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Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/middle_east_model_eaPXQiAI1vlC9qIoBofoaI
Morocco's King Makes Quiet Reforms
(New York Post) Benny Avni - In a referendum in which, impressively, three-quarters of voting-age Moroccans participated, the country adopted significant reforms. Under the new rules, King Mohammed VI is to keep ultimate control over the army and remains the supreme religious authority - but on most issues he now must "consult" with an elected prime minister. Morocco's experiment in transferring some powers to elected officials is unique in a region in which unelected rulers tend to grab, rather than cede, powers. Also included are more rights for women and minorities. Berber will become an official national language alongside Arabic. Morocco has taken a significant step that could become a model for transition toward democracy (and affinity with the West) in the region.