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Diana Ponasik book singing 2006
The Washington Moroccan Club has organized a book signing for “Tangier, the novel” , a novel published in 2005 with Book Surge Editions, by the author and anthropologist Ms. Diane Skelly Ponasik.
At the beginning of the 20th century Morocco is the only country on the southern rim of the Mediterranean that has not been colonized, or fallen under the rule of the Ottomans. When a twelve-year old boy inherits the throne, this traditional country soon falls into civil war, in protest against his interest in Western reforms. The situation is ripe for takeover by France, to which Morocco is deeply in debt. While some forward-thinking officials want the changes the West offered, few favor a colonial take-over, preferring to maintain their integrity as a Muslim country.
Tangier, a Novel is set in this international town where Jews, Christians and Muslims mingle freely. It is the story of Lili, a young Moroccan girl brought up by the American Ambassador in Tangier, and the man she loves, Tariq, a Berber noble at the Sultan’s court. Lili, who has embraced her American identity and married an American diplomat, finds herself increasingly drawn to Tariq, despite her reluctance to enter a world she sees as limiting her freedom. Like Morocco itself, she must choose between her Western life or the traditions of the country she was born in. It is also the story of Meriam, a Moroccan Jew, and her family. Moroccan Jews acted as intermediaries between Western merchants and Muslim farmers. They paid substantial taxes to the Sultan from the profits they made on these transactions, but as more foreigners sought out these goods, they find ways to exempt the Jews from the taxes, removing a valuable source of income from the country.
As civil war and indebtedness gradually weaken the country, the stage is set for a colonial take-over.
Ms. Ponasik, who has lived for over 12 years in Morocco, said that the novel takes place in the city of Tangier at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century when European powers, France and England in particular, were competing to colonize the Kingdom of Morocco.
The main protagonist, Lili, is a young Moroccan woman, from the Rif mountains, who was adopted and educated by the American consul in Tangier, following the death of her mother. After her studies in the US, the teenager was torn between her adopted American identity and her original Moroccan culture. Even though she fell in love with Tarik, a young man from a prominent Moroccan family, she reluctantly decided to marry an American diplomat with the hope of being a “happy and free American woman”. But destiny has decided otherwise…
Takes place in an era of civil war and political unrest as a young Sultan tries to fend off European powers interested in annexing Morocco, and bandits and pretenders threaten his throne. This is the story of Lili, a Moroccan girl raised in Tangier by the American Ambassador. Lili is convinced her future lies in becoming a Western woman, and, despite her attraction to a Moroccan noble, she marries an American diplomat posted to Morocco. As she watches the country fall into civil war and follows the noble, Tariq, in his resistance to its take over by the French, she realizes the strength of her allegiance to Morocco and her love for Tariq.
Lili’s stepbrother, Ted, experiences the same conflict. Educated in Moroccan palaces with three young aristocrats (of whom Tariq is one), Ted becomes a respected journalist reporting on Moroccan issues. He must choose between his career and his Jewish wife, Meriam, who is raped in an anti-Semitic attack and rejects the country of her birth.***
the story line and the protagonists are based on real events at the time.” said The author.
Ms Ponasik, is a former peace corp. volunteer. She lived and worked in a remote village near khmisset and helped with young girls’ education. She returned to the US and finished her PhD in Anthropology.
She has recently visited Morocco to celebrate the marriage of her Moroccan adoptive daughter and was amazed at the transformation of the country in such a short period of time.
The book signing was attended by Moroccan Community in Washington as well as the “friends of Morocco organization”, a group of fo
rmer peace corp. volunteers that were based in Morocco.
The Moroccan musical concert that followed the reading was performed by Mr. Ali Amir, a talented Moroccan singer that also performs at the Morocco pavilion at Epcot Center in Orlando, Fl.
By Mostapha Saout
Edited from original French article by Mr. K. Fattoumi of MAP
Diane Skelly Ponasik was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco in the 1960’s and has a Ph.D. in Anthropology with an emphasis on the Middle East. She spent ten years on and off in Morocco, and lived several months at the American Legation in Tangier, where her novel is set. She then joined the United States Agency for International Development. During her twenty-seven year career she was stationed in the Yemen Arab Republic, Mali, Egypt, Haiti and Macedonia. She and her husband have an adopted Moroccan daughter, who is now married. Ms. Ponasik and her husband, who are now retired, live in Washington, D.C.
Welcome to Washington Moroccan - American Club
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Featured Articles
Morocco Comes to Easton, Maryland – Saturday, May 5, 2012 By Norman L. Greene*
The day began with a flag ceremony and ceremonial ribbon cutting at noon where attendees heard from the organizers of the event and the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Rachad Bouhlal, and the preceding day, from the former U.S. Ambassador Edward Gabriel. (The ribbon cutting was performed by Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey and Moroccan Ambassador Bouhlal.) The presentations set the stage for the rest of the day which continued with a souk featuring Moroccan tea, cookies, music, rugs, and clothing, and more. It was a perfect day to wander along Harrison Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland, and peruse the Moroccan wares that were being sold.
paint the town Moroccan Video
Paint the Town Moroccan
Paint the Town Moroccan by Fouad Arif, MAP
La ville américaine d'Easton (Etat du Maryland) s'est mise, ce weekend, aux couleurs du Maroc, dans le cadre d'une série d'activités culturelles baptisées « Paint the Town Moroccan », mettant en avant les liens historiques unissant les Etats Unis et le Royaume du Maroc, ainsi que les relations privilégiées entre les deux peuples.
Paint the Town Moroccan
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m. the Academy Art Museum will host its annual Paint the Town fundraiser for Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD. This year's theme, PAINT THE TOWN MOROCCAN! Promises an exotic adventure to the Kingdom of Morocco. The day begins at souk with the enchanting music of the five key regions of Morocco, a Moroccan flag ceremony and more.
Memory of Resistant Abdelkrim El Khattabi Honored in Washington By Adnane Bennis
Morocco World News
New York, February 21, 2012
The Al Hewar Center, in collaboration with the Washington Moroccan American Club led by Hassan Samrhouni and journalist Said el Ouafi, is organizing a panel discussion on the life of Morocco's famous resister Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim el Khattabi. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 22 at 8 pm and will consider the pivotal role played by Abdelkrim el Khattabi in fighting Spanish colonialism in northern Morocco.
Understanding Morocco- opportunities for Business and Trade by WMAC
Washington Moroccan American Club Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
&
Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University.
Speaker: Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Topic: Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
Location: American University, Washington, DC
Read more French version & English version bellow
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 1/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 2/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 3/3
Washington, (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Organisé à l'American University à l'initiative du Washington Moroccan American Club, le débat a été notamment axé sur les réformes entreprises par le Maroc pour favoriser un cadre propice pour les investissements, les différents accords signés par le Royaume avec plusieurs pays, la main d'oeuvre qualifiée, le développement d'infrastructures de qualité et la stabilité politique.
"L'emplacement stratégique du Maroc, son économie croissante, le développement des infrastructures et les accords commerciaux avec plus de 40 pays font du Maroc une plateforme pour les investissements et l'exportation vers les pays du Moyen Orient, de l'Afrique et de l'Union Européenne", a souligné Jean AbiNader, du Moroccan American Culturel Center.
Il a cité, à cet égard, l'Accord d'association avec l'Union Européenne, l'accord d'Agadir signé avec l'Egypte, la Jordanie, et la Tunisie, ainsi que l'Accord de libre échange avec la Turquie.
Le Maroc compte également parmi les Etats bénéficiaires du Partenariat de Deauville, ajoute-t-il.
Le Royaume est aussi lié aux Etats-Unis par un accord de libre échange (ALE) qui offre une panoplie d'incitations, notamment fiscales et douanières ainsi qu'une protection du capital pour les sociétés américaines qui investissent au Maroc.
"Cet accord-phare permet aux exportateurs et investisseurs américains un accès presque illimité à des marchés en Europe, en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient et en Turquie", explique M. AbiNader.
L'ALE, en vigueur entre le Maroc et les USA depuis 2006, a permis d'éliminer la plupart des droits à l'importation, alors que les opérations commerciales US bénéficient des zones franches dans les ports marocains.
L'intervenant s'est également arrêté sur le statut d'allié majeur non-Otan accordé au Maroc.
Sur un autre registre, M. AbiNader a mis l'accent sur la tolérance religieuse qui caractérise le pays. Le Maroc est "un exemple dans la région en termes de tolérance religieuse, de reformes économiques et de promotion de la société civile", a-t-il fait remarquer.
Les derniers changements constitutionnels ont conforté davantage le processus de réformes du Maroc, considéré comme un modèle dans la région, affirme AbiNader.(MAP).
********
English version by Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Held at American University by the Washington Moroccan American Club, the debate focused, in particular, on the reforms undertaken by Morocco to promote a safe environment for investment, the various agreements signed by the Kingdom with several countries, its skilled workforce, the development of high quality infrastructure and political stability.
"Morocco's strategic location, its growing economy, infrastructure development and trade agreements with more than 40 countries have turned the country into a platform for investments and exports to the Middle East, Africa and European Union, "said Jean AbiNader, of the Moroccan American Cultural Center.
The speaker also addressed the status of major non-NATO ally granted to Morocco.
On another note, Mr. AbiNader focused on the religious tolerance that characterizes the country. Morocco is "an example in the region in terms of religious tolerance, economic reform and promotion of civil society During the conference, AbiNader also cited different trade pacts, including the Association Agreement with the European Union, the Agadir Agreement signed with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, and the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey. Morocco, in addition, is among the beneficiary states of the Deauville Partnership, he added.
The Kingdom is also linked to the United States by a free trade agreement (FTA), which offers a variety of incentives, both regarding taxes and customs as well as capital protection for U.S. companies investing in Morocco.
"This agreement ensures leading exporters and U.S. investors almost unlimited access to markets in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Turkey," said AbiNader.
The FTA, set up between Morocco and the United States in 2006, has eliminated most import duties, while US trade operations benefit from tax free zones in Moroccan ports.," he stated.
The latest constitutional changes have strengthened further the reform process in Morocco, considered a model in the region, said AbiNader.
Translated from French by Louise Riondel-Editing by Benjamin Villanti
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
Morocco's economic strengths highlighted in Washington
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Les atouts économiques du Maroc mis en exergue à Washington( french version)
Washington, 7 oct (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Understanding Morocco – Opportunities for Business and Trade
You are invited! Washington Moroccan American Club & Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University Understanding Morocco - Opportunities for Speaker:
Present
Business and Trade
Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Note from Joseph Braude to WMC, Dear members of the Washington Moroccan American Club,
In 2008 the Moroccan police became the first Arab security service to grant sustained, inside access to a writer, enabling him to spend four months reporting on their operations from inside a police precinct in Casablanca. I am that writer, and my new book on the experience is both a real-life murder mystery and an unusual examination of Moroccan society and government in the 21st century. It's called The Honored Dead: A Story of Friendship, Murder, and the Search for Truth in the Arab World. You can pick up a copy in most bookstores, or online via www.josephbraude.com .
"Honored dead" booking signing by Joseph Braude and WMAC
Joseph Braude and the Washington Moroccan American Club
Present
“the making of the “The Honored Dead”, by Joseph Braude”
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
"the making of the "The Honored Dead", by Joseph Braude" sponsored by WMC
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
After a very successful decade as the Moroccan ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Aziz Mekouar will be returning to Morocco in September 2011.
Members of the Moroccan Community will host a Dinner party in his honor to bid him farewell and to thank him for all he did for Morocco and the Moroccan Community in the USA.
Please join us to celebrate this important event.
Date: Wednesday September 14, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Place: Maggiano’s Restaurant
5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20015
Washington 'encouraged' by the new draft constitution in Morocco
Washington - The United States is "encouraged" by the new draft constitution, whose basic elements were outlined by HM King Mohammed VI in a speech to the nation on June 17, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
Interview of Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco
On June 17, 2011, King Mohammed VI of Morocco announced a series of proposed amendments to the country's constitution. The announcement followed a three-month review of the Moroccan constitution at the order of the King, after protest calling for reform began in February 2011. The Moroccan constitutional reforms are significant and unprecedented in the Arab world, as King Mohammed VI is clearly attempting to get in front of the demands for change sweeping the Middle East. Some skepticism remains, however, as to the extent of constitutional checks placed on the King's powers and whether Morocco will become a true constitutional monarchy.
Morocco Bets on Reform By Peter Pham
At a time when, as the experts assembled at a symposium earlier this month hosted by the Atlantic Council's Ansari Africa Center noted, the fate of both the "Arab Spring" in general and the North African revolutions in particular remain far from certain, Morocco has made an audacious bet with the new constitution that King Mohammed VI unveiled in a televised speech last Friday. If the proposed charter is approved by voters in a refer-endum next month, the country will once again prove itself to be an exception, both in the Arab world and on the African continent, where integral transformation voluntarily undertaken and carried out both with respect for history, religion, and culture, and at an appropriate speed can offer a path to the future that balances the competing demands of stability and openness to change.
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco by David Ottaway from the Wilson Center
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco pushing King Mohammed VI to put forth in lightning speed a new constitution requiring an elected rather than an appointed prime minister, the first such step in any of the eight monarchies or even most of the "democratic" republics of the Arab world
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
Amb. Marc Ginsberg
Former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
It is the tale of two Arabian cities. As the crow flies, Morocco's capital Rabat and Syria's capital Damascus are about 2,500 miles from each other. But judging by the context and content of the respective national addresses delivered within hours of each other this weekend, Morocco's King Mohammed and Syria's Bashar Al Assad might as well have been a million miles apart from each other.
In Morocco: A Quiet Revolution?
North Africa, Middle East, Middle East Unrest, Democracy Promotion
Kenneth M. Pollack, Director, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
The Brookings Institution
You probably won't be surprised to hear it, but there is something potentially very important going on that isn't getting the attention it deserves. It's happening in Morocco, where King Muhammad VI recently began to lay out the key provisions of a new constitution--something he first promised several months ago in response to popular protests as the Arab spring swept across his Kingdom.
The New Moroccan Constitution: Real Change or More of the Same?
Marina Ottaway Commentary, June 20, 2011
The constitution King Mohammed VI announced to his country on June 17 has been greeted by Moroccans with a great deal of ambivalence. Although it appears to be a foregone conclusion that a majority of Moroccans will vote "yes" in the referendum announced for July 1, many will do so with reservations. The young protesters who have been organizing periodic demonstrations beginning on February 20-hence the name, February 20 movement-have already announced that they do not intend to stop their actions. In fact, protests took place on June 19, drawing thousands of protesters in Casablanca and smaller numbers in other cities.
All Articles
Morocco Comes to Easton, Maryland – Saturday, May 5, 2012 By Norman L. Greene*
The day began with a flag ceremony and ceremonial ribbon cutting at noon where attendees heard from the organizers of the event and the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Rachad Bouhlal, and the preceding day, from the former U.S. Ambassador Edward Gabriel. (The ribbon cutting was performed by Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey and Moroccan Ambassador Bouhlal.) The presentations set the stage for the rest of the day which continued with a souk featuring Moroccan tea, cookies, music, rugs, and clothing, and more. It was a perfect day to wander along Harrison Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland, and peruse the Moroccan wares that were being sold.
Moroccan newspapers
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- Bayane Alyoume
- Al Sabah
- Attajdid
- ALmaghribia
- Aujourdhui
- L'economiste
- Le Repoter
- La Gazette Du Maroc
- La Nouvelle Tribune
- La Vie Economique
- Tel quel
- Maroc Hebdo
- Aufait Maroc
- La Chronique on-line
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- Le Monde diplomatique
- Haraka
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