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This is a messy issue at the best of times, especially if you end up discussing it with a Moroccan. You might be in for a long and possibly heated debate. The main problem, as far as Moroccans are concerned, is the double standards they perceive in the foreign policies of western governments, the US in particular. While Europe and the US have removed Sadam Hussain in the name of liberty and democracy they still continue to provide military and financial support to oppressive and corrupt regimes like those in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and even in Morocco.
Most Moroccans considers the UN decision to create a Jewish state in Palestine was illegal. They see Israel as an occupier of Arab territory.
The plight of the Palestinians, many of whom were forced into refugee camps after the creation of Israel, is very close to the hearts of the average Moroccans. As fellow Arabs, Palestinians are seen as a "brother people". Palestine is regarded part of the "Arab nation" which includes all Arabs.
It's important to remember that the news Moroccans get from the Middle East comes from an Arabic point of view which is often very different from the news they receive in the west. |