Morocco’s Salafists turn to moderation

A new study, published by Mohammed Mesbah at the German Centre for International Studies, has revealed that Salafist movements in Morocco may be turning towards a more moderate future. Mesbah’s report, which details fundamental changes sweeping Salafist movements since the Arab Spring, claims that religious groups – including jihadists – have become a more potent political force following their participation in protests alongside secularists in Morocco.  This looks set to continue into the future, albeit at a more moderate pace. Mesbah believes the trend suggests Salafists are becoming more accepting of political pluralism, allowing for greater cooperation with more moderate Islamists and less stringent approaches to secular forces. Sources inside Morocco told Arabstoday that Salafists were indeed “more ready to play a political role and influence public policy,” happy to “play within the rules of the democratic game” in line with models from other Arab countries such as Egypt.