ABSTRACT
The completion of the Christian Reconquista of Spain in 1492 changed Morocco's political economy and society. Often missing from quick characterizations of Morocco as a former French colony is the fact that Spain colonized the north. In striking contrast to France's extensive colonial occupation of Algeria, colonialism in Morocco left domestic institutions relatively intact. Indeed, Morocco is notable because its struggle for independence revolved around the revival of a monarchy that was rather ineffective prior to (and during) colonial rule. Spanish withdrawal from the territory in 1975 set the stage for a major act of political theater, arguably the seminal event of Morocco's post-independence history. Some dismissed the investigation as political theater, but others argued that it provided some closure for the victims and their families. Foreign policy decisions in Morocco are made by the king and a small group of personal advisers within the Makhzen.
