. You country leads an anaesthetised life. The proof can even be found in the rapid railway transit project. France handed you over a check for 70 million euros as a first instalment. You are swimming in it, while you rip off the countries of the Gulf. You talk about agricultural and you buy wheat on the international market just like us. Now, we just want peace. Stop tarnishing us with your opening of the border. Mr. Jean François Honniger can speak for the rest. And, I won’t mention the prostitution going on in your hotels. And, gentlemen of Magharebia, stop censoring the Algeria commenters. Thank you!
OBSERVATEUR Posted 2008-04-25
It must be recognized that even without oil and gas, Morocco is not doing too badly.
hoggar Posted 2008-04-25
To Etaim: Frankly, I do not share your opinion on TSA, as it spares no one in the Algerian government. On the other hand, I took your advice and joined in on the “Matin DZ”. It is true that this it is fairly open with regards to its discussions. I really like it! Bye
hoggar Posted 2008-04-25
To Un Sage: It is my right to compare Algeria to Mexico or Brazil, especially given that I have my reasons. Moreover, I did explain that this countries have the same GDP as Algeria and what they face now. So, nothing is really surprising here when it comes to Mr. Fake Sage. As for Morocco, frankly, I have no hatred here. I can make a distinction between the people of Morocco who deserve our respect and the catastrophic governance of the Makhzen, whom I think are selling Morocco out. There you have it: that is all. We do not have to have the same opinion. And, I understand your reaction all the more so if you are benefiting from the Makhzen. If not, though, I am sorry, but gibberish is not my specialty!!! And, for your information, I was not the one to classify Morocco behind Namibia; it was the UN’s UNESCO ranking. I am not responsible for this rank, just like I am not responsible for the debt of Moroccans and so on. If you want to have a debate without any animosity, then I am ready for it whenever you want and however you want!
Etaim Posted 2008-04-25
Hoggar and Jean François Honniger; You must have been beaten by a Moroccan to become so schizophrenic. You need to go get treatment. You need to read a lot of Moroccan newspapers— that is the medication I prescribe to you as a friend.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-25
To Melkome: I recommend you Jean François Honniger’s post. I ask that you read it well. You will soak up the words of a neutral citizen. At least he talks about the subject “International experts recognise Morocco as a model emerging market.” You are making us part of your anti-Algerian delusions! I think Jean François hits the nail on the head, making it clear that Morocco is far from being a model emerging market, his arguments being based on a recent field study. As for bringing the proposed subject to Algeria, you can empty your serpent venom out on us. Have the courage to talk about your country, be it good or bad, instead of deluding us, no matter how good it seems to you.
gol Posted 2008-04-26
Without wanting to offend you Mr. Jean François Honniger, Morocco is not limited to agriculture alone, but has many other sectors. For someone who did their studies in economics and yet who speaks with such silliness, we may ask if you are not mistaken in your orientation. The proof is that all the international experts think contrary to your analysis and they have more credibility than your silliness.
Farida Posted 2008-04-26
To Farid: What angers me the most is that you have no eyes in your head, just holes. Don’t you see that you are barely staying afloat even in spite of your oil? You economy is 85 per cent secured on hydrocarbons, there is no industry and no agriculture, unemployment is at 15% and you are always last in the rankings for economic freedom, attractiveness, democracy, freedom of the press, infrastructure and so on. Yet you still dare to be proud of a government that is doing nothing for you apart from a few pharaonic projects, delivered to you, keys in hand, by foreign companies. This is the typical Dutch syndrome. As for Morocco, it is not the States, but, economically speaking, it is still on the right track. And, this is even without oil and with imports that are costing us dearly. Rarely are there all-out international rankings where we are placed behind Algeria!!! There you have it: we are cruising our way of our bumps little by little. And, in spite of this, we have to hear from you that Algeria is Africa’s El Dorado and that we Moroccans are jealous of it and that if the border were opened, Moroccans would invade Algeria, we would rush this Algerian El Dorado. Take look at these statistics in order to be a bit more serious here: Algeria has the second highest GDP in Africa. Whooptie-doo! You have $150 billion sitting in your coffers or being wasted on pharaonic projects, which are most certainly useful, but are not essential at the time being. Take, for example, the $8 billion contract in 2006 that went to nothing but renovating the army or the building of a 1000-kilometre highway that goes in one single direction!!! I’ve never seen such a thing! This is not even a priority for most Algerians, especially not the ones on the outside!!! Or take the squandering of your corruption! The leaders indeed packed away millions, and, with all the billions floating around, did so without risk.
Farida Posted 2008-04-26
In short, you are up to your necks in [expletive]. You will agree with me that, in comparison to Morocco, Algeria resembles the former Soviet Union!!! It is sincerely time to wake up. Right now, your country is far from being a showboat, even in spite of all its billions. Perhaps it is time to change out the fellah governing them and stop driving into the wind. So, to sum things up, what angers me is the attitude of Algerians who think that their country is deserving of jealousy when it is really nothing right now. Quite the contrary, it is a feeling of pity that predominates. It is so rich, yet so poor. (The Algerian paradox LOL!)
slim16 Posted 2008-04-27
What censorship! I posted three responses but there is still no trace of them! Magharebia censors responses made by Algerians. You can only read the “Air de Prune” and Gol, who are nothing but pathetic, incoherent cry babies. The ask us to stay on topic, but they themselves take pleasure in denigrating us and moving away from the subject. You change “Slim-16” for “Slip-16”. I will tell you "I am not homosexual"that I am not gay. You need go look someplace else... you disgust me... long live censorship...
rachid Posted 2008-04-27
Slim-16; Don’t get carried away, Slim: everybody know that Jean François is a schizophrenic Algerian ventriloquist in reality. I rather find myself on Clair de Lune’s side, who put Mr. J.F. in his place. Just go verify his information on the Internet and you will see that what he said was true. Why go against the truth, or search 12 or 14 hours for it? Only people of such good sense would submit such a good comment, which, as far as I'm concerned, is perfect. It is quite simple: it is the pride of those who do not want to ‘recognise’ the truth, and who have no shame about doing so. And, for the others they are dumfounded and sour. Some are just looking to be a little stupid. Is it jealousy that has them chattering such filth???
lila Posted 2008-04-27
One day, we asked a loon to start wailing and it hasn't stopped since. This is the case of this slug—my apologies to the slug—Hoggar, who does not stop patrolling websites leaving a trail of snot behind him in what he believes to be an Anti-Moroccan campaign. It’s a lost cause because even his compatriots have made their contempt for him known on a website where he tried to impose himself as their absolute master. Thank you Magharebia, (This message was censored on the website in question, “le Matin DZ”, which is, no doubt, Algerian.)
nadia Posted 2008-04-28
When I see slim 16’s comments, I tell myself that Algeria is going well and will keep on standing upright despite its detractors. Morocco will never forgive us for our support of the Sahrawis. There you have it: the real reason for their fury against us. Maybe this point of view will never really show up, but one thing is for sure: Algeria has millions of people like slim 16.
J.CHRISTOPHE Posted 2008-04-28
Stop with your squabbling. I do not know if you are playing the governments’ games. These do not want the reconciliation of the people at all. So, wake up! Pardon me, but I am telling you this in complete sincerity that I fortunately came to know Islam before coming to know certain Muslims.
jouhara Posted 2008-04-28
To the vulture of augury, Hoggar: We are ranked behind Namibia in a certain sector!? And, you are just ahead of Germany!? Oh, no, you are ahead of the USA! Given that I am from Morocco, I can say that no one is jealous of you. In fact, there is nothing with regards to you. You would do better to pay attention to your own country’s poverty, which, I remind you, is ranked superbly at the head of the weakest countries on the planet and, worth mentioning, needing of “monitoring”. Go stand on your soapbox somewhere else. When it comes to the Moroccans, you have something stuck up your rear. Here, they do not censor like they do at “le Matin DZ”, for which—given that we can only find your famous writings there—you are the web moderator. We can figure out that you are in the ranks of the generals, the same ones that ruined your country. You have evidently benefited from this. Boumediene is dead and Algeria with him. Wake up!!! In cold blood, you killed the only one who could have saved you. May Mr. Mohamed Boudiaf rest in peace in Heaven with the prophets and martyrs. Amen.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-28
I am ashamed of all of these liars. They do not even respect a foreigner who gave his neutral opinion. Play fair! He has the right to not share your opinion. But, it is all clear: some of you think his interest is in you!!! This is height of stupidity, which you have always proven. This is to say: that you are Algerians!!! That explains everything, given the narrow-mindedness of these country-bumpkins from the poor neighbourhoods. No more greetings from Algiers....
Algerien Posted 2008-04-29
Lila, You are blabbering. Mr. Hoggar is a man of knowledge, not like you and a lot of your compatriots, who insult whomever they can. The Moroccans have accounts to settle with Algeria, its people and its leaders. Morocco persists against Algeria; this is nothing new—it has always been like this. ;) Here you go: the proof on this website demonstrated that Morocco has been against Algeria for 44 years. Such hatred is incomprehensible, and it issues from their psychopathology. It is time for your king, Mohamed VI to change out the current leaders of Morocco who have an “Algerian” complex for a new generation of young political men who are open to the world and who understand that their future lies in regional co-operation and solidarity. P.S. Morocco, like its neighbour Algeria, is feeling the effects of underdevelopment, poverty and environmental degradation, so stay cool and have a little respect.
Jean-François Honniger Posted 2008-04-30
I am quite surprised by the verbal violence of which I am the subject only for having criticised a text that implored me to do so. Instead of a healthy conversation, gutter language has been privileged here. Blinded by smugness, some have gone as far as wanting to give me a French lesson, putting in doubt my ability to understand what “emerging” means. It is true that in these societies people are more at ease with complaisant discourse, going with the grain in order to spare their touchiness. This proves that democracy has not entered into their mores and also gives us an idea of their degree of “emergence”. Their panache is well accounted for, as we are ordered not to talk about the things we know and, likewise, not discuss the subject with any courtesy. When one is not strong, then one should at least have the humility to keep quiet instead of offering oneself up as a spectacle for the audience’s amusement! In fact, what is this all about? It was an informal meeting of a few economists! A student in economics thought it good to tell a journalist that experts “consider Morocco as a model of emerging markets.” This is nothing but the point of view given by a student. I saw this and wanted to briefly point out that emergence has not yet materialised. This is the economic reality and it has been demonstrated by realistic performances alone. Now, we can note that there are other countries in Africa who perform far better than Morocco and yet are not considered to be “emerging markets”.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-30
To Nadia: Thank you for the support. I am proud to be one of the millions. We are respectful of knowledgeable people and we are learning from them what we do not yet know. We accept what is acceptable, but reject the unacceptable. This is logical. I am very happy with Jean François Honniger’s response and I congratulate him for his study, which is so pertinent to the subject. To all of his detractors, I leave it to them to not swallow the pill of misunderstanding too much. However, I will apologise, as, at one moment, I was doubtful: I did not think that Jean François would respond, given the turn these pencil-pushers’ writings took! (And, that is the perfect name for them.) The words they used, the mix-ups they made, the allusions they made to his person! I told myself that this was too banal for him, that he was going to abandon us. But, no, his response was an argument as solid as a rock! These ‘bloggers’ respect nothing and I want to tell them: Reread what has been written! Have some sportsmanship! Absorb what you can without being ashamed; you will not die from it! -From Algiers, bye
gol Posted 2008-05-01
Mr. Jean François Honniger, Even if I have not gone to the trouble to read your “whole book”, the one thing I can say is that you are spouting hot air. You talk about democracy, but at the same time you refuse the criticism of others.
slim16 Posted 2008-05-02
To Magharebia: Censorship is what you know. What happened to the Mr. Jean François Honniger’s two other pages??? Are you afraid that this analysis is more concrete that the one you offered to the Internet-goers on the subject, or what? I want a plausible explanation for this. All the Internetnauts are my witnesses.
slim16 Posted 2008-05-04
To Magharebia: Your explanations did not convince me. You censored two full pages written by Mr. Jean François Honniger relating to his argument concerning the economic, social and cultural situation of Morocco. You say, “Magharebia welcomes all points of view,” but you censored a point of view!!! Why!!!??? There were no insults or vulgarity. On the contrary, it was a very proper text, the analysis of which was very pertinent and reflected the real situation in the field. One more thing: what proves that the two pages were censored is that we were able to read them and then POOF!—they disappeared. This is a poor act of censorship and it proves that there was interference coming from high up. Bravo!!! You are so free, holy website! Censor me, and I will be even more content!
slim16 Posted 2008-05-04
To Jean François Honniger: You three-page comment realistically reflected the situation on the ground. Your analysis and your argument were based on a field study. I am disillusioned by the fact that two of the pages were removed. When will you accept us, censor!?!! I will tell all the people who read this that it is censorship and it is no good. Jean François, you should ask for explanations and continue to write, if only to fight this “bad censorship”. Sincerely, From Algiers, bye
Anonymous Posted 2008-05-05
We cannot understand this guy Slim 16. He wants to reserve this website for the [expletive] he believes in. Me too, I have a bunch of comments that have not been published, but I do not bemoan them. So, calm down. It is clear that you do not have too much freedom of expression in your country. You should thank Magharebia for giving it to you. Stay cool!
Oranais Posted 2008-05-05
Slim 16; You are perpetually off topic. You need a straightjacket. You talk a bunch of nonsense. You are the gravedigger of words. Everything you say is false. You are a virus on the Internet. You constantly create conflicts. You keep fueling false debates for your personal pleasure. You probably have no friends, and that is understandable. All of Algeria hates you. Nobody wants you, like Quasimodo. You were to die of boredom in your ditch. You need to relent somewhat; you are hooked to a website that wanted to welcome you. But, this suits you well, apparently. You are happy like this. Is this all you want? Here’s a piece of advice: stop making such an a.. of yourself. Leave people alone. I get the impression that you are someone full of hate and who needs to speak out. You were asked to comment on the subject, but you always shout long and loud about something off topic, you are always going on tangents. In whose name are you doing this propaganda? For what purpose??? That is the big mystery. If this is what you claim as your freedom, allow me to laugh.
HICHAM-CANADA Posted 2008-05-06
Slim 16 is a specialist in denigrating Morocco. Moreover, he encourages other to do the same. I think he must be paid to do this. You make us ashamed. Don’t you have anything else to do? I would like to point out that all Algerians are not like him. We live well, in perfect harmony with our Moroccan brothers abroad. I think we get along best with them, in fact...
Oranais Posted 2008-05-07
Slim 16, Sorry my friend, but I am Moroccan even in spite of me saying I am from Oran. My blood is still Moroccan despite me eating Algerian food and drinking Algerian water. I will always be Moroccan.
mahmoud Posted 2008-05-07
Anonymous; You know, you are pitiful. You judge all Algerians as one. Freedom is only found in Algeria; no Arab country has this sort of freedom of expression. Do you think we are Morocco?
slim16 Posted 2008-05-07
To “Oranais”: You have not understood anything. Indeed, as far as being a psychologist goes, you are worthless! I have a very good reason to liven up this website, but you do not know my reasons. So, it would be easier if you would just mind your own beeswax and let me enjoy myself! Over here we have an expression: “When two are talking, the third will butt in”. If you understand, then all is well. Moreover, I will point out to you that all that you write, from the very first line to the very last, is off subject. You only talk about me, not about the subject. So, be cool and let people say what they want. It won’t hurt you. I think— and I am going to tell you one more thing here— that I am very popular here in Algiers and you in Oran. Maybe that is why you do not understand me. In any case, you will not stop me!!! We are all off topic!!!
zinu-bcn Posted 2008-05-07
One thing is for sure, dear readers: Morocco will never be a good neighbour. Just take a look at Spain and Algeria—I think this says it all.
mahmoud Posted 2008-05-08
HICHAM-CANADA: Is what you said true?... Or is this your dream, my Moroccan friend? The Moroccans are Algeria’s enemy, just like al-Qaeda and the GSPC. The Moroccan army drowned 30 emigrants. “Dreadful” is not a strong enough word to describe this exceptional act of cruelty committed by the crew of a Moroccan naval vessel last April 28th. They drowned 30 sub-Saharan emigrants, four of which were children, just off of El-Hoceima in the North-East of Morocco. This information, reported by the Spanish newspaper “El Pais” and confirmed by a Moroccan NGO, lays bare the Moroccan soldiers’ exceptionally violent reaction. They deliberately sunk an inflatable boat upon which 70 emigrants were trying to cross over to Spain. Based on the testimonies of Malian and Nigerian survivors, the newspaper “El Pais” reported that the knives of the Alouite Kingdom’s soldiers punctured this fortuitous boat. “Two hours after beginning the journey, a Moroccan naval vessel approached and rapidly sunk this boat, an act directly against the illegal immigrants vessel. One of the soldiers mindlessly stuck his knife in the rubber and said ‘Now go to Spain if you want to,’” said “El Pais”.
REDOUANE Posted 2008-05-08
You must not let yourself be tricked by the impostors. Be intelligent and do not make insults. For example, the person calling himself “Oranais” is not Moroccan; he is just a liar.
slim16 Posted 2008-05-08
To “Oranias”: Why are you lying??? Maybe you are ashamed of answering me by saying you are Moroccan??? If you are willing to have a discussion, like I have accepted to do—I simply respond to those who denigrate Algeria and personally denigrate me—then I do not see why we are not free to say what we want without other judging us negatively. Everybody has his own character and his own personality, so why do some want to change the personality traits of others??? This is intolerance. Everything this gentleman has said—and I should know—about the wearing a straitjacket, having no friends, being hated by everyone, being a Quasimodo, having a ditch, doing propaganda and so on is just the spew of someone who can see no further than the tip of his nose. If you want to get to know me, then I invite you to Bab El-Oued and then you will understand who I am. Let me know.
slim16 Posted 2008-05-08
I am surprised that people prefer to bash me because I denounced the censor, rather than talk about censorship. This is bizarre. I must be right. I am upsetting. Great!!!
lila Posted 2008-05-08
Stop being so pitiful, you Algerians. Your games resemble your country’s politics. A person from Oran wrote his compatriots to point out that he is against their way of being. Someone else, who was also discontented by this, took the same penname in order to write that he eats bread and drinks water that is Algerian but he is still Moroccan. This means he is not Algerian and that is why the same goes for the fake Tunisian, the fake Wassila, the fake Moroccan, the fake Lila and so on. It is just like their president visiting the president of the ghost of a SADR, which only exists on the Internet, not to mention the puppet living in Tindouf, Algeria. The Polisario is going to break you and you are going to deserve it.
renardeau Posted 2008-05-08
When a country begs its neighbour from morning to night to open its border it is because it is in terrible need of it. The Moroccan government needs to have a little dignity and stop getting down on its knees like its been doing. It is making itself look ridiculous in front of the whole world. Algeria does not need Morocco, but Morocco needs Algeria. I invite the Moroccans who so desire to take a tour of the construction sites almost everywhere here in Algeria. The workers are for the most part Moroccan. These Moroccan workers can say anything bad they want about the regime, which is holding on to their country and which forced them to leave just to be able to feed their families who stayed back in Morocco. They say it is poverty that reigns supreme in Mohamed VI’s country. Since we are your enemies—this is what you repeat night and day—don’t send them here to earn their bread in our country. After all you say that you have a very strong economy, so at least give your compatriots some work and don't let them go over to the enemy. P.S. You will never see an Algerian looking for work at a construction site in Morocco. I went to Morocco 13 years ago and for two dirhams I could have a good time with the Moroccan girls. Not too expensive!
Anonymous Posted 2008-05-09
To Mahmoud: I will have you know that I am an Algerian. When you accept truthfulness and self-criticism that is when you will…
slim16 Posted 2008-05-10
To Lila: You brain is so confused that you are telling us what you wrote in your confusion!!! You are wrong across the board. Wrong here, wrong there! I think that you are the one who is wrong, period!!! This is pitiful. The Polisario bomb had exploded over there. If hostilities resume, you forget that this will be your problem, not ours. We have one principle: help those who are the victims of the Hogra! You talk about our president. I will point out to you that he has a lot of experience in diplomacy; your king certainly does not have much. I say this without any bitterness: this is just in response to your pitiful words, which are inappropriate for this situation. -Bye from Algiers......
slim16 Posted 2008-05-10
To Hicham! Whoa! Stay in Canada! We are better off without you!
Marocain Posted 2008-05-10
Lila, Stop sowing discord between the Moroccans. The Moroccans are the ones who are telling the truth and there you have it. These people are not hateful like you, you dirty mouth. I am a Moroccan and I love the Algerians. Are you paid by the Makhzani? I am not. I am just a simple Moroccan like the millions of Moroccans who love their Algerian brothers. We are not interested in politics, especially given that the king and his friends are living like gods in Morocco while the poor are starving to death. You are a some rich person’s kid. We love the Algerian and we want the Sahara to be for the Sahrawis and the border to be open so that the people can live a bit freer without the Makhzani’s and King’s connivances.
nano Posted 2008-05-10
To “Renardeau”: Have a little dignity and take the name of [offensive] that you are. Morocco is begging!? What do you have to offer!? Morocco buys its oil from the big countries that hold some weight in the world— Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia— not a country of decadence. You already said the same back in 1970 when the barrel was at $40, but God knew how to shut your trap and send you back to prehistory. You are a bunch of phobics and now it is the end for you. Soon, you will have your cold shower and you will not find a person to lend you a hand. And, when that happens, remind yourselves of what you were saying now. Everybody is going to be snickering behind your backs and it will be well deserved.
laila Posted 2008-05-10
Slim 16, you are not bothering anybody. On the contrary, you are giving us a glimpse of the sick mind some Algerians who have been inculcated by the Polisario have. This is the same Polisario that will come back against you for having promised it things beyond your reach. Now, where are they going to plant their SADR, which you announced with such pomp at the Hotel George—what was it?—35 years ago?... In Algeria, of course! Examples like this are frequent!!! When the baby viper begins to bite, it starts with those who caught it!!! Don’t leave us, Slim 16; we still have things to tell us.
KARER Posted 2008-05-12
To Slim 16: you surprise me, and our hogra, you forgot about it. Don’t let me tell it... I don't think you are Algerian. Oh la la, I'm onto you...
slim14 Posted 2008-05-12
This Slim 16 is really a spectacle for everyone, a little monkey who monkeys around with everybody. Moreover, he is so proud that he has asked thousands of other to be like him!!! This Slim 16 thinks he is doing "le moujahid" with his jumping around just like a monkey. He thinks that nobody knows that Algeria has begun its fall. Keep on making us laugh, Slim; you are a real clown! Thank you for being so ridiculous!!! You are giving off a catastrophic image of Algeria and the Algerians. May God nail you to that chair of yours forever!
HICHAM-CANADA Posted 2008-05-12
You do not even deserve the right to respond! I see that you have not changed your mentality very much. Stay in your cocoon and keep on hibernating! Wake up! Everybody is changing but you! You have a border in your head! You make us sorry for you!
amine mouloudia Posted 2008-05-17
Hey Hicham! This does not involve you! You are the one living in a cocoon. You changed your jacket, congratulations. Do not forget to drink a glass of milk before going to bed and let the men talk.
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