Counterterrorism Policy in Morocco

Abstract

Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, Islamic terrorism came to be seen as a worldwide threat to peace, security and stability. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the region that is most affected by Islamic terrorism. Morocco can be regarded as a stable country in the unstable MENA region which makes it a peculiarity. Evaluating the apparently effective Moroccan counter terrorism strategy therefore lies at the heart of this thesis. The research is not only aimed at uncovering how the strategy evolved over time. It moves beyond this by also taking into account considerations regarding choices of security versus freedom. Michael Ignatieff’s framework of lesser Evil is used to weigh these morally difficult choices. The Moroccan comprehensive counter terrorism strategy was implemented after the 2003 Casablanca bombings which is why 2003 will be the point of departure. Moroccan strategy is based on the three pillar system of strengthening internal security, fighting poverty and religious reforms. All these features together with regional cooperation will be discussed and analysed at length to see if they can be regarded as lesser evils.