Undeniably, Morocco is the most significant regional allies around the Globe. It has been experiencing a number of political issues that has made it difficult for proper political administration. However, Morocco has been very successful in its operations as a partner in trade activities, as well as, in counterterrorism. It is one of the lucky African countries that receive considerable U.S. aid for its businesses, development, as well as, bilateral trade and international investment. The Assistance received from the US has helped the country to thrive in its economy following the 2006 Free Trade Treaty. As a country, Morocco benefits from the U.S in many ways. To start with, it gets security assistance and deference offered by the military cooperation. On the other hand, Morocco also benefits the US by purchasing the U.S. defense articles. Such articles include F-16 jets.
Nonetheless, Morocco is currently the most affected country with terrorism. Most of which are believed to come from within Morocco. New emphasis has been placed on the relationship that exists between the U.S. and Morocco, which has tried to end the terrorism that is mainly regional. Terrorism has been a growing phenomenon that is affecting all the sectors in Morocco. However, the effects do not only end on the borders of Morocco. Instead, the effects are global affecting other nations around the world. The growing terrorism threats have been seen to emanate from the neighboring countries, in North Africa sometimes from the Sahel region of West Africa.
The ruler of Morocco, who is King Mohammed V1, has taken several steps to deal with the issue of terrorism. Since he inherited the Moroccan throne in 1999, up to date, he has tried to use his political powers to deal with terrorism. He has taken some liberalizing steps especially since 2011, where he tightened his administration and security in the nearby in the region, Moreover, he also king recommended a new improved, constitution which, if fully executed, could reinforce the judiciary, legislature, as well as the local-level government. Most terrorism attacks and activities are usually cultivated by political bodies. Many countries facing many terrorism activities do not have very good political administration. In fact, political leaders use terrorists to attack each other and in most cases, the political leaders use the terrorists to communicate their message.
In the case of Morocco, many people have been up against the rule of King Mohammed V1. Most of such people are usually business tycoons who use young men for their terrorist attacks. Such activities have interfered with the governing, and political decision-making, in his country. The new Moroccan constitution was implemented in July 2011. However, this process was adopted very slowly and in an opaque way. This led to Legislative elections that were held in 2011, under the constitution that had been recently adopted. The new election resulted into the formation of the Justice and Development Party (PJD); an Islamist political party. The Islamist political party faced numerous challenges in transitioning from being the outside opposing party to the official day-to-day policy making responsibility. It also continued to face the challenge of terrorism, and it is still struggling with issues of terrorism and tensions between the government and the nominal allies.
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International Monetary Fund. Morocco 2012 Article IV Consultation and First Review Under the Two-Year Precautionary and Liquidity Line-Staff Report; Public Information Notice and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Morocco. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, 2013.
Saul, Ben. Research Handbook on International Law and Terrorism. 2013.
