Think Forward.

Enough Already! 2528

Pat01Butcher, 8 mon.
Kenyan athletics is like Binyamin Netanyahu – completely out of control! I make no excuses for the comparison. Sometimes we pay too much attention to our daily diversions – bread and circuses - and not enough to the grotesque injustices being perpetrated by people like the Israeli prime minister who appears to be prolonging his genocidal invasion of Gaza and Lebanon for the sole purpose of saving his own skin. Forget that he’s probably a crook, likely to be jailed for financial malfeasance when the dust settles. What he certainly is is a war criminal. Of course, the Hamas incursion and slaughter of October 7, 2023 was disgusting and disgraceful. But the biblical vengeance visited on the largely innocent population of Gaza (and now, Lebanon) by the Israeli Defence Force under the command of Netanyahu is an affront to humanity. And western governments (and media), informed by Joe Biden’s fetishist attachment to Israel, are complicit in this. Hopefully, when the humanitarian hiatus occasioned by the run-up to the US Presidential election is over, with the fervent hope that sanity prevails there, and Kamala Harris rather than the mentally ill Donald Trump wins, there will be a move to a cease-fire in the Middle East; and ultimately, an honest attempt at a two-state solution. And so to the footnote which is the qualified shock of witnessing a woman, Ruth Chepngetich run 2.09.56 at the Chicago Marathon last Sunday. The qualification is that she is Kenyan, and suspicion if not guilt by association is overwhelming. The tally of Kenyan dopers runs into hundreds. Despite her credentials, previous fast(ish) marathons, a world title, plenty of victories and a rep for going out too fast, with the corollary that one day (last Sunday?), she wouldn’t fold and would do something truly extraordinary ultimately still doesn’t stack up to the mountain of beans that points to sub-2.10. And the plea that she has never tested positive doesn’t cut it either. There are plenty of culprits like that; take Marion Jones, for starters! The excitement generated by the scintillating running of Kipchoge Keino and his colleagues and successors from the 1960s through the final decades of the last century, seen as some sort of manifestation of third world innocence has evaporated in the last 20 years with each successive announcement of a doping positive from this former Eden. When the use of EPO and its derivatives became widespread 30 years ago, the spectre of its use by East Africans – already benefitting from birth, nurturing and training at altitude, a recognised advantage in distance running – was invoked; and largely laughed off. Kenyans (and Ethiopians) won’t even taker an aspirin was the response. Since the turn of the millennium, and increasingly during the last decade, scores of Kenyans have tested positive for performance enhancers; the tally is now over a hundred suspensions in the last couple of years alone. There are those who think this is some sort of vindication of the Kenyan testing programme when it is more likely to be lack of sophistication of the druggies compared to, say first world practitioners. And the Kenyan testing programme is far superior to the one in Ethiopia. Much has been made of Chepngetich’s age, that she is too old for such a performance at 30; but Carlos Lopes won the 1984 Olympic marathon at 37, and set a world record the following year. Constantina Dita went one better and won the 2008 Olympic gold at 38. Lopes’ record incidentally was 2.07.12, just over two and a half minutes faster than Chepngetich. But there’s been a lot of (super)shoe leather worn out on the road in the 39 years since then; and doubtless, more sophisticated means of doping. There has also been a reappraisal of training for the marathon. My long-time friend from back home in the Black Country, Jim Harvey, a successful coach in New England for the last four decades, writes, ‘The current trend is for elite marathon runners to be specialist in that one event. Traditionally Western elite athletes would compete on the track and when they had maxed out at 10,000m move up the distance to the marathon. Their preparation was often 10K training which was tweaked by adding distance to their long run and more duration to their tempo runs. Today top African runners often bypass track completely and focus on half marathon/marathon from the onset of their careers. Training for the elites has become more marathon-specific with long segments of the long run done at marathon or half marathon pace, depending on the duration of the effort. Also, the interval workouts contain longer repetitions off a short or float recovery with total volume often being up around 20K. The aim is to obtain relaxation at a fast sustained pace for a long duration and this can only be accomplished by practice in training.’ That transition probably began after the ten year hiatus in men’s world records, between Belayneh Dinsamo’s 2.06.50 in Rotterdam 1988 and Ronaldo da Costa’s 2.06.05 in Berlin 1998. After that, the floodgates opened, and records tumbled, down to the current (equally unfeasible?) 2.00.35 by the tragically dead Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya a year ago, also in Chicago. When Almaz Ayana took the 10,000 metres world record apart in Rio 2016, I suggested (in her defence) that women’s long distance running was going through a similar transition and was still decades behind the men, ie going through a development like when Ron Clarke took 39 seconds off the men’s record in 1965. On reflection, I’m not so sure. The more so since, in succession, Sifan Hassan, Letesenbet Gidey and Beatrice Chebet (all of East African provenance) have taken chunks off, such that the record is now 28.54.14, almost half a minute faster than Ayana. And, to be even-handed, Paula Radcliffe’s 2.15.25 in 2003 was widely if more quietly disparaged. A friend of mine, a former 4min 10sec 1500 metres woman turned coach told me Radcliffe’s time was unlikely if not impossible without recourse to PEDs, and she’s Russian; so I figured if anyone was going to know…? The incredulity which accompanies all these runs means that the perception of long distance running feats has moved from the middle of the high road to the gutter. Because even with the shoes, the training and the inevitable march of progress, the caveats cannot dispel the suspicions. Those of us who have been lifetime runners and follow the sport assiduously will doubtless feel the same as my illustrious colleague, former Boston winner Amby Burfoot who has already written a very measured but equally condemnatory piece about Chepngetich, citing the 1980 Boston Marathon cheat Rosie Ruiz, ‘We runners all knew immediately that she was a fraud. We had no proof, but we knew’. If you don’t know the tale, briefly, a plumpish Ruiz started the race, dropped out shortly afterwards, took a metro to a mile or so from the finish, re-joined the race and jogged in the ‘winner’. It took a week to unmask her...
thepatbutcher.wordpress.com/2024...
Pat01Butcher

Pat01Butcher

Pat Butcher has been one of the leading authorities on Track & Field Athletics for over 40 years.


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The flower of my dreams 215

Boucharfou, 1 d.
0 min read.
The flower of my dreams Oh ! Flower of my dreams grown in my heart And that they took me away Wrongly, what a horror!! hands have crumpled it cruelly Yet her beauty dazzled the eyes A gift from the God of heaven She bewitched young and old Now the fire of my passion has gone out My heart lies empty and bruised I sacrificed my life I lost the rhythm of my melodies And like a bird perched on a branch I dare sing to my faded, to my rose Poetry and prose Hoping to see her resurrected And regain its former splendor Thus dreams hopes will be reborn She will shine with her beauty And will be the star of my bouquet Inspired by the song of Farid Al Atrache (يا زهرة في خيالي) Dr Fouad Bouchareb July 19, 2022 All rights reserved

The Picatrix 540

Tupan, 3 d.
The Picatrix is one of the most influential and enigmatic texts in the history of Western esotericism. Originating in the Islamic world under the title Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm (“The Goal of the Wise”), the Picatrix is a comprehensive treatise on astrology and magick—the practice of harnessing celestial forces to affect material and spiritual realities. Written in Arabic in the 10th or 11th century and later translated into Latin in the 13th century, the Picatrix became a cornerstone of Renaissance occult philosophy, influencing figures such as Marsilio Ficino, Cornelius Agrippa, and Giordano Bruno. Today, it remains a vital source for students of Hermeticism, ceremonial magic, and astrological thought. The text is attributed “al-Majriti,” a name linked to the 10th-century Andalusian scholar Maslama al-Majriti, though its true authorship remains uncertain. The Picatrix is composed of four books, comprising am extensive body of magical theory and practice derived from Greek, Persian, Indian, and Arabic sources. It synthesizes astrology, natural philosophy, alchemy, talismanic magic, and cosmology into a grand vision of the universe as a living, interrelated system of energies that can be accessed and manipulated by the initiated practitioner. At its core, the Picatrix presents a worldview in which everything is connected through celestial correspondences. The stars, planets, and zodiac are not merely distant bodies, but intelligent forces (often referred to as spirits or intelligences) that shape life on Earth. By understanding the timing, nature, and hierarchies of these celestial influences, the magician can create talismans, perform rituals, and engage in spiritual ascent. These practices are meant not only to acquire worldly benefits—such as love, protection, wealth, or knowledge—but also to align the soul with the divine order of the cosmos. The Picatrix outlines: - Detailed planetary correspondences, including planetary spirits, colors, stones, herbs, animals, and incenses; - Astrological timing for magickal operations, especially elections for creating talismans and invocations; - Rituals for contacting planetary intelligences or channeling their power into material forms; - Philosophical and spiritual foundations, arguing that magick is a divine science requiring purity of soul and alignment with the One. Importantly, the Picatrix treats magick as a sacred art, not merely a mechanical or superstitious activity. Its author warns repeatedly that the true magician must be a philosopher, guided by intellect, discipline, and virtue. In this sense, the text reflects a Neoplatonic essence, where matter is seen as a shadow of spirit, and magick as a bridge between the visible and invisible worlds. The language of the Picatrix is often dense, symbolic, and encoded. It contains long lists of ritual ingredients, planetary names, and talismanic configurations. Some of its instructions are highly technical; others are deeply mystical, involving dream incubation, purification, meditative states, and ecstatic union with celestial beings. This dual nature—simultaneously scientific and mystical—has made the Picatrix a text of enduring fascination. Its influence on Renaissance occultism was immense. Translators and scholars such as Albertus Magnus, Pietro d’Abano, and Marcilio Ficino drew upon its doctrines in the development of astral magic and natural philosophy. Even today, the Picatrix is considered a masterwork of magical cosmology, representing one of the most complete works of how the stars and the soul interact. To summarize, the Picatrix is not simply a magickal grimoire—it is a profound philosophical treatise on the structure of reality and the place of humanity within it. It teaches that the macrocosm and microcosm are reflections of one another, and that the wise—through discipline, knowledge, and intention—can influence one to elevate the other. As such, it stands as a remarkable synthesis of astrology, magic, and metaphysics, offering both a roadmap for practical sorcery and a guide for spiritual ascent.

Pigeon 724

Boucharfou, 4 d.
I saw a pigeon in the valley who was crying in sorrow and called in vain his lover who left him this morning He repeated to anyone who would listen to him how much his heart although tender feels now emptied of love after this departure that left him as dead He lost the joy of living and love in turn He finds this journey through the desert quite long and no one is there to keep him company It’s obvious he misses her and it’s quite clear And sinks into sadness and melancholy Even with time it is impossible for him to forget the one he nevertheless loved madly In love, his heart is well bruised and does not help him overcome so much spite And even if his appearance seems royal His state of mind is so pitiable Translated by Dr Bouchareb Fouad October 19, 2022 All rights reserved

Human Rights Council: International Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty over Its Southern Provinces, a Setback for the Separatists... 842

Aziz Daouda, 5 d.
At the opening of the 59th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held in Geneva at the Palais des Nations from June 16 to July 9, 2025, the Moroccan ambassador Omar Zniber delivered a solemn statement on behalf of about forty countries, reaffirming their full and complete support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern provinces. The ambassador boldly emphasized that Morocco has maintained for years a “constructive, voluntary, and profound” cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), tirelessly working to promote and respect human rights throughout its entire territory, including, of course, in the said provinces. Zniber did not hesitate to underline, on behalf of the group, that the UN Security Council has consistently praised in its resolutions the key role of the national and regional human rights commissions in Dakhla and Laâyoune, as well as the Kingdom’s transparent and efficient collaboration with the OHCHR’s special mechanisms and procedures. Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted the recent opening of multiple consulates general in Laâyoune and Dakhla, describing this dynamic as an “essential lever” to stimulate economic cooperation, investment, and local development for the benefit of the populations, thereby contributing to regional and continental development. He did not mince words in recalling that the so-called Western Sahara issue falls exclusively under the Security Council’s remit, which unequivocally recognizes the relevance and credibility of the Moroccan autonomy plan presented in 2007; a plan that the Security Council acknowledges as a serious and pragmatic solution to the artificial dispute, a legacy of bygone times. On behalf of the same group, the ambassador expressed unconditional support for UN efforts aimed at reviving the political process within the framework of the Geneva roundtables and in accordance with Security Council resolutions, notably resolution 2756 of October 31, 2024. This resolution, it should be recalled, advocates a realistic, pragmatic, and durable political solution based on compromise. Finally, Ambassador Zniber stressed that resolving this dispute will “undeniably respond to the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the region in terms of integration and development,” a vision that Morocco strives to realize through sincere and continuous efforts. This timely intervention comes as the World Human Rights Council and the United Nations Security Council have recently addressed the so-called Western Sahara issue in a context marked by the nervousness and incoherence of separatists and their sponsor. The Security Council had extended the mandate of MINURSO until October 31, 2025, emphasizing the importance of continuing negotiations under UN auspices. Resolution 2756 was adopted, it must be noted, by 12 votes in favor, 2 abstentions, and no votes against. The Security Council insists on a “realistic, pragmatic, durable, and mutually acceptable” political solution based on compromise. The text supports the action of the Secretary-General and his personal envoy to facilitate negotiations. It also encourages cooperation with the OHCHR to improve the human rights situation, while completely disregarding and rejecting the amendments proposed by Algeria aimed at expanding MINURSO’s mandate to “record human rights violations.” All recent Security Council resolutions and reports tend to recognize the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a serious and credible solution and strongly emphasize the necessity of including Algeria in the roundtables, highlighting and confirming its essential role in the dispute, which it strives to perpetuate by any means. This orientation is seen as favorable to Morocco, which enjoys growing international support, notably with the opening of numerous consulates in the two major cities of the concerned provinces and, of course, with the backing of three permanent Security Council members and more than 116 other countries. Paradoxically, so-called Sahrawi human rights defenders dared the perilous exercise of testifying before the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), alleging serious violations committed by Moroccan forces, violations of which they seem to be the only ones aware. They denounced abuses described as war crimes and crimes against humanity, nothing less. In ridiculous language excesses that the audience paid no attention to, they spoke of systemic repression, harassment, and marginalization of Sahrawi activists. Undoubtedly, they had in mind what happens in the Tindouf camps. Despite the audience’s indifference, which never took them seriously, these pseudo-defenders called for the urgent establishment of a UN mechanism to monitor and protect human rights in the region. Short of arguments and constructive proposals, Algeria makes them repeat talking points that only they seem to believe, and even then, barely. The Polisario Front, in its delirium, goes as far as to consider Morocco’s candidacy for the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council as an affront, speaking of illegality and Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara. These tribulations will obviously remain without follow-up or effect, except to deceive the Algerian people into swallowing numerous bitter pills and enormous budgets wasted on a cause from which they do not benefit; colossal sums sunk into a lost cause since 1976. The Polisario and the so-called petitioners also aimed to soothe the wounded hearts of the Tindouf detainees, making them believe they live in a better world than on the other side of the border. The World Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council have actually adopted very clear texts that, while recognizing the need for a political solution, lean in favor of the Moroccan position, notably by recognizing its autonomy initiative and maintaining a negotiation framework including Algeria. These decisions and resolutions have all remained insensitive to the pleas of the separatists, ironically supported by Algeria, of course, and by countries all flagged by the World Human Rights Council for serious violations committed against their own nationals, which is not the case for the Kingdom, including, of course, in its Southern provinces, hence the ease with which Moroccan diplomats intervene before these bodies, it must be recalled.

To all women I live ❤️ 926

Boucharfou, 6 d.
To all the women I love Great and sublime celebration that makes my head spin For great ladies We love all these women who stand up to us for much greater equality of friendship and fraternity What would we be without these beautiful creatures! Gift from heaven, jewels of nature? With hearts completely made of gold Avoiding harming us Full of love and passion Pride of the entire nation. These grandmothers we adore These mothers we love These aunts we cherish These wives we adore These sisters we protect These colleagues we rub shoulders with For the love we share So happy birthday, ladies Open your sesame to us Because without us men And despite all our faults Our presence with you Is not superfluous Far from it… Dr. Bouchareb Fouad All right are reserved

The Garonne 972

Boucharfou, 6 d.
0 min read.
The Garonne On the Pont Saint Pierre I contemplate the Garonne Majestic as always Its waters flow And purr slowly As if by magic to say hello to me On the Pont Saint Pierre The Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques rises like a crack Nostalgic for medicine of alchemy and penicillin On the Pont Saint Pierre I walk humming a chance at love waiting for nightfall And watching the day slip away Dr. Bouchareb Fouad Toulouse, October 5, 2022 and May 31, 2025 All rights reserved

Morocco 2030: Football as a Geopolitical and Strategic Lever While Waiting for Other Sports Disciplines... 1035

Aziz Daouda, 6 d.
3 min read.
The Kingdom of Morocco, through football, is today establishing itself as a major player in sports geopolitics. It clearly demonstrates its determination to carve out a prominent place on the international stage in this field. This vision comes from the highest levels of the State and is also shared by the Moroccan people, who have embraced this choice. This dynamic is notably illustrated by the co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, a historically significant event symbolizing a major political and diplomatic victory. This co-organization of the 2030 World Cup alongside two European states is the result of a long, patient, and determined strategy. It stems from an enduring conviction that has never wavered. After five unsuccessful bids, the Kingdom managed to convince FIFA and its member federations, becoming the second African country to host the tournament after South Africa in 2010. In fact, aside from the political contingencies of the time, the global sympathy for Nelson Mandela, and the questionable practices of FIFA decision-makers then, South Africa would never have been able to host the World Cup before Morocco for obvious footballing reasons. The Kingdom has nonetheless been rewarded for its patience, resilience, and conviction. It will host the centennial World Cup, an edition exceptional in every respect and designed under a cost-sharing logic. It will have a considerable economic and diplomatic impact, strengthening ties between Europe and Africa and highlighting football’s role in bringing peoples closer, as well as in the social and sporting development of the region. Never has Europe been so close and cooperative with the African continent—and vice versa. Morocco is organizing on behalf of an entire continent. Football is a true soft power tool that Morocco wields to strengthen its diplomatic relations in Africa. Did His Majesty the King not order the Local Organizing Committee to include expertise from across the continent? The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has long multiplied partnerships with African federations, providing financial and logistical support and inviting many countries to use the country’s numerous modern infrastructures for their training or competitions. This proactive and positive policy naturally consolidates Moroccan influence on the continent, in a context where the country seeks to counter the influence of other regional powers that do not look upon it favorably. From a purely footballing standpoint, Morocco is gradually asserting itself as an African powerhouse. It wins or participates in all major continental finals with a steady rise in the performance of its national teams. This success is supported by massive investments in player development, with the construction of high-performance training centers such as the Mohammed VI Academy in Salé. The Kingdom is also increasingly exporting players and coaches to leagues in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This contributes to strengthening its image and influence. For example, Jamal Selami recently qualified Jordan for the World Cup for the first time in its history, a team propelled by his compatriot Houcine Amouta. Moreover, the Moroccan diaspora plays a key role: many players born or trained abroad enthusiastically choose to wear the Moroccan colors, proud and unashamed to represent their country of origin. This mobilization of diaspora talent is a strategic asset that enriches the national teams and enhances their reach. Morocco therefore does not limit itself to mere sporting ambition in football. It conceives football as a vector of international influence, a territorial marketing lever, as evidenced by the strategic agreement “Morocco, Land of Football” signed between the FRMF and the Moroccan National Tourism Office. This alliance reflects the Kingdom’s desire to build a strong, inspiring image and attract enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. It is a continuation of the policy of building and strengthening the Morocco brand, which is increasingly asserting itself globally in the economic sphere. Morocco no longer hesitates to admit it is an industrial power asserting itself more and more every day. This approach fits into a global geostrategic perspective where football is called upon to reinforce Morocco’s position on the African and international stage, assert its continental leadership, and support its diplomatic advances, notably on the sensitive issue of the southern provinces. By using sport as a diplomatic and economic tool, Morocco aims to consolidate its alliances, extend its influence, and prepare a future where it occupies a central position in relations between Africa, Europe, and the world—and it makes no secret of this. Everyone today understands that to engage with Africa, especially on economic issues and certain political aspects, the Kingdom is indispensable. The question now arises for other sports disciplines. In fact, this football policy could only be implemented and succeed thanks to the royal vision in this domain, understood by a federation that, before all others, corrected its course following the royal letter addressed to the world of sport in 2008. The FRMF has smartly set itself in motion, now reaping the first results of its commitment. Unfortunately, other federations have remained in the shadows, mired in a certain mediocrity or even lethargy that makes them increasingly ineffective and criticized. Some, and not the least, are simply insignificant at the continental and global level, or have become so due to lack of foresight and competence, despite the available resources and the green light for sports in general. Developing other disciplines could diversify the country’s sports soft power, strengthen its diplomatic ties, and better distribute the economic and cultural benefits of sporting events across the national territory. Diversification is precisely at the heart of the royal vision. Meanwhile, Morocco is making football a major political asset, blending sport, diplomacy, and economic development to establish itself as an unavoidable player in sports geopolitics. The 2030 World Cup is both a symbol and a catalyst of this ambitious strategy, which promises to reshape regional and international balances around a ball rounder than ever—while awaiting the awakening of other sports disciplines.

Blind love 1270

Boucharfou, 10 d.
Blind love To the one who looks at me and pretends not to see me While she is the source of my sorrows and setbacks Yet she confesses to others that she loves me who believes Leaning on her balcony every evening She doesn't care that I always be there at my perch Waiting for a signal from her, a hope To the one who looks at me and pretends not to see me While she is the source of my sorrows and my setbacks In spite I keep drinking And drinking get drunk every night Sitting in front of her window on the sidewalk To the one who looks at me and pretends not to see me While she is the source of my sorrows and my disappointments I say that this story is over now And that elsewhere I will go to see Dr Bouchareb Fouad July 5, 2022 Inspired by a piece of Andalusian music All rights are reserved