Think Forward.

The Smara Attack: A Reflection of Power Struggles in Algeria... 2223

Aziz Daouda, 17 d.
The recent Polisario attack on Smara, in the Moroccan Sahara, takes place within a context of deep divisions within the Algerian military hierarchy, which directly influence the policy of the Algerian state. These internal tensions, marked by strategic rivalries, impact the Algiers-Polisario strategy vis-à-vis Morocco. This offensive, targeting notably a MINURSO base and the small airport of Smara, reflects the will of certain sectors of the Algerian army, supporting the Polisario, to challenge the international community and counter American diplomatic pressure, particularly the bill in Congress aiming to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization. This move also likely reflects a disagreement within the Algiers-Polisario alliance, exacerbated by the request of the Algerian Chief of Staff, Said Chengriha, to return the Iranian weapons supplied to the Polisario, signaling a probable change of course under international pressure. The Polisario, dependent on Algerian authorities for its actions, illustrates through this attack the fractures within the Algerian military hierarchy. Several currents oppose each other: some advocate rapprochement with France, others maintain the historic relationship with Russia, while others seek to appease the United States. These divergences are amplified by regional geopolitical stakes, notably the war in Ukraine, and by Morocco’s rapprochement with Sahel countries, which exasperates certain members of the general staff. Moreover, the concentration of military, political, economic, and diplomatic powers in the hands of General Chengriha fuels tensions with the civilian presidency. President Tebboune, although formally head of state, sees his authority challenged, as demonstrated by the private meeting with Emmanuel Macron held without prior consultation of the general staff, causing a cooling of relations at the top before the ‘president’ was reprimanded. These internal conflicts directly influence the management of the Sahara dossier. The Polisario attack appears as an expression of power struggles: some officers favor an aggressive posture to preserve their influence, while others prioritize caution in the face of risks of diplomatic isolation and sanctions. The increasing integration of the military into the civilian administration, reinforced by a recent presidential decree, illustrates the general staff’s desire to control all levers of power, accentuating the politicization of the army and internal tensions. Finally, the fact that the attack did not achieve its major objectives seems deliberate, constituting a kind of “signature” with Iranian rockets. This gesture can also be seen as a sign of despair from a diplomatically isolated movement and an indicator of divisions at the military top, with some seeking to show that a change of power could open other regional options. This operation, far from unanimous, weakens Algiers’ position and strengthens the arguments of figures like Joe Wilson and Jimmy Panetta. Highlighting that major national decisions occur within a context of internal rivalries within the military institution, a pillar of power in Algeria, no one can believe that the decision to launch rockets against Morocco was made in a unanimous conclave.
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 Monad 330

Tupan, 2 d.
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... 357

Aziz Daouda, 2 d.
2 min read.
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.