Think Forward.

Digital: The perfect undying art 3058

Great paintings deteriorate, great statues erode, fall and break, great literature is forgotten and it's subtleties lost as languages for ever evolve and disappear. But now we have a new kind of art. A type of art that in theory cannot die, it transcends space and time and can remain pristine for ever and ever. That is digital art. Digital art is pure information. Therefore it can be copied for ever and ever, exactly reproduced for later generations. Digital art cannot erode, cannot break, it is immortal. Thus is the power of bits, so simple zeros and ones and yet so awesome. Through modern AI and Large Language Models we can now store the subtleties of languages in an abstract vectorial space, also pure information, that can be copied ad infinitum without loss of information. Let's think about the future, a future so deep that we can barely see it's horizon. In that future, with that technology we can resurrect languages. However the languages resurrected will be the ones we speak today. We have a technology that allows us to store reliably and copy indefinitely that technology is called the *Blockchain*. The most reliable and resilient ledger we have today. We have almost everything we need to preserve what we cherish. Let's think of a deep future.
Tariq Daouda

Tariq Daouda

CEO, co-founder & Head Software Architect of Bluwr. Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, I specialize in AI for Biomedical applications.


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The Monad 56

The Monad is found at the highest level of existence, being the eternal, indivisible spark of the Divine. It is not a being in the conventional sense, but a pure center of consciousness, a point of origin that transcends time, space, and form. The Monad is a direct emanation of the Absolute, the One Source, and contains within itself the total potential of divine intelligence and will. The Monad beholds the entire cosmos, reflecting it inwardly without division or movement. For the purpose of experience, evolution, and the expansion of consciousness, the Monad unfolds itself. This process does not mean that a fragmentation occurs, but emanation, in accordance with the laws of sacred geometry and cosmic harmony. The Monad expresses itself into twelve individuated Soul aspects — each a radiant expression of its divine essence. These are sometimes called Oversouls, Higher Selves, or Solar Selves in esoteric traditions. Each of these twelve Souls remains intimately connected to the Monad, yet takes on a unique pathway of spiritual development and service. Each Soul, in turn, extends itself into twelve Spirits, or individual incarnating identities, that manifest across the dimensions of space and time. These Spirits are what we often understand as human personalities — seemingly separate lives, yet each one is a temporary projection of a higher spiritual intelligence. These incarnations serve to gather experience, to learn through contrast and duality, and ultimately to return to unity through the path of conscious realization. Thus, from a single Monad emerge: 1) 12 Souls (higher, eternal selves). 2) Each with 12 Spirits (incarnated personalities). 3) That results in 144 individuated expressions of the original divine spark. This structure is an archetypal framework encoded within the very fabric of the universe. The number 144 is not coincidental: it is directly related to sacred numerology and appears in mystical scriptures such as the Book of Revelation, where the 144,000 sealed servants symbolize the perfected collective of awakened souls. In this model, the journey of each incarnated Spirit is not isolated, but part of a vast, intricate tapestry. All experiences — joys, sorrows, triumphs, and trials — are transmitted upward through the Soul to the Monad, enriching the totality of divine being with wisdom distilled through the lens of individuality. The Monad, untouched and changeless, still gathers all of these reflections into itself in perfect harmony. To know oneself, then, is not merely to understand one’s personal identity, but to awaken to the truth that we are emanations of a higher Soul, and beyond that, of a singular Monad — a spark of God.

New Era in World Athletics: The CAA’s Vision for Equitable International Representation... 117

At its most recent congress held on July 14, 2025, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) adopted a resolution that could upend the organization of global athletics governance. As the debate on modernity and representation within international sports institutions intensifies, the CAA is proposing major reforms for World Athletics (WA). **At the Heart of the Reform: A Call for Fairer Governance** Confronted with recent developments in world sports and the need to ensure transparency and efficiency, the CAA believes it is time to revise the Statutes of World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics. The main goal is to strengthen continental representation within the WA Council. This reform hinges on the key points of the resolution, namely fair representation by continent. The CAA suggests establishing a fixed quota of representatives for each continent within the Council. Such a measure would give each region an effective voice, limiting the overrepresentation of continents already well established in international decision-making bodies. It also proposes that the election of World Athletics Council members should be conducted by the continental associations, rather than by a global general assembly. The CAA insists that each continental association should directly elect its own representatives. However, under the CAA’s proposed reform, the presidency is an exception: the position of President of World Athletics would remain subject to the traditional election by the WA General Assembly, thus preserving a form of institutional unity. The proposal goes further by suggesting that, for all World Athletics commissions and working groups, the nomination of members should also fall under the authority of the continental associations, according to a pre-established quota set by WA regulations. This approach aims to ensure real diversity within the technical and strategic circles of global athletics. **A New Momentum Towards International Sports Democracy** The CAA’s initiative is part of a global movement calling for more democracy, transparency, and balance in the governance of major sports federations. Several observers believe that such a reform, if supported by other continental associations, could become a model for other sports and help create a more balanced, representative, and inclusive international sports world. Nonetheless, the proposal will face multiple challenges in its implementation. Despite its ambitions, this resolution will have to overcome several obstacles. Naturally, it requires building consensus among other continental associations. There will also be negotiations with the World Athletics Council, which may fear a loss of influence for certain continents. Finally, regulatory texts will need to be adopted according to a timeline compatible with the desired institutional evolution. Inspired by the spirit of Abeokuta, the CAA’s proposal could well usher in a new era for athletics. It reaffirms the legitimacy of emerging continents and raises the fundamental question of equity in international sports. Only time will tell whether this ambitious reform will find global resonance and lead to a profound transformation of World Athletics governance.

The elephant outside the room 138

MRE : marocain résident à l'étranger. A simple acronym, rolls of the tongue nicely. Depending on your social class, a different image popped up in your mind. Lets examine different scenarios : — The ex-NEET turned Italian: Family borrowed a year's worth of wages to send him on raft to Italy or the afterlife. Gets a new phone to everyone when he visits every couple summers. Unfortunately, it's not the 80s anymore and he's got no choice but to sell drugs if he wants to afford a Volkswagen Golf. "You can take an african out of africa, but you can't take africa out of the african". Karma will make him live long enough to see black africans invade his country like he invaded other people's. Single handedly responsible for making real estate unaffordable in towns nobody wants to live in. — The daughter who studied in france and works in paris that your neighbor brags about: Lost her virginity in a party but her parents will never hear about it. Trades her headscarf for a CDI. Thinks she needs no man as she goes around Europe like a pokemon trainer catching selfies in cities her ancestors did not build. Claims she loves her country but only thinks about going back there if she can double her living standards. A pure product of the system, hates racism, sexism, and any globohomo-ism. Enjoys being fetishized by white bois. — The lazy friend that won the visa lottery to the US: Thinks he's made it thanks to his skills and hardwork alone. Starts Vlogging as soon as he takes a mortgage. Too busy surviving the American collapse to ruin things back home. Will settle for a what barely qualifies as a woman according to his mother's standards for the papers. — The red-pilled scholar of self-denial : Moved out of morocco out of sheer hatred for the country, its institutions, its culture, and its people. Tries to prematurely reincarnate by changing his name, accent, and backstory to better fit in his new home. The real life equivalent of the anime villain whose reasons make more sense than the hero, but is still in the wrong. — The self-exiled man of inaction : Moved out of morocco mentally, not rich/special enough to move physically. Browses r/morocco. Most likely speaks english because his french sucks. Mind broken by the system despite never facing persecution (for a lack of trying to subvert it). Fuels loneliness epidemic but uses dating apps and social media. Imports problems from abroad, never comes up with solutions. Would not change anything is he was part of the 0.1%. Having a big diaspora around the world is nothing to be proud of. Granted, morocco gets a significant amount of foreign currency from them, but this is basically a "resource curse", and not even a good one. I have yet to see anyone quantify their negative impact on the economy. Not only do they drive housing prices up since they can afford bigger mortgages, but they also sabotage the collective consciousness. The moroccan dream is to get out of morocco. As long as we treat our diaspora as gods among men, we idealize the act of running away. Why try to build things here when you can enjoy a much better life by going somewhere else? Why try to have a career here if local talent is always seen as second rate compared to foreign one? I'll always be astonished by the degree of hatred and scorn that we, as a people, have against ourselves. Sure, leaving this cesspit of a country behind is the rational choice at the individual level. Doesn't mean it's the right one.

What really is conviction? 277

If you can tell for sure that whatever you want to have in your future would really belong to you, then you actually don't have a future; you are just navigating through time. It is important that we appreciate that the great people the world celebrates were never so certain that they will achieve the things they have. Yes, there were moments when they believed they would do great things, and then there were those singular moments when they actually realized that they were meant for great things. But never were there moments before such moments of the euphoria of the culmination of their deeds were they ever so sure of the prospects of the future. This is therefore the human condition. The one that makes life worth living. The one whereforth springs the meanings of all purpose. Notice the keyword here is to believe! In every step of the way, great people tread the paths of belief. An identity, an appreciation of a life that could potentially be worth nothing, be meaningless and result in total complete waste. Yet, they walk that path anyway. They walk these paths also quietly aware of the rewards of their deeds. To quote a book, "it is in times when we succeed, when things seem to be working in our favor, and our egos expand like a pufferfish, that we are most easily blind-sided and in danger of the greatest fall. It can be a cycle for many of us, until we learn how to break it, how to be unaffected by either success or failure, and just keep moving forward, towards our goals" That is conviction! "When I close my eyes, I see a thing. I did this thing. I made this thing. It is so beautiful. and powerful. and everyone loves it. everyone says this is really a great thing! everyone agrees that this is going to change their lives for the better forever. I smile because I imagined this thing, and I did it, and it was beautiful in every aspect. It did it's job just like I wanted it to and I fulfilled my purpose."

Being Doctors 304

Being a doctor...in my generation! Medicine was an art practiced without flaw by a rare horde of people dedicated to their lauded work, who often remained stuck in the hospital to be that lifeline of oxygen and life. We remained clear-headed. We weren't greedy at all. Our medicine, whatever anyone said, and in all honesty, brought honor and happiness. It was our reason for being. Without it, we would be nothing but poor people, ultimately given over to doubt. Dr. Fouad Bouchareb All rights reserved

Morocco-Nigeria: From Coldness to a Continental Strategic Partnership... 335

I am currently in Abeokuta, Nigeria, for the organization of the African Athletics Championships for U18 and U20. It is only natural to reflect on the relations between Morocco and Nigeria, which have seen a remarkable evolution, moving from a period of distance and caution to a major strategic partnership for Africa. An eloquent indicator: the national airline now operates two daily flights to Lagos. From the 1960s to the 1980s, relations between Morocco and Nigeria remained formal but distant, due to deep ideological differences. Nigeria, an Anglophone heavyweight and close to the Non-Aligned Movement—a non-alignment that in reality meant alignment with the Eastern European models of the time. Morocco, on the other hand, closer to the West, adopted a cautious diplomacy in line with its longstanding position and its principles of non-interference and respect for peoples and their choices. The distancing between the two countries became more pronounced, especially after the Kingdom’s withdrawal from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1984, in reaction to the admission of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to this organization. The issue of the so-called Western Sahara was a major point of friction, with Nigeria supporting the SADR, which hindered any significant rapprochement. Thus, relations during the 1980s and 1990s remained lukewarm, limited to basic diplomatic exchanges. The return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo, and Morocco’s growing influence on the African stage marked a turning point. The two countries began a discreet but concrete diplomatic rapprochement. Several areas were explored to strengthen cooperation: energy, with discussions on gas cooperation; trade, with modest but growing exchanges; agriculture, aiming to meet the growing needs of the Nigerian population; and the religious dimension, notably through Sufism and the moderate religious education promoted by Morocco. The real turning point came in December 2016, during the historic visit of King Mohammed VI to Abuja. This visit marked a break in bilateral relations, with the signing of numerous cooperation agreements in the agricultural, banking, industrial, religious, and energy sectors. One recalls here the fraternal embraces and warm words that marked the meetings between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Buhari. The flagship project in this dynamic is the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), announced in 2016. This ambitious project, over 5,600 km long and crossing 13 West African countries, aims to transport Nigerian gas to Morocco, and potentially to Europe. Its objectives are multiple: to ensure energy security, promote regional integration, and strengthen geopolitical stability. Between 2022 and 2023, several financing and technical study agreements were signed with ECOWAS, OPEC, and European partners. At the same time, cooperation has diversified: Moroccan banks have invested in Nigeria, while the partnership between the OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) and the Dangote Group has strengthened fertilizer production in Nigeria. On the religious front, Morocco welcomes Nigerian imams to its training centers, thus consolidating cultural and religious ties. Since the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, active cooperation with Morocco seems to be continuing. The NMGP pipeline project is progressing with the support of key players such as the European Union and the Islamic Development Bank, despite a complicated global context marked by the war in Ukraine and regional instability. The issue of Western Sahara remains a moderate dividing line: Nigeria has not withdrawn its recognition of the SADR, but has not made any hostile statements towards Rabat for several years, indicating a certain diplomatic appeasement. The Morocco-Nigeria partnership is part of a complex geostrategic dynamic, notably in competition and complementarity with Algeria. The Morocco-Nigeria project is sometimes seen as a counterweight to the Trans-Saharan Algeria-Nigeria pipeline, which remains at the project stage, unlike the Moroccan project, which is advancing rapidly and according to the set schedule. At the regional level, this alliance could reshape North-South axes of African cooperation, linking West Africa to the Maghreb, thus moving beyond the traditional Francophone/Anglophone divide. Morocco’s application to join ECOWAS, although currently suspended, illustrates this desire for deeper economic integration with Abuja as a key partner. Relations between Morocco and Nigeria have evolved from diplomatic coldness to a structuring strategic alliance for the African continent. The gas pipeline project, banking establishment, agricultural and religious cooperation, as well as geoeconomic convergences, make this partnership a major pillar of Africa’s Global South. The next decade will be decisive in measuring the ability of these two countries to transform their cooperation into a driver of continental integration. This clear overview and chronology of the evolution of Morocco-Nigeria bilateral relations highlights the political, economic, and geostrategic stakes underlying them. Can we conclude without paying heartfelt tribute and praying for the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London at the age of 82 after a long illness? It was during his presidency that relations between the two countries developed and moved from a latent conflictual routine to a win-win cooperation. May he rest in peace.

Kingdom of Morocco: 2030 Foundation, the New Momentum for Major Sporting Events 444

The Moroccan Government Council recently formalized the creation of the **2030 Foundation**, an innovative strategic entity tasked with leading the preparation, organization, and successful hosting of major international sporting events that the Kingdom will welcome in the coming years. This initiative aligns with an ambitious vision driven by royal directives and the instructions given at the Council of Ministers on December 4, 2024, aiming to establish Morocco as a global benchmark for hosting major sporting events. The **2030 Foundation** is not merely an organizing committee; it is designed as a true lever for economic, social, and infrastructural transformation. Its mission encompasses the comprehensive management of flagship events such as the **2025 Africa Cup of Nations**, which will serve as a full-scale rehearsal, and the **2030 FIFA World Cup**, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Through this new entity, Morocco intends not only to guarantee the technical and logistical success of these competitions but also to maximize their positive impact across the entire national territory. To achieve this, the Foundation’s mission rests on **six strategic pillars**: 1. **Optimal planning and coordination:** The Foundation will ensure rigorous and detailed planning covering all phases from preparation to event closure. It will effectively mobilize public and private stakeholders to respect timelines and international standards, with global logistical management—including delegation reception, security, communication, and media—at its core. 2. **Acceleration of infrastructure projects:** Hosting these sporting events is a powerful driver for infrastructure development. The Foundation will oversee the completion and modernization of stadiums, training centers, and related facilities according to FIFA and CAF requirements. It will also lead the development of airports, the expansion of the high-speed rail network, and improvement of roadways to facilitate mobility for spectators and teams. Renovation and construction of hotels, as well as enhancement of tourism services and urban infrastructure in host cities, are integral to this large-scale effort. 3. **Transparent, rigorous project management:** The Foundation commits to exemplary management with strict monitoring of budgets, deadlines, and specifications. It will implement control and evaluation tools to guarantee the effectiveness of actions undertaken, ensuring Morocco fully honors its international commitments and strengthens its global credibility and image. 4. **Administrative coordination and international dialogue:** Acting as the sole interlocutor with international bodies such as FIFA and CAF, the Foundation will centralize decisions and harmonize Morocco’s positions. This centralization will facilitate exchanges, accelerate negotiations, and swiftly resolve potential issues, ensuring essential administrative and diplomatic fluidity for event success. 5. **Promotion of a positive and sustainable image of Morocco:** Beyond technical aspects, the Foundation will play a key role in long-term strategic planning, integrating economic, social, and environmental benefits. It will highlight Morocco’s cultural, tourist, and economic assets and deploy proactive communication to attract investors, media, and visitors, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s international appeal. 6. **Enhanced support for host regions and provinces:** Aware of the importance of balanced territorial development, the Foundation will provide technical and financial support to organizing regions and provinces. It will ensure local human resource training and mobilization while developing public and private services (transport, security, health, accommodation) to offer an optimal visitor experience. This approach guarantees that event benefits extend throughout Morocco, helping reduce regional disparities. The **2030 Foundation** embodies a dynamic of sustainable and inclusive development, aiming to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, strengthen modern infrastructure, and improve social cohesion and Morocco’s cultural influence. These sporting events become catalysts to accelerate the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation. Underlying this vision is the goal to depoliticize the action to ensure guaranteed success. The Foundation transcends time, competition, and political calculation. One major challenge is to shield these mega sports projects from political uncertainties and administrative delays. By ensuring centralized, rigorous, and multidisciplinary management, it guarantees optimal project efficiency and safeguards against bureaucratic stagnation. The **2030 Foundation** is thus the cornerstone of an ambitious national strategy that promises not only the exemplary success of CAN 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup but also the emergence of a new dynamic of harmonious and sustainable development for Morocco. This innovation reflects the Kingdom’s determination to combine sporting excellence with socio-economic progress. It embodies a modern, proactive vision capable of transforming international sporting events into genuine levers of long-term growth and influence. Morocco will position itself as a key player on the global sports stage, ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges with ambition and responsibility.

Morocco, an Indispensable Pivot of the New American Strategy in Africa and the Atlantic... 507

In a mini-summit, the first of its kind, President Trump hosted five West African heads of state, marking a new geopolitical dynamic in the region. The USA is now adopting a pragmatic and transactional approach focused on economic partnerships, security, and the development of strategic resources. Underlying this is, of course, the aim to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. This new orientation is reflected in the targeted selection of African partners. Washington favors countries perceived as open to investment and rich in critical resources, possibly at the expense of some regional heavyweights like Nigeria. The emphasis is on trade and investment agreements replacing the traditional official development aid, which has been abandoned in favor of bilateral deals centered on commerce, access to strategic minerals such as manganese, uranium, oil, cobalt, and securing supply chains. One of the pillars of this new approach is strengthening security, which the region greatly needs. Discussions focused on combating terrorism, regulating migration flows, and military cooperation, with the intention to rely on trustworthy partners to project American power. Let us set aside the behavior of the participants and the awkwardness that chilled the atmosphere. Ultimately, everyone was simply in their place according to their true standing. One by one, before the president, each head of state introduced themselves in a kind of “name, first name, profession.” It is unfortunate that Mauritania, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal separately expressed their economic, security, and political priorities. - Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the strongman of Gabon, emphasized the need for increased support for local processing of mineral resources, mentioning his decision to ban the export of raw manganese by 2029 to promote value addition locally, following the Botswana model. He expressed openness to industrial partnerships to develop refining and local production capacities. - Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau highlighted the strategic importance of his country’s port and its rich bauxite deposits, requesting support to modernize port and logistics infrastructure, a key condition for attracting investment and regional economic integration. - Joseph Boakai of Liberia, speaking in perfect English according to Trump, called for a more favorable framework for American investments, especially regarding legal security and anti-corruption efforts. He also requested enhanced cooperation in combating drug trafficking and regulating migration flows, key factors for regional stability. - Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, president of Mauritania, seeks to develop manganese and uranium resources, calling for agreements to build local industrial sectors. He also proposed strengthened partnership in maritime security to fight piracy and illicit trafficking in the Atlantic. - Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal raised the issue of his country’s hidden debt and sought support from international financial institutions like the IMF, as well as enhanced economic and trade cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and information technology sectors. All want to establish sustainable partnerships with the USA focused on local resource processing, infrastructure modernization, security, and economic governance. Were they warning that without American investments, other powers would take their place? Although Morocco was not invited to this mini-summit, it occupies a central place in the new African and Atlantic geopolitical architecture thanks to several levers, notably the modernization of the Morocco–United States free trade agreement. Rabat seeks to expand this agreement to include emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense industry, clean energy, and green hydrogen, beyond traditional textile and agricultural exports. The United States, wishing to secure certain supplies to reduce dependence on China, finds Morocco a good partner in strategic minerals with its phosphate and cobalt reserves, essential resources for the global energy transition. Morocco is also a major security partner. It hosts the African Lion exercises and is modernizing its armed forces with advanced American equipment, including HIMARS, drones, and missiles. It is also negotiating the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets. In energy, Morocco aims to become a key supplier of green hydrogen for Europe and the United States, with projects integrating into future transatlantic energy supply chains. In the context of the new American policy, Morocco can hope to better benefit from the situation, primarily through reaffirmed American support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Southern provinces, which strengthens its position. The Polisario is thus more isolated and Algeria disoriented. The Kingdom has also established itself as a regional hub thanks to its Atlantic anchorage, infrastructure, projects such as the port of Dakhla, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, and its political stability. It presents itself as the ideal gateway for American and European companies seeking access to the African market. This is a major asset for increased investment attractiveness. The geopolitical rivalry favors an influx of capital and structuring projects, especially in renewable energy, technology, and defense industries. Add to this Morocco’s African diplomatic leadership. Building on its diplomatic and economic successes, Morocco consolidates its role as mediator and leader in South-South cooperation and regional integration initiatives. It is the perfect pivot state for the region. The next step is for Mauritania to join the USA and the other four countries and clearly express its position on the Sahara issue. The current geopolitical reshuffle offers unprecedented room to strengthen strategic partnerships, develop resources, ensure security, and promote the prosperity of peoples. However, these opportunities require agile diplomacy and the ability to anticipate rapid changes in alliances and international priorities. Have the Five seized this chance? They all maintain good relations with the Kingdom.

Moroccan Higher Education Under Fire: The Crisis of Diploma Sales and Scientific Integrity... 873

The recent scandal involving the sale of diplomas at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir is not just an isolated incident but a symptom of a systemic crisis undermining the credibility of Moroccan higher education and, more broadly, public trust in institutions. The arrest of a law professor suspected of issuing diplomas in exchange for payment exposed a structured network of academic fraud, revealing serious flaws in control and evaluation mechanisms. Even if isolated, this phenomenon deeply impacts the quality and reputation of Moroccan diplomas. It undermines the quality of university education, calls into question the integrity of evaluation procedures, weakens the pedagogical authority of teachers, and discredits Moroccan diplomas both nationally and internationally. The consequences are multiple, ranging from employers losing trust in the value of diplomas, to reduced international mobility of Moroccan students, and, of course, to the weakening of Moroccan universities' reputations in global rankings. **In response, reactions have been strong given the gravity of the case. The National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and the Fight against Corruption (INPPLC) intervened, initiating civil action to defend the public interest despite the opening of a judicial investigation. The scandal was also raised in Parliament, highlighting the crisis's magnitude and the need for a strong response to restore citizens' confidence in academic and judicial institutions.** This scandal confirms what had already been rumored among students about registrations and diplomas obtained for money or even in exchange for sexual favors. The situation is further aggravated by a recently revealed structural problem in scientific research. This scandal is neither isolated nor unprecedented. It fits into a broader context of a crisis of scientific integrity, as revealed by the 2025 Scientific Research Integrity Index. This index, focused on the quality and ethics of publications, sounded the alarm for ten Moroccan universities, flagged for publications tainted by methodological errors or plagiarism, and removed from international databases. The 2025 Scientific Integrity Ranking presents an alarming state of affairs: - Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra is on the red list: out of 2,154 publications, 165 were withdrawn. - Ibn Zohr University in Agadir is on the orange list: 96 of 1,912 publications withdrawn. - Hassan II University in Casablanca is also on the orange list with 202 publications withdrawn out of 3,668. - Mohammed V University in Rabat is on the orange list with 253 articles withdrawn out of 4,544. - Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in Fez is also on the orange list with 191 titles withdrawn. - Abdelmalek Essaadi, Sultan Moulay Slimane, Moulay Ismail, Mohammed VI Polytechnic, and Cadi Ayyad universities are on the yellow list, meaning under surveillance. This ranking highlights a high or very high risk of non-compliance with academic integrity standards in several Moroccan public institutions, damaging the country's reputation in the MENA region. Morocco ranks third in terms of the number of universities concerned, behind Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It is important to emphasize that it is not the walls of these institutions that are at fault or cause such scandalous harm, but humans—and not just any humans. These are the ones supposed to train the national elites, advance the country, and secure its future. *Quickly said: not all of them, because there are also very great, competent, and honest teachers and researchers in our universities who are the first to suffer from this situation.* This means that even at this level, where probity should be decisive and where only competence should prevail, unacceptable practices likely exist in researcher recruitment, in peer review of their work, or by the institutions that employ them. This crisis, which tarnishes the country's image, demands urgent and structural measures. Without calling for immediate sanctions, demotions, or dismissals of the teachers involved, it is imperative to prioritize strengthening internal controls, guarantee the autonomy of scientific integrity units in each university, and train teacher-researchers and students in research ethics and fraud detection, reminding them that they are monitored internationally and that plagiarism or data manipulation cannot escape the vigilance of competent authorities. Finally, it is imperative and urgent to establish an independent national observatory to ensure transparent and sustainable monitoring of academic practices. Our academics must understand that valuing integrity in rankings and university recognition is an absolute necessity. To this end, they have the duty to prioritize quality over quantity in publications. The multiplication of scandals in the university environment is only the visible part of a deeper malaise in management, curricula, and the very foundation of university education in Morocco. This is what generates so many dysfunctions that must be tackled head-on and without concession. Meeting the challenge of academic integrity is today a sine qua non condition to guarantee the credibility, attractiveness, and competitiveness of Moroccan universities on a global scale, with all the impact this can have on the country's future. This is the true mission of Si Azzedine El Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, who knows the intricacies of Moroccan universities well, having worked at all levels within them.

Algeria Faces Strategic Imperative to Disarm Polisario Amid Geopolitical Shifts 1140

*The disarmament of the Polisario now appears as the *ultimate option* Algeria might face in light of recent geopolitical and diplomatic developments. Several factors converge toward this perspective, which is no longer merely hypothetical but a strategic and political necessity. For several years, the international community, notably driven by the United States, has clearly positioned Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only credible basis for resolving the so-called Western Sahara conflict. This shift has fundamentally changed the dynamics, marginalizing the Polisario and weakening its traditional support, especially from Algeria. Algeria, which has long provided military and political backing to the Polisario, now finds itself in a delicate position, under international pressure and confronted with realities on the ground. The movement of Polisario militias out of Algerian territory perfectly reflects Algeria’s impotence, even debacle, as separatists openly use it as a logistical rear base. Separatist incursions into the buffer zone—part of Moroccan territory, a restricted area under tight Moroccan military surveillance—significantly weaken the Polisario, which emerges defeated each time. **In an already tense regional context, the recent terrorist attack in Mali illustrates the worsening security threats. Several Malian cities have been seized by a genuine terrorist army, an unprecedented coalition of all extremist factions in the region, including about 300 fighters armed and coming from the Polisario. This alliance complicates the security landscape in West and North Africa, blurring lines between armed groups and political movements, increasing pressure on neighboring states, particularly Algeria with its porous borders. For the first time, terrorists approached the Senegalese border, a significant development. Are we on the verge of the birth of another Islamic state?** In the United States, bipartisan calls to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization implicitly target Algeria, which could be labeled a “state sponsor of terrorism.” Facing these pressures, the Algerian military junta has few options. The most likely is a calibrated backtrack: accepting Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a negotiation basis. Reluctantly, it is forced to reduce its military support for the Polisario, which will also lose backing from Iran and its proxies. In this context, disarming the Polisario is not only a military option but a political and security imperative. Maintaining armed militias, fed illusions and weapons for decades, has become a burden for Algeria, which must now consider their dissolution, halt their funding, and isolate the most belligerent elements. This implicit approach aligns with the political settlement logic based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal. It would pave the way for the return of Sahrawis held in camps to their Moroccan homeland. The political end of the Polisario renders its armed existence obsolete. Disarmament thus appears as Algeria’s last card to exit the Western Sahara conflict deadlock without losing face or risking international sanctions. This choice, imposed by circumstances, could mark the end of an armed confrontation era and open the path to a painful but peaceful resolution for separatists and Algerian military leaders, who would suffer yet another defeat against Morocco. On the other hand, Algeria must finally allow a precise census of the Tindouf camp inhabitants and clearly determine their origins. It is known that Sahrawis from Moroccan Sahara are a minority, about one-third of the population. This census, repeatedly requested by the United Nations and the UNHCR, is essential to ensure transparency and the future of all. Morocco would likely not allow non-Moroccans to settle on its territory. Algeria’s persistent refusal to permit this census raises serious questions about its motives, given contradictions over the real number and origins of the camp populations, who are not only displaced from Western Sahara but also include Sahrawis from Algeria, Mauritania, and elsewhere. This opacity contributes to militarization and a situation contrary to the 1951 Refugee Convention principles, as populations are effectively detained and armed, incompatible with refugee status. Moreover, a refugee cannot be armed. Disarming the Polisario is thus a major strategic and political necessity for Algeria, facing increased international, especially American, pressure demanding not only militia disarmament but also dismantling of the Tindouf camps. Maintaining armed militias in these camps is a real burden for Algiers and an obstacle to peaceful regional relations. Population census is therefore an essential step to clearly distinguish civilian refugees from armed fighters, a prerequisite for disarmament and militia dissolution. Without this clarification, the international community cannot control the situation, prevent fraud, or guarantee regional security. In sum, Algeria must stop evading its responsibilities by finally allowing an internationally supervised census, which would open the way to more transparent and humane conflict management while facilitating Polisario disarmament, indispensable for a lasting political solution based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal. This difficult but unavoidable choice is crucial to avoid diplomatic isolation, sanctions risk, and regional security deterioration. However, this option remains delicate and fraught with consequences for Algiers, which must first convince its population of the paradigm shift and find solutions for separatists whose hands are stained with blood. Disarming the Polisario, far from a mere military operation, will be a major turning point in regional dynamics and a decisive test for Algerian diplomacy. This will require great courage and perhaps new leadership.*

The Electron Rebellion of Jan Val Ellam 1293

Jan Val Ellam, a Brazilian author and spiritual thinker, proposes a unique cosmological vision that integrates scientific imagery with metaphysical philosophy. Central to his view is the notion of "A Rebelião dos Elétrons" (The Rebellion of the Electrons), in which electrons symbolize the primordial agents of a cosmic rupture. Far from being inert subatomic particles, these electrons are imbued with a form of micro-consciousness, representing fragments of the spirit that once participated in the original harmony of the universe. According to Ellam, this rebellion of the electrons mirrors the ancient Gnostic narrative of the fall—a departure from divine unity that resulted in the creation of the material world. Much like the Gnostic myth of Sophia’s descent or the formation of the Demiurge, Ellam’s metaphor describes a universe where the material plane emerges as the consequence of this separation. The electrons, in this framework, are similar to spiritual exiles, each carrying within itself the memory of the lost unity and the desire for reintegration with the Source. Ellam’s cosmology also connects with Kabbalistic principles, particularly the concept of Tzimtzum, or the self-contraction of the divine, which allows for the existence of the cosmos and the experience of exile. In this context, the rebellion of the electrons reflects not only the dispersion of divine light (or spiritual energy) but also the ongoing drama of creation, fragmentation, and the potential for spiritual return. Futhermore, Ellam introduces the idea that these electrons serve as the custodians of universal memory. In his works, including the "Mentalma", he suggests that matter itself—down to its most fundamental components—functions as a repository for the memories of cosmic history. The electrons, as bearers of this memory, encapsulate the entire evolutionary journey from the fall to the present moment. Thus, the very fabric of the material world becomes a kind of living archive, retaining the psychic imprints of the universe’s spiritual trajectory. This strongly resonates with the concept of the Akashic Records found in Hindu, Theosophical, and esoteric traditions. Through this synthesis of science and mysticism, Ellam presents a vision in which spiritual awakening involves not only a metaphysical ascent but also a reconciliation with the memory embedded in matter. By understanding and harmonizing with these “rebellious” electrons, human beings participate in the restoration of cosmic order, recovering the lost unity that lies at the heart of existence.

Morocco’s Heatwave Exposes Critical Failures in Train Air Conditioning Systems 1519

Morocco has just experienced an exceptional heatwave, like many other countries in the region, including those further north. While temperatures exceeded 45°C in several areas, train passengers expressed strong anger over the air conditioning failures on many trains operated by the National Office of Railways (ONCF), especially on conventional lines connecting the main cities of the Kingdom. On social media, increasing testimonies of frustration described train cars as true “walking ovens.” For many, some journeys, particularly the heavily trafficked line between Casablanca and Rabat, have become nearly unbearable. Numerous travelers are outraged, going as far as to call this situation a clear sign of disrespect toward passengers. This failure mainly affects classic trains, often over twenty years old, whose air conditioning systems are outdated and frequently out of order. In contrast, the high-speed Al Boraq line, which connects Casablanca to Tangier, is better equipped to handle these extreme conditions, offering a striking contrast between modernity and obsolescence. The National Meteorological Directorate recorded historic peaks: 47.3°C in Marrakech, 46°C in Fès, and 45.5°C in Kénitra. Under these conditions, inside a non-air-conditioned carriage, temperatures far exceed the tolerable threshold, endangering not only passengers’ comfort but also their health, especially the most vulnerable such as the elderly and children. In this context, it is often the controllers, powerless, who bear the brunt of passengers’ anger and verbal outbursts. It is important to recall that international railway transport standards require functional air conditioning systems, especially during heatwaves. In several countries, prolonged absence of air conditioning can even lead to financial compensation for travelers. Unfortunately, this is not yet the case in Morocco, where no regulations provide for compensation, which is absurd: citizens do not receive a service commensurate with their expense, while the law should protect them, especially in a monopoly situation. And this is indeed the case. Facing a flood of criticism, the ONCF acknowledges the technical difficulties related to old train sets and announces maintenance operations. However, these explanations fail to convince users, who denounce a lack of structural investment in renewing the railway fleet, despite regular fare increases. The question also arises whether the problem lies solely in the obsolescence of equipment, or if it also stems from a lack of maintenance team skills, or even negligence. Elsewhere, sometimes older trains still provide good ventilation and air conditioning service. In 2025, traveling without air conditioning in a country where heatwaves have become the norm is no longer acceptable. An emergency plan must be implemented, especially as summer has just begun, with holidays and major travel ahead. The ONCF regularly communicates about its future acquisitions of modern trains, but will any be in service this summer? In any case, the current rolling stock must be better maintained to improve passenger comfort. It is a basic right. Beyond the obvious discomfort, this situation raises a deeper issue related to respect for passengers and the quality of public service. In a context where the government encourages the use of public transport to reduce the carbon footprint, trains should be a reliable and attractive alternative. However, recurring failures tarnish the ONCF’s credibility, widening the gap between the Al Boraq line, Morocco’s technological showcase, and the conventional lines, perceived as outdated and uncomfortable despite visible efforts in seat comfort and station organization, especially at newer stations. Faced with this crisis, it is imperative that the ONCF revise its strategy. While significant investments have been made in high-speed rail, it is urgent to give equal attention to conventional lines that serve thousands of Moroccans daily. During heatwaves, the absence of air conditioning on trains is not a mere oversight but a crucial public health and dignity issue for travelers. A clear action plan, including a precise schedule for renovating train sets, better maintenance of existing systems, and a revision of passenger rights in case of failure, must be adopted without delay and made public. Everyone knows that the ONCF aims to transform its services by 2030, but until then, millions of Moroccans will take the train and deserve dignity and respect.