MOROCCO'S STRATEGY FOR MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 RABAT 000638 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR S/P, R, NEA, OES, DRL AND NEA/MAG AID/W FOR MEA AND DCHA AMMAN ALSO FOR REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HUB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID OEXC SENV SOCI KISL MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO'S STRATEGY FOR MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT REF: STATE 071325 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Moroccans, like others in the region, most clearly expressed a desire to see action on the Arab-Israeli conflict as a follow-up to the President's words in Cairo; so deeper partnership on economic development fronts will have the greatest impact if, and as, concrete political steps are achieved. ¶2. (SBU) Nonetheless, Morocco is proud of the historic ties to the U.S. that the President noted in his Cairo speech, is a bastion of moderate Islam, and is a regional leader of reforms -- however uneven. Mission Morocco has reached out since the Cairo speech and has expanded consultations with the Government and civil society. Ongoing consultations at all levels are also a key component of Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) programs in Morocco, from the moment Morocco became eligible for MCA funding in 2005 and continuing through the completion of the program in September 2013. Morocco is eager for enhanced partnership in the areas suggested in reftel and sees itself as a door to broader cooperation in the region, including as a potential platform for Secretary Clinton during the November 2-3 Forum for the Future (FFF). In fact, we are finding strong interest in all manner of exchanges and have heard proposals for cooperation in public health and scientific technology, including Morocco becoming a regional renewable energy center of excellence. Earth Day 2010 presents a unique opportunity. English-language teaching is another starting point for expanded cooperation and can open the door to even traditionally reluctant sectors. Moroccan media, which regularly cover mission initiatives, can help amplify the mission's consultative and outreach efforts. ¶3. (U) Exchange program alumni recommended more summer U.S. student exchanges, more visiting speakers, affordable English classes, and more American Corners and academic programs throughout the country. The alumni also asked for training in management, teambuilding, grant writing, and creating a culture of "volunteerism." Others suggested a new USG website specifically for Muslim world outreach and consultation, named "ANewBeginning.org" and modeled after President Obama's pre-election website "Change.org"; a web platform to establish direct micro-financing networking opportunities between American citizens and Moroccans; a consultation outreach section on the embassy's website, amplified via our extremely popular new Facebook page; USG support for enhanced professional and vocational training; and a presidential award to recognize USG-funded NGO/CSO projects or programs that implement innovative ideas and achieve real change. ¶4. (U) Rabat is also home to the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO),the UNESCO of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). In response to the new administration and the Cairo speech, it seeks closer ties to the U.S., including joint programs. Working in English, French and Arabic, ISESCO has fought extremism, promoted tolerance and, with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, plans to launch an exchange program, including Americans, modeled on State's International Visitor Leadership Program. The Charge d'Affaires, a.i., is scheduled to meet the ISESCO Director General July 24. With guidance from R and IO, post would welcome serving as the channel for expanded USG engagement with the Muslim world through ISESCO; please see paras 18-20 at end of this message. End Summary. ¶5. (U) Charge convened a round table discussion on July 16 with embassy country team and key locally engaged staff (LES) to review the mission's consultative process for Muslim engagement following President Obama's June 4 Cairo speech. Those present reported on ongoing consultations as well as existing and proposed USG engagement with Morocco on human development, entrepreneurship and interfaith partnership, and science and technology. RABAT 00000638 002 OF 004 -------------- -------------- Consultations: Mission Actively Engages Moroccans -------------- -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Charge met with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Secretary General Youssef Amrani and asked him to consider how the major themes of President Obama's Cairo speech could be implemented in the upcoming FFF meeting to be held November 2-3 in Marrakesh. Amrani offered for Morocco to host an Interfaith Dialogue as part of the program. Secretary Clinton's proposed participation in the FFF would allow her to build upon the President's message, and at the same time draw public attention to Peace Corps, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI),and other relevant USG partnership support to this country. ¶7. (U) During the mission's official July 4 celebration, the Public Affairs Section (PAS) provided translations of President Obama's Cairo speech in Arabic and French to everyone present. The fact that Moroccans continue not only to praise the speech but also actively discuss and share it reflects a general reinvigoration of hope and optimism for U.S.- Muslim relations. ¶8. (U) Embassy Rabat, Consulate Casablanca, USAID, MCC and other agencies have steadily engaged the Government of Morocco (GOM) and civil society since the speech. A group of young MEPI Alumni told us on July 20 that they would like to see increased personal contact between Americans and Moroccans. They recommended more summer U.S. student exchanges, more visiting speakers, affordable English classes, and more American Corners and academic programs throughout the country. The alumni asked for training in management, teambuilding, grant writing, and creating a culture of "volunteerism." These young alumni leaders confirmed that existing PAS and MEPI emphasis on cultural presentations, caravans, and sports is well placed to engage Muslim youth, and such efforts should be expanded. Meanwhile, recent MCA public consultations on agriculture, small-scale fishing, and crafts/medinas included government agencies at the national, regional, and local levels; civil society; NGOs; the private sector; and beneficiaries, and were held throughout the country. ¶9. (U) The Mission is organizing additional structured consultations with USG exchange program alumni (Fulbright, International Visitor, MEPI, Access, Yes, USAID, and others). Key opinion leaders with good understanding of both Morocco and the U.S. will guide us towards useful and welcome partnerships. The Mission is also developing an active Ramadan outreach program as well as organizing a series of monthly dialogues focused on topics such as the environment, women in politics, healthcare, and interfaith issues. The Mission will incorporate these collaborative efforts into future action plans and programs, building on our emphasis on outreach to youth and women in particular, as outlined in our Mission Strategic Plan and Country Assistance Strategy. ¶10. (U) To further demonstrate U.S. commitment to dialogue and partnership, the Mission (Embassy in Rabat and Consulate General in Casablanca) will invite, on a regular basis, host country speakers on "Islam in Morocco" and related topics. Such an Occasional Speakers Program will be a clear sign that we are listening and interested, as well as providing an excellent opportunity to identify new areas for engagement. -------------- Building on Existing Success -------------- ¶11. (U) Building upon prior Peace Corps, MEPI and PAS efforts (summer camps, book distributions, youth caravans, cultural outreach, and Peace Corps staffing of "Dar Chebabs" or youth centers),the Mission seeks to engage the Ministry of Youth and RABAT 00000638 003 OF 004 Sports in developing a structured national network of partnership youth centers. Cultural, educational and youth initiatives such as those advocated by the MEPI alumni are ready to be scaled-up through such a network. A new USAID initiative that could be scaled up is directed at helping civil society organizations provide out-of-school youth with a broader array of educational offerings, particularly vocational training and employability skills. ¶12. (U) Post's extremely successful English- language teaching programs (Access and PAS/Peace Corps summer camps) involve close cooperation and partnership with both the GOM and the Moroccan Association of Teachers of English (MATE). With sufficient funding, these activities could be scaled-up quickly. Given the GOM's recent designation of English as an urgent education priority, we expect mission efforts in this area will be strongly welcomed. ¶13. (U) The Moroccan American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE or Fulbright Commission) already receives 40 per cent of its funding from the GOM. The role of universities in research and development is the theme of the Moroccan Fulbright Alumni Association's 2009 annual conference. Post will pursue this and other opportunities for intensified consultation and expanded cooperation at the higher-education level, assisted by the arrival of a new MACECE director in September. This is an opportune moment, as several new private universities are being developed in Morocco, some with significant U.S. university involvement. -------------- Expanding Science and Technology Cooperation -------------- ¶14. (U) Moroccans are ready for more scientific and technological cooperation. GOM officials responsible for scientific research and energy efficiency and renewables have requested USG support for a reorganization of the institutional structure and mandate of Morocco's Center for Renewable Energy Development (CDER). The CDER, originally established with USAID support, is mandated to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies throughout Morocco, mainly in such vital sectors as water pumping and agro- processing. The CDER may be a strong candidate to serve as a "Center of Excellence" for North Africa and the Middle East. At the same time, USAID will be working with water users associations for better water management and governance, creating another avenue to reach out to often-neglected rural populations. ¶15. (U) Similarly, the Moroccan National Institute of Hygiene (INH) has also requested USG support in its transformation into a public health agency patterned after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition to organizational advice and expertise, the INH would like assistance for design and construction of a new headquarters with laboratory facilities consistent with biosafety and biosecurity best practices. The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have requested assistance from the American military health services in the fields of virology, emerging infections and bioterrorism. These initiatives would enhance partnership in public health promotion, as well as continue cooperation under the State Department's Biosecurity Engagement Program. In considering such a major undertaking, however, the USG will have to consider that Morocco graduated from USAID assistance in the health sector in 2003, per agreement between the GOM and USG, although, through the State Partnership Program, the Utah National Guard continues to work with the Moroccan military on issues ranging from avian influenza to vaccinations. ¶16. (U) Earth Day 2010 (April 22, 2010) presents a unique opportunity for the Mission to engage both the Palace and broader Moroccan society. According to the U.S. NGO Earth Day Network, Rabat will host RABAT 00000638 004 OF 004 one of six major Earth Day events worldwide, organized with the Palace's support. Earth Day Network seeks to capitalize on this high-level, official interest to strengthen "green focused" civil society, and has solicited mission assistance in this effort. The Peace Corps already plans to dedicate 100 volunteers to 2010 Earth Day projects with local community organizations, and other Mission agencies and sections will also build on this opportunity. ¶17. (U) Post's new LES social-media manager proposed several web-based approaches: a) a new USG website specifically for Muslim world outreach and consultation, named "ANewBeginning.org" and modeled after President Obama's pre-election website "Change.org"; b) a web platform to establish direct micro-financing networking opportunities between American citizens and Moroccans from targeted areas (including women, youth, and disenfranchised communities),based on a U.S. NGO called KIVA (www.kiva.org); c) a consultation outreach section on this embassy's website, amplified via post's extremely popular new Facebook page. Other LES ideas include USG support for enhanced professional and vocational training, including in sustainable tourism, and for President Obama to create a Presidential award to recognize USG-funded NGO/CSO projects or programs that implement innovative ideas and achieve real change. -------------- ISESCO - Means to Engage the Muslim World -------------- ¶18. (U) Islamic Organization for Education, Science, and Culture (ISESCO) Chief of Staff Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah told PolCouns on July 21 that ISESCO was very open to cooperation with the United States. He described ISESCO as the Islamic world's United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Its mandate, in fact, is even broader than UNESCO's, covering the areas of many UN technical agencies such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, due to lack of parallel OIC organizations. Headquartered in Rabat, ISESCO has approximately 200 employees from all over the Islamic world, with field offices in the United Arab Emirates and Tehran. Sixty percent of its budget comes from cooperative programs, linked to projects. ¶19. (U) Ould Bah said that Obama's speech in Cairo signaled a new era of relations between the United States and the Islamic world. ISESCO could cooperate with the U.S. in a number of potential areas, such as secondary education exchanges, linking universities, scientific research, and countering extremism. He said that the first important step would be for the USG to invite ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz Othman Al-Twajri to Washington. Dialog with the USG could be conducted through U.S. Embassy Rabat. ¶20. (U) Morocco has been a fitting home for ISESCO due to its traditionally open form of Islam, increasing tolerance, and high quality work force. Subsequent to our initial meeting, Ould Bah suggested cooperation in education, specifically exchanges with its 250 member universities; youth exchanges; cultural dialog; joint research among religious leaders; and in science through twinning research centers. We will report separately in more depth on this remarkable opportunity with ISESCO. ¶21. (U) The staff of Consulate General Casablanca contributed their ideas to this cable. Jackson