Morocco: One step forward, two steps back

Recent news out of Morocco doesn't look so good.

"Morocco to regulate print media"

 "The project should be incorporated into a general layout oriented toward creating profound, root change in the media field, provide it with the necessary institutional aspect and put the media in the framework of service to public opinion and interacting with it and reflecting its perceptions."

 "Morocco rapper charged for anti-police song"

The rapper, also known as El-Haqed, or "the enraged," writes songs about corruption and social injustice and is involved in the pro-democracy February 20 movement. He also has written songs attacking King Mohammed VI for his vast wealth and high ranking on the Forbes magazine lists.

El-Haqed is faces charges for his song "Dogs of the State," about the Moroccan police force.

"Morocco to withhold pay from protesters"

"It is as if the government is adding fuel to fire," said Baba Al-Netuo, in charge of the health sector at the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM). "The prime trigger of the continued protests is the government's procrastination in implementing the agreements signed with syndicates."

Morocco's new constitution and small concessions have largely quelled protests.  Unlike in other countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Morocco's protests have been relatively small.  But the increasing numbers of headlines such as these, high unemployment, an economy in a tailspin, and stories of repression in the Rif (more to come later) leaking out of the kingdom are blaring signs all is not well.