Academics see Moroccan state retreating from Islamic push in higher education

Academics in Morocco detect a softening in the state's approach to Islam's dominance in higher education two years after the Casablanca suicide bombs, which were blamed on Islamic militants.

Elmahdi Mouthir of the University of Marrakesh said the shift began when Western-educated Mohammed VI replaced his father, Hassan II, as King in 1999. "Systematic persecution of students on the Left was practised in the days of Hassan II," he said. The state also established Islamic units in universities But the King treads a fine line as he tries to please liberals and fundamentalists. "He has established a radio station where only the Koran is recited and studied," Professor Mouthir said. "This is his way of saying to Islamic groups: 'I am a good Muslim.'"

Since the bombings, the King has reined in more militant elements. "I think the state has realised that encouraging Islamisation may have destructive consequences," Professor Mouthir said.