Rabat - Renowned investigative journalist Alain Jourdan has published a book that praises Morocco as a regional bulwark against global terrorism.
Rabat – Renowned investigative journalist Alain Jourdan has published a book that praises Morocco as a regional bulwark against global terrorism.
Titled “Le Maroc sur la ligne de front” (Morocco on the Frontline), the book documents the inner workings of Morocco’s intelligence and field operation services, tackling the country’s remarkable success in thwarting terrorist plots both in Morocco and in Europe.
“Most of the people involved in terrorist acts are not necessarily Moroccans, but we always hear foreign governments thank Morocco for its support [in the anti-terrorism fight],” the journalist remarked when asked what motivated him to write on the subject.
Be it the US, France, Germany, or even Belgium, the journalist writes, “almost everyone acknowledges the effectiveness of Morocco’s intelligence units, namely in the fight against ISIS or Al Qaeda.” It is this paradox—Morocco leading the fight against terrorism—he continues, that gave birth to this book, as Jourdan said he wanted to comprehend what Morocco does to earn the respect and validation of so many foreign governments.
Meticulously documenting the North African country’s invaluable contribution to both deradicalization and intelligence sharing, Alain Jourdan relates specific incidents in which intelligence shared by Morocco helped thwart terrorist attacks in Europe or helped police arrest perpetrators after an.
“When the Bataclan attacks took place, Morocco provided a lot of information that led to many arrests,” Jourdan remarked. He adds that the efficacy and proven reliability of Morocco’s intelligence has established the kingdom as a noted leader in the global effort against terrorism, putting the North African country on the “diplomatic frontline.”
Jourdan also shed light on how the creation of the Central Bureau of Judiciary Investigation (BCIJ) has considerably improved the country’s global reputation, especially considering that “investigations and arrests are now made or conducted within a legal framework respectful of basic human rights.”
In addition to the impressive work done by its intelligence and field operation units, however, another equally significant element in Morocco’s success in the anti-terrorism battle is the country’s tradition of “tolerant” and “open” Islam. Although Salafis represent 20 percent of Morocco’s religious life, Jourdan points out, “most Moroccan mosques preach an open and middle-way Islam. Besides, the country has always been a cradle of multiculturalism.”
