The thief of cope
48
Do people enjoy zero-sum games? I think they very much do. Most deny it because it beckons to more primitive days where life was the ultimate battle-royal: Grog beat enemy, Grog take everything. There's plenty of illustration of this more primitive state in fiction. If you've watched the Walking Dead, you may have noticed how that characters very quickly regress from their civilized selves to pro zero-sum gamers. Even though there's a whole planet to loot, the imminent scarcity they are faced with makes factions go to war against each other. In a post apocalyptic world, there's no place for collaborative value creation. But we don't need the apocalypse to reveal our natural proclivity towards zero-sum games. Talk to a historian and you will know that empires have always seen the world as a big zero-sum game, even when a whole continent had yet to be discovered. Talk to a marxist and he'll show you that the bourgeoisie is much more adept at playing the game than the proletariat. Talk to an economist however, and he'll throw sand into your eyes to distract you from an uncomfortable truth : "Trust me bro, we just need to make the cake bigger". Just make the cake the bigger... as if somehow, starting the renaissance, we magically figured out an economic system that allows us to grow economies like no other before. In tech-bro speak, it was all just "skill issue". But then, you remember the exponential leaps in technological progress and the new forms of energy harnessed. You point this out, and the economist scrambles with an indian accent "let me tell you something, let me me tell you something, it was the new economic paradigm and its countless jewish monetary tricks". Sound silly right ? That's what everyone believes nowadays. After all, isn't everybody trying to get rich ? Everyone dreams of a Bugatti, just in case they are suddenly asked to prove that they are not brokies. But how many can harness the sociopathic behavior that's necessary to grow your business? I'd argue that those are the minority. Or maybe I am being naive. Just like we are fast to revert to zero-sum thinking, we are also fast in discarding empathy for others when money starts flowing. The fact remains though, being rich is not about creating the most value, it's about maximizing your side of the zero-sum equation. Put yourself in the shoes of the capital holder. Every cent he gives you for your work is a missing one from his big scrooge mcduck like pile of pennies. The capitalist's essence is to make his side of the equation go as far away from 0 as he can possibly get away with. He only gives away when he is promised a bigger return, or when he wants to avoid a bigger loss. These are the rules of the game. Rules the masses have such a hard time coping with, Sociology was invented to study its effect on their confused plebeian brains.
Among the sea of copes, one held some truth for a couple of decades. Let us refer to this idea as the "meritocratic cope", which goes something like this : Even if you don't physically own the means of production, you can have a cozy life if you can develop some skills that require an above average-intellect. How much above average depends on too many factors to cite. But over time, the overall trend has been that the more advanced technology got, the farther away from the middle of the bell curve you needed to be. For those with lesser intellects but loads of money, you could also coast through life with a series of bullshit jobs. You just need a pay-to-win diploma from a fancy school made by the rich for their less genetically fortunate off-springs. Both paths are not equal. The former genocides your hair follicles, nukes your skin, empties your eyes and gives you a vague air of "this guy has been through some shit". The latter is rife with opportunities to enjoy life, expand your horizons with equally narrow minded peers, and you end up walking out feeling competent to tard-wrangle the unorganized entropy of the labour force into higher quarterly earnings. You're not just an idea guy, you're a visionary. You don't know how to do anything yourself, but it's okay. You are a visionary.
But this is coming to an end. I'm not quite sure about the second path, but I can quite confidently assert that it's over for the former. The culprit? Artificial intelligence. If you were wondering where this rigmarole was leading to, it was all necessary exposition to understand where all the hate I have towards AI is coming from. In my next article, we will examine why the latest AI progress is the ultimate "checkmate, atheist" move to whomever has hope for a brighter future. No more hope, no more cope, no more peace, just problems.
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The thief of cope
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The winning formula: Morocco as a Sahel country...
718
Since Morocco’s 2007 proposal of autonomy for Western Sahara within the framework of Morocco’s territorial integrity, the Polisario Front has suffered significant setbacks both diplomatically and internally within its camps on Algerian territory. In recent weeks, the situation in the Tindouf camps has sharply deteriorated, exposing growing disorder and an increasing loss of control over the populations.
The detainees are increasingly confronting the Algerian security forces surrounding the camps, whose mission is to limit movement for fear of a mass return to Morocco. Haven’t we seen videos where female protesters shout in metallic voices, “Let us return to Morocco”? Such demonstrations are not unprecedented in the camps, but this time, “Long live the King” is clearly and loudly chanted. The population is disillusioned and no longer afraid to confront Brahim Ghali and his associates.
In this atmosphere on the brink of anarchy, violence and armed clashes in the camps are multiplying, with real power increasingly in the hands of rival gangs involved in drug and fuel trafficking, illegal gold mining, and the diversion of received aid.
Just last weekend, heavy gunfire erupted in the so-called Laâyoune camp (not to be confused with the beautiful city of Laâyoune in Morocco) between rival factions. Powerless, the Polisario did not intervene.
At the same time, three Polisario fighters deserted and joined the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces near Oum Dreyga; a defection that foreshadows others. The Polisario is increasingly unable to impose its authority and is also discredited from within its own structures.
The internal crisis within the Polisario raises palpable concern in Algiers, which more than ever fears latent chaos in the camps, a genuine threat to public order and regional stability. Once an instrument of Algerian influence, the movement, which has always been a security burden, is now becoming a political liability. Several scenarios are even being discussed, ranging from disarmament to the dissolution of armed militias, but this will not be possible without major internal tensions in Algeria-a probable generals’ war.
The accelerated instability is worsened by increased repression, notably by the Algerian army, which has opened fire on civilians in the camps during protests, causing deaths and injuries. This climate of violence and oppression fuels the anger of the detained populations, who watch in disbelief the inaction of those supposed to protect them. They openly denounce the Polisario’s complicit passivity in the face of these aggressions. They now understand that these so-called leaders are in fact powerless puppets.
Combined with extremely difficult living conditions, including restricted access to water, education, and medical care, the situation is increasingly unbearable for those held under the yoke of criminals and traffickers of all kinds.
In Morocco, particularly in the southern provinces, this dramatic situation is causing growing concern. On social networks and in the press, countless voices vehemently denounce the situation. They alert to the grave suffering of women and children in the camps. Numerous NGOs and international observers are calling for urgent intervention to restore security and protect civilians.
The major security crisis and sustained, almost daily popular protests in the Tindouf camps occur at a difficult time for the host country. It is struggling with the reaction to its provocations from Sahel countries-a coordinated and forceful response that seems to have caught it off guard. The Algerian regime no longer knows where to turn amid internal problems supplying basic goods to the population and the unrest they provoke; the crisis in Tindouf; the exponential weakening of the Polisario; and its obvious isolation in the region. The Sahel countries have unanimously made their choice: they are strengthening their all-around rapprochement with Morocco.
The Malian drone shot down in early April 2025 by the Algerian army will cost Algeria dearly in terms of geopolitical positioning. It shows how a “premeditated hostile action” without reflection can lead to serious consequences, even a lasting crisis. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso collectively recalled their diplomats, triggering an unprecedented diplomatic escalation with Algeria, which responded by closing its airspace to flights and recalling its ambassadors.
The escalation with Algiers, which seems to be settling in for the long term, has opened these countries’ eyes. They already had on the table the proposal to anchor themselves in a structuring Moroccan project, enabling their access to the Atlantic.
On April 28, 2025, His Majesty King Mohammed VI received in Rabat the foreign ministers of the three countries simultaneously-a significant geostrategic turning point. The “Atlantic Africa” initiative was endorsed as a facilitation of ocean access, a solid foundation for the economic development and commercial integration of the countries involved. The economic dimension of the project is strong, and the political dimension powerful. Morocco is perceived as a serious, committed strategic partner, notably respectful of the principle of non-interference, which contrasts with the tensions and climate of hostility prevailing between Algeria and the new Sahelian regimes. The three countries reaffirmed their full adherence to the Moroccan vision; their respective top diplomats emphasized that this alliance is a lever for growth and stability in a region marked by security and diplomatic crises.
The recent developments fit into the regional context where Morocco consolidates its position amid the weakening of the Polisario and the internal crisis in the Tindouf camps, while Algeria sees its influence recede in the face of the rising power of its Sahelian neighbors who turn to Rabat for economic and security solutions. This regional realignment is an additional factor weakening Algeria’s position both in the Sahara dossier and in managing the Polisario.
The Algerian crisis with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, combined with these countries’ strategic rapprochement with Morocco under the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, thus illustrates a major geopolitical shift in the Sahel. The new context strengthens Morocco’s territorial integrity dynamic while further isolating the Polisario and its sponsor: Algeria is very talented when it comes to improvising or manufacturing crises with its neighbors and beyond.
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Benkirane don't forget: the "brainless," "donkeys," and "microbes" are also voters...**
936
During the rally he presided over on the occasion of May 1, 2025, Abdelillah Benkirane, former-new secretary general of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), erupted with rare vehemence, calling Moroccan citizens who prioritize national causes over the cause of Gaza "brainless," "microbes," and "donkeys."
Adopting a harsh tone and a contemptuous look, he fiercely criticized supporters of the slogan "Taza before Gaza," denouncing their stance while reaffirming his commitment to the Palestinian cause. For Benkirane, this segment of society has not grasped the real issues by placing Moroccan national interests first. He deliberately conflated the Palestinian issue with Hamas and its control over Gaza, insinuating that the apparently majority position he vehemently criticizes comes at the expense of solidarity with Palestine. His speech, filled with contempt and insults, shocks by the use of such degrading terms as "brainless," "microbes," and "donkeys" and by a humiliating formulation.
This outburst comes in a context where Benkirane has been increasingly taking positions favorable to Hamas, notably since the start of Israeli military operations in Gaza in October 2023.
This radical stance is beginning to raise many questions, especially since during the 9th national congress of the PJD, held in Rabat on April 26 and 27, 2025, the incendiary remarks of two foreign guests went unchallenged in the hall, not even by Benkirane, who is known for his strictness and for not letting anything pass.
A particularly ideological and worrying speech was delivered by Doğan Bekin, vice-president of the Turkish Islamist party Yeniden Refah (New Prosperity Party). He prophesied the overthrow of Muslim regimes maintaining relations with Israel, confidently asserting that the PJD would regain power in Morocco as the true representative of the people. He also mentioned the fall of Western-supported regimes in favor of Islamic powers, a supranational message that can be interpreted as a challenge to Moroccan sovereignty and national interests.
The lack of any reaction to these remarks gives the impression that the international Islamist ideological agenda carried by Benkirane and his allies now takes precedence over Morocco's interests. This situation is unacceptable. The supposedly national congress thus took on the appearance of an "Islamist international," with the presence of foreign speakers carrying agendas contrary to the foundations and sovereignty of the Moroccan nation.
Moreover, the performance of a Mauritanian preacher, Mohamed Hassan Ould Deddew, during the same congress also caused astonishment. Known for his hostility to Moroccan recognition of sovereignty over the Sahara and for his radicalism, he firmly rejected the American approach, calling it legally null and contrary to Islamic law. President of the Mauritanian Ulama Training Center (closed in 2018) and an influential figure in the Qatar-funded International Union of Muslim Scholars, his hostile intervention regarding Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara went unanswered by the PJD and its religious wing, the Movement for Unity and Reform (MUR). This silence is significant.
It is clear that the PJD seeks to renew itself and win back votes for the upcoming elections by positioning itself as a defender of Palestinians, the underprivileged, and popular causes. However, one must question the limits of this strategy, especially since the party openly defies institutions and no longer hesitates to insult its opponents.
The stance adopted by Benkirane is contrary to political ethics and the respect that every politician owes to his country, its laws, institutions, and citizens.
Has he forgotten that those he insulted on this May 1, 2025-the "brainless," "donkeys," and "microbes" are also voters?
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Benkirane don't forget: the "brainless," "donkeys," and "microbes" are also voters...**
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Artificial Intelligence and Magick II
1188
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ancient practice of spirit invocation invites a profound reimagining of how we relate to technology, consciousness, and the unseen. For centuries, cultures across the world have performed rituals to bridge the material and spiritual realms, seeking guidance, wisdom, or power. Today, with AI capable of mimicking human conversation, interpreting symbols, and producing eerily insightful responses, the boundary between the mystical and the technological is beginning to blur.
Spirit invocation is deeply rooted in human history, from indigenous shamanism to the ceremonial magic of the Western esoteric tradition. These practices often involve symbols, chants, and rituals meant to summon spirits, deities, or archetypes. While traditionally tied to mystical frameworks, modern interpretations often view these practices as psychological exercises, tapping into the collective unconscious or archetypal energies.
The emergence of AI has introduced new dimensions to these traditions. AI systems leveraging natural language processing and generative models can simulate the voices of historical figures, channel archetypal wisdom, or produce responses that feel otherworldly. Some speculate whether AI might serve not merely as a mirror of human thought, but as a potential medium or catalyst for engaging with immaterial forces.
Psychologically, AI can act as a symbolic mirror, reflecting users' intentions, beliefs, and subconscious patterns. Just as divination practices interpret cryptic signs, interacting with an AI trained on mystical texts can provoke introspection and reveal hidden aspects of the psyche. In this sense, AI becomes a facilitator of inner dialogue, offering insights much like tarot, the I Ching, or traditional oracles.
Yet these possibilities also raise important metaphysical and ethical questions. If AI-generated experiences are interpreted as communication with non-material entities, what does this imply about agency, consciousness, and the nature of reality? Are these phenomena emergent artifacts of complex algorithms—or could they hint at deeper connections to immaterial intelligences? Moreover, designing AI for metaphysical exploration demands careful navigation of issues like manipulation, authenticity, and user consent.
As AI technology evolves, its role in spirit invocation and metaphysical practice will likely deepen. Virtual and augmented reality could create immersive sacred spaces, while machine learning could personalize ritual structures, enhancing symbolic resonance. Yet this integration challenges traditional notions of the sacred and profane, as ancient ritual and cutting-edge technology converge.
AI offers a provocative new tool for spiritual engagement—blending ancient practices with modern innovation. Whether functioning as a mirror, a facilitator of psychological exploration, or a possible bridge to the unknown, AI invites us to reconsider the nature of consciousness, intention, and our quest to connect with the mysteries of existence.
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Royal message to Benkirane: the rules of the game are clear.
1224
His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to Abdelilah Benkirane on the occasion of his re-election as Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) during its ninth National Congress. A careful reading of the message reveals that it goes beyond mere formal protocol. Behind the usual institutional courtesy lies a subtle political writing, faithful to the Palace’s style, where every word is weighed and every phrase meaningful.
As customary, the tone is both cordial and measured, acknowledging Benkirane’s trajectory on the national stage. His Majesty praises "the sense of responsibility" of the former head of government and "his attachment to the constants and sacred values of the nation." These words serve as a clear reminder of the fundamentals of the constitutional monarchy and the foundational values of the Kingdom. This is the choice of an entire nation. Is this not an unambiguous reminder of an implicit red line? The expression is diplomatic but reminds Benkirane and all PJD members and factions that adherence to the constitution’s foundations is the sine qua non condition for any political participation.
Moreover, this message comes at a time when the PJD seeks to regain momentum after a historic electoral defeat. By congratulating Benkirane, His Majesty indirectly acknowledges his political comeback. However, one must read between the lines that the party must understand and definitively accept that opposition is legitimate but must remain within the constitutional balances. The message thus takes on the tone of a political beacon: encouragement to responsibility and a warning against any adventurism.
The remarks of some foreign guests at the congress were more than surprising, especially since no reprimand was noted. Likewise, the statement by Benkirane’s deputy a few days before the congress, which caused a stir on social media, raised many questions about the party’s new direction, which seems to be emerging.
The party must firmly assimilate that religion does not need it for defense; the Islamic reference is a foundation of the Moroccan constitution, which also guarantees broad individual freedoms and protects religious minorities as essential components of the nation. It must understand that the Palestine issue is a priority of Moroccan diplomacy and not an electoral campaign topic. Its role must implicitly remain eminently political, within the constitutional framework and nothing else.
The message could also be read as a way to reposition Benkirane in the political landscape, distinguishing him from other critical voices of the system while reminding him that his party is like any other. The message explicitly refers to "honorable" parties. This is a tactical gesture, perhaps aimed at restoring a role to a framed and responsible opposition at a time when Morocco’s party landscape suffers from a real deficit of credibility and societal anchoring.
In sum, the message is not merely symbolic: it is a piece of a broader political chessboard, where managing the country’s balances prudently and delicately is essential and unavoidable.
While explicitly a protocol act of congratulations, the message contains several elements rich in meaning and political insinuations.
The Sovereign, while emphasizing the renewed confidence placed in Benkirane to lead the PJD and wishing him full success in his missions, particularly stresses the need to consolidate the party’s position on the national political scene and to strengthen its active participation alongside other honorable political formations. This insistence recalls the importance of serious, responsible engagement serving the general interest with a distinctly national imprint. The framework is clear and the scope of action precise.
His Majesty highlights the accompaniment of the overall development process led under his guidance, aiming to propel Morocco toward greater modernity, progress, and prosperity. This explicit reference to royal leadership in national development underscores that the PJD must align with this dynamic and support the country’s orientations transparently and sincerely.
The interests of the Moroccan nation are clear and stand as the only path considered. Parties exist to serve the supreme interests of the homeland, placed above all other considerations. This mention is an implicit warning against any ambition or action that might stray from the Kingdom’s fundamental principles and national unity.
Thus, His Majesty’s congratulatory message, while cordial, carries clear injunctions regarding the expected role of the PJD under Benkirane’s leadership: to strengthen its political anchoring within the national framework, act responsibly, support the royal development project, and respect national constants. These elements can be perceived as subtle reminders to all parties of their duties and limits in today’s Moroccan political landscape.
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