Think Forward.

Ahmed Faras, légende éternelle du football marocain 330

J’ai eu la chance de connaître Ahmed Faras. Il m’est insupportable d’en parler au passé, lui qui en a fait partie depuis fort longtemps. Cela faisait longtemps qu’il n’avait pas touché un ballon. Peu sont encore vivants, ceux qui l’ont vu jouer, ceux qui, des rencontres durant, attendaient son dribble, son débordement, son tir, son but. Faras, ce fut un homme hors pair, d’une timidité et d’une retenue invraisemblables. Même présent quelque part, il était toujours à l’écart : discret, courtois, gentil, d’une sensibilité, d’une affectivité et d’une grande susceptibilité. Mais Faras fera toujours partie du présent. C’est une véritable légende du football marocain et africain ; les légendes ne meurent pas. Fedala l’a vu naître en plein froid de décembre 1947. Mohammédia sera sa ville et le Chabab son club éternel. À l’époque, point de mercato, point de transhumance, point de mercenariat footballistique. On naissait dans un club, on y apprenait à jouer et on y restait. Son tempérament n’était pas celui d’un attaquant : point d’agressivité, point de ruse. Il compensait par son génie et n’avait point besoin de simulation, de roulades par terre pour amadouer un arbitre et créer la confusion. Son génie lui épargnait tout cela. Il fut un attaquant exceptionnel qui a marqué l’histoire du football national et continental. La pelouse du terrain El Bachir va l’aider. C’était la meilleure du Maroc à cette époque. Ahmed Faras est le fruit d’une génération formée dans le contexte structurant des écoles de sport du Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports. Un concept que les soi-disant réformes administratives et politiques ont tué, et pourtant c’est là que se formaient les champions du Maroc, tous sports confondus. Sa trajectoire débutante est marquée par l’encadrement de formateurs réputés comme Lakhmiri, qui a contribué à façonner de nombreux talents marocains. Ce socle solide lui a permis de développer très tôt des qualités techniques et un sens du collectif qui deviendront la marque de son jeu. Ahmed Faras a joué toute sa carrière au sein du club Chabab Mohammédia, de 1965 à 1982, sans jamais avoir eu un contrat professionnel. Cela n’existait pas encore au Maroc. Pas besoin de vous parler de ses primes à la signature, ni celles des résultats, même en équipe nationale. Sa fidélité au Chabab est remarquable. Il en fera un club champion du Maroc, et en sera le meilleur buteur. Il entraînera dans son sillage vers les sommets ses copains de jeu, Acila, Glaoua, Haddadi et j’en passe. Faras fut un pilier de l’équipe du Maroc. Avec 36 buts en 94 sélections, quel buteur historique des Lions de l’Atlas ! Il fut capitaine de l’équipe nationale pendant huit années et participa à la Coupe du Monde 1970 au Mexique ainsi qu’aux Jeux Olympiques de Munich en 1972. En 1975, Ahmed Faras entra dans la légende en devenant le premier Marocain à recevoir le Ballon d’Or africain, une récompense qui soulignait la qualité et la constance de son jeu. Cette distinction le plaça parmi les plus grands joueurs du continent, en pleine compétition avec des stars africaines de haut niveau. On parla de transfert au Real...mais à l'époque il était interdit à un jeune joueur du championnat marocain de quitte le pays pour jouer à l'étranger sous peine de ne plus être sélectionné en équipe nationale. On pensait ainsi consolider le football national... Le point d’orgue de sa carrière fut sans doute la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (CAN) 1976, remportée par le Maroc en Éthiopie. Faras fut le leader sur le terrain, le meilleur buteur du tournoi, et son influence fut déterminante pour ce triomphe historique, le seul titre africain majeur du Maroc à ce jour. Il marqua des buts cruciaux contre le Nigeria et l’Égypte dans cette compétition, incarnant le rôle de meneur d’hommes et de stratège sur le terrain. Il est aujourd’hui encore le seul capitaine marocain à avoir soulevé le trophée africain tant convoité. J’ai été quelques fois sur ce terrain d’Addis-Abeba où il avait soulevé le trophée, et à chaque fois, son image s’impose à moi. Un noir et blanc indélébile, mais gravé à jamais dans l’histoire du Royaume et dans la mémoire des Marocains de l’époque qui avait suivi le match par la voix d'un certain Ahmed Elgharbi...point de direct à l'époque. Il fut un capitaine respecté et écouté, avec de grands entraîneurs, Abdelkader Lakhmiri, Blagoe Vidinic, Abdellah Settati, Jabrane et notamment Gheorghe Mardarescu durant cette épopée dans le pays de l'Empereur Haile Selassié . Son charisme et sa vision du jeu furent primordiaux pour fédérer l’équipe et la conduire au sommet du continent africain. Faras incarna l’esprit de conquête et la fierté nationale tout au long de la compétition. L’équipe était sélectionnée et conduite par un dirigeant hors pair également, le Colonel Mehdi Belmejdoub. Son nom reste attaché à cette conquête légendaire, symbole du potentiel du football marocain lorsqu’il est mené par un leadership exemplaire, des dirigeants connaisseurs et dévoués, et des joueurs véritables combattants pour les couleurs d’un maillot. Ahmed Faras n’était pas seulement un joueur de talent. Après sa retraite, il a continué à transmettre sa passion en s’impliquant dans la formation des jeunes, partageant son savoir et son amour du football avec la nouvelle génération. Il a été une source d’inspiration pour tant de générations de joueurs. Côtoyer Lhaj Ahmed Faras, c’est côtoyer un symbole de loyauté, de talent et de leadership unique dans le paysage sportif marocain. Son nom reste gravé dans la mémoire collective comme celui d’un géant du football, dont l’héritage dépasse les frontières du sport pour inspirer des générations entières. Repose en paix mon ami. Un jour, un grand stade de football du pays portera ton nom, et il le portera bien si les joueurs observaient ton exemple, en suivant ta trajectoire, en respectant ta carrière et si le public se montre à la hauteur, en déférence à ton grand nom. Si Lhaj Ahmed Fars, si jamais tu rencontres Acila là-haut, dis-lui de te faire encore une petite passe, et dis à Glaoua de bien défendre... Saches que ton étoile brille et brillera toujours au dessus de no tête dans le ciel du beau pays que tu as tant chéri.
Aziz Daouda

Aziz Daouda

Directeur Technique et du Développement de la Confédération Africaine d'Athlétisme. Passionné du Maroc, passionné d'Afrique. Concerné par ce qui se passe, formulant mon point de vue quand j'en ai un. Humaniste, j'essaye de l'être, humain je veux l'être. Mon histoire est intimement liée à l'athlétisme marocain et mondial. J'ai eu le privilège de participer à la gloire de mon pays .


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The Sevenfold Constitution of the Human Being 86

Several esoteric traditions believe that the human being is not limited to a single body of flesh and blood, but instead exists as a amalgam of seven interpenetrating bodies, each vibrating at a distinct frequency and corresponding to a unique level of consciousness. This constitution in layers forms a bridge between the material and the divine, mapping the soul’s descent into matter and its potential ascent back to the source. The physical body is the most tangible and material of the seven. It serves as the vessel through which the soul experiences the physical world, bound by the laws of biology, space, and time. It is composed of flesh, bone, and matter, but it does not exist in isolation. Its vitality is sustained by subtle forces, and without these, it would be inert. The physical body is the site of sensation and action, allowing the soul to manifest its will within the temporal realm. The etheric body, also known as the vital or pranic body, underlies and interpenetrates the physical form. It is made of subtle life-energy and functions as the blueprint or energetic matrix that maintains the structure and function of the material body. It is through this body that prana, chi, or life-force flows, animating tissues, regulating health, and forming the auric field sometimes noticed by those with psychic sensitivity. It connects the material to the immaterial, serving as a bridge between body and soul. The astral body governs emotion, desire, and imagination. It is the seat of passions, instincts, and inner images, and it serves as the vehicle for dreams and psychic experiences. This is the body that travels in the dream state or in altered states of consciousness and is central to experiences of astral projection. It has a more fluid consistence than that of the etheric, and it responds instantly to emotional impulses, making it the most volatile and reactive of the subtle bodies. The mental body is the domain of thought, cognition, and reason. It is often divided into two components: the lower mental body, which takes part in concrete thinking, memory, and logic, and the higher mental body, which perceives abstract truths, archetypes, and universal principles. Through the mental body, we develop self-awareness, belief systems, and discernment. It is through the improvement of this body that the ego begins to dissolve, allowing thought to serve truth rather than self-interest. The causal body, or buddhic body, contains the soul’s higher wisdom and accumulated experience. It is the vessel of intuition, compassion, and non-dual perception. This body exists beyond linear time and holds the karmic imprint of previous incarnations—the lessons learned and the spiritual tendencies cultivated. It is the realm of inner guidance and soul purpose, allowing the being to act from harmony rather than reaction, and to notice unity where the lower mind sees separation. The spiritual body, or atmic body, represents the divine will and the soul's alignment with cosmic purpose. It is the seat of spiritual volition—not personal desire, but the execution of the higher law. This is the level of mastery where individual will is surrendered to divine intention, and where the soul becomes a conscious co-creator with the universal intelligence. Those who access this body operate from a plane of deep inner sovereignty and radiant stillness, often manifesting profound spiritual authority. At the highest level lies the monadic body—the pure spark of divinity, the eternal self, the undivided essence from which all the other bodies emanate. The Monad is beyond all form and function, untouched by time, death, or individuality. It is the source of all consciousness within the being and the point of union with the Absolute. Realization of the Monad is the apex of spiritual evolution, where the soul transcends all identities and merges into the infinite. It is the return to the One, the reintegration of the many into the indivisible light of origin. In most human beings, these bodies remain partially dormant or fragmented. The great work of spiritual initiation is to harmonize and awaken each body, gradually purifying the lower vehicles and aligning the consciousness to subtler vibrations. Practices such as ritual, meditation, prayer, alchemy, asceticism, and sacred study serve to align these bodies and bring them under the guidance of the Monad. As one ascends the inner planes, perception shifts from the senses to symbols, then to pure archetypes, and finally to the formless light of the divine. The path is not linear but spiral—each cycle of refinement bringing the soul closer to its origin and its infinite potential.

Moroccan Tourism in 2025: Spectacular Growth but Persistent Challenges 304

Moroccan tourism has been experiencing a very favorable phase since 2024. Tourism revenues reached nearly 50 billion dirhams in the first quarter of the current year, confirming a robust recovery after the global health crisis. This upswing is the result of a combination of factors that can be analyzed from several perspectives. Certainly, the gradual lifting of health restrictions worldwide enabled a massive return of international visitors, particularly Europeans, but also travelers from other regions of the globe. With its unique cultural richness, history, lively medinas, diverse landscapes ranging from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, sunshine, colors, unparalleled craftsmanship, refined cuisine, and the warmth of Moroccans—their smiles, their ability to quickly connect with others, and their tolerance—the Kingdom has managed to attract clientele seeking authentic and varied experiences. After two difficult years, this strong recovery reflects renewed tourist interest in the destination. According to the government, the rise of the tourism sector is linked to a strategy and sustained policy of investment in infrastructure: world-class hotels, improved transport networks, airport modernization, and expansion of air routes. These efforts have undoubtedly significantly enhanced the country’s accessibility as well as visitor comfort and security, all now essential elements to remain competitive in a highly competitive international market. The Kingdom has also heavily invested in its global visibility through well-calibrated promotion campaigns, regular presence at major international trade shows, and strategic partnerships with key tourism players. This well-thought marketing strategy has attracted a diverse clientele, amplifying the effect of a strong national brand. Developing the tourism offer plays a crucial role in this dynamic. In addition to traditional cultural and seaside getaways that the country is famous for, Morocco is now focusing on growing segments: adventure tourism, desert trekking, extreme sports, ecotourism, national parks, protected areas, and cultural events, international festivals, and exhibitions. This diversification aims to attract different tourist profiles year-round and avoid excessive seasonality. The exceptional event of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, through the performance of the Moroccan national team and the enthusiastic support of its supporters in the stadium and the streets of Doha, had an amplifying effect on the country’s global visibility and image. This competition put Morocco on the international tourism map, attracting a significant influx of visitors and creating immediate spotlight on its attractions. As a direct result, Morocco exceeded in 2024 its initial target of 17.5 million tourists planned for 2026—a remarkable achievement. However, without contesting the announced figures, this bright spot should not mask certain challenges. A closer look at the statistics reveals a different reality. A significant portion of recorded tourists, about 50%, are Moroccans residing abroad (MRE), who visit mainly for family reasons rather than tourism linked to government strategies. It should not be overlooked that these same MRE often denounce recurring problems, foremost among them the high cost of air transport with Royal Air Maroc, which is heavily subsidized by public funds. Price gouging in hotels and restaurants, especially in summer, is also widely criticized. These difficulties impact the retention of international visitors as well, as return rates are very low. The fact that operators at all levels impose exorbitant price increases during peak season tarnishes the country’s image and discourages visitors. Staying in Morocco is abusively expensive for unclear reasons. Indeed, few tourists return multiple times after their first visit. This raises questions about the quality of the customer experience and the destination’s competitiveness. Excluding MRE and visitors traveling for professional reasons, the number of foreigners visiting Morocco by deliberate choice is therefore not that high. This calls into question the efficiency of the very large subsidies granted to the sector and, above all, the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns. The Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Office attribute the recorded success to their proactive policy, but the reality shows that this growth largely relies on the emotional attachment of the MRE, a factor less controllable by public authorities. Will the post-World Cup momentum and the goodwill generated be sustained over the long term? It is difficult to precisely gauge how much of the upswing is due to the World Cup context and what the real impact of public policies is, especially subsidies and aid allocated to the sector. This impact, however, cannot be ignored. To maintain the course and ensure sustainable growth of the sector, it is essential that Morocco continues and deepens its efforts: ongoing investments and innovation in the tourism offer. However, the major urgent challenge remains controlling the outrageous costs for visitors. The government’s silence on this issue risks hurting the sector badly. The summer sunshine is too expensive. It is time for the entire industry to stop acting like predators, and for scams and extortion to be forever banned quickly. Another key challenge is integrating sustainable development policies to preserve natural and cultural resources within the broader framework of inclusive development across all regions of the country. It is also imperative to include citizen awareness and education in this vision. Polluted or neglected beaches and sites, annoying incivility, and inappropriate behaviors are additional challenges to be addressed. Tourism must remain one of the major engines of Morocco’s economy, generating jobs and wealth while enhancing the country’s international standing. Still, we shall wait until the end of the campaign to make a final judgment, especially on the trajectory of the numbers and the effectiveness of measures announced in the sector’s development strategy, and above all to draw the necessary lessons.

[Short Stories #4 ] A Red Flower Among the Ice [1/3] 475

The radio crackled softly in the dim kitchen, the announcer’s voice steady but tinged with concern. “This week, heavy snow is expected. Please be careful if you must travel and …” Karl was busy on the living room floor, toy cars rattling loudly in his hands as they scattered across the rug. His father, standing in the kitchen doorway, raised a hand gently. “Karl, please, not so much noise. I want to listen to what they’re saying on the radio.” “Sorry, Dad,” Karl muttered, setting one of his cars aside, his brow furrowed with boredom. Their mother entered, phone pressed to her ear, a tired sigh escaping her lips. “No classes this week,” she announced. Karl groaned, “Another boring week stuck at home.” “Dinner’s ready,” his mother called, her voice breaking the silence. “Come eat before it gets cold.” Karl trudged to the table, the long winter night stretching out before him—cold and quiet, just like the thick ice blanketing the world beyond their windows. The house felt suspended in time, the wind whistling now and then, the only other sound the gentle hum of the old radio. Outside, street lamps cast faint halos through frosted glass. The days passed slowly, one blending into the next, each wrapped in an endless layer of white. The world outside seemed to hold its breath, every noise muffled by the heavy snow. Streets once filled with color and movement were now hushed and blank, as if time itself had frozen. At last, on the final day of the week, their mother opened a window wide. “Look,” she whispered. “The snow has stopped. It’s beautiful today.” Karl hurried to her side, eyes wide as he peered out. The garden glistened beneath the weak morning sun, untouched except for delicate patterns of frost sparkling quietly. “Can I go outside? Just for a little while?” Karl pleaded, his hope unmistakable. His mother smiled softly. “Okay, but dress warmly—and don’t go too far.” Bundled up in scarf and mittens, Karl stepped outside, his breath clouding in the crisp air. He clutched his favorite toy car, venturing into the silent, frozen yard. Everywhere he looked, white shimmered—nature itself seemed on the verge of beginning anew. Suddenly, amid the endless white, a surprising splash of color caught his eye. “What’s that?” Karl whispered. Moving closer, he saw it: a single brave red flower pushing through the icy crust, vivid and alive against the snow. Its petals tilted upward, reaching as if to catch every drop of sunlight. The sight filled Karl with wonder. “So beautiful,” he murmured. “What are you doing here, all alone?” He circled the flower, curiosity mounting. He didn’t understand how anything so small, so delicate, could survive here. “I’ll take you home with me,” he decided. Gently, he cupped his hands to pull the flower free—but it didn’t budge. Its roots, deep within the ice, held fast. Karl tried again, but it remained stubbornly in place. Disappointed and hungry, the little boy picked up his toy car and made his way back indoors. That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, his mother asked, “Karl, how was your walk today? You didn’t say anything when you came inside.” Karl hesitated, then replied quietly, “I found a red flower growing in the ice.” Everyone laughed. His father teased, “Poor flower, it must be freezing out there!” They chuckled, but Karl was stung. No one believed what he’d seen. After dinner, the house quieted once more. The family went to bed, the next day would be the start of a new week—school would resume. Morning came. Karl’s mother called up the stairs, “Karl, time to get up for school!” No answer. She climbed to his room. Karl was not in the room…