ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the historical evolution of radical violent movements in Morocco in the pre-independence-protectorate period of 1912 and 1956. It explores the post-independence history of Morocco, based on opposition to the regime and strategies followed by opposition, into three main periods respectively: the 1956–1965 consolidation of the regime and the rise of neo-left revolutionary; the 1966–1974 rise of Islamist threat and the 1975–1999 highly controlled democratic system and incorporation of Islamist and Neo-leftists into the political process. The chapter focuses on the reconciliation process started by the late King Hassan II in the 1990s but gained momentum under the new king, Muhammad VI since 1999, while section seven documents counter-radicalization measures implemented since 2003 and triggered by the 2003 terrorist attacks. Moroccans are increasingly turning to the Internet for information on their religion. Perhaps the most worrying aspect of Morocco’s counter-radicalization programme is its lack of deradicalization measures.
