Morocco

"Here we have a bird's-eye view of Morocco today as seen through the eyes of a seasoned reporter who has had a long love affair with the country. Her first-hand account of the early days of nationhood when Morocco's destiny hung in the balance is especially absorbing and well worth the retelling."--Susan Gilson Miller, Director of Moroccan Studies, Harvard University "This is a very special book and everyone who is going to Morocco or is seriously interested in that country should have it. Clearly written, it combines a traveler's description of the country with a historical and contemporary review. It focuses on the opportunities and dilemmas facing King Muhammad VI as he seeks to modernize and democratize Morocco in the face of long standing economic and social problems, rising Islamist influence and concerns about international terrorism. An established journalist, Marvine Howe has been covering Morocco since the early 1950s and knows almost everyone of political importance. She provides a rare view of both the underside and the surface of Moroccan politics today."--Richard B. Parker, Former Ambassador to Morocco "Morocco is an intriguing, culturally complex country that's become a focal point in the contest between democracy and Islamic terrorism. Marvine Howe has a longstanding, intimate knowledge of the country. Here, she shares her insights into the lives and thoughts of a broad sampling of its 30 million people--women's rights activists, veteran politicians, Amazigh (Berber) educators, hard-pressed slum-dwellers, Muslim association leaders, and more. Howe's illuminating tour reveals the continued ossification of the country's political system--but also, surprises such as the relative liveliness of its NGO sector."--Helena Cobban, Columnist, The Christian Science Monitor