University Mohamed I Oujda, Morocco

22/02/2026

On Freedom of Speech in MENA Cyberspace
This book examines the "cyber-security dilemma" facing nations in the Information Society, particularly the tension between protecting cybersecurity and preserving human rights such as Freedom of Expression.
Key Points:
The Core Dilemma: While the 2003 Geneva Declaration envisioned an inclusive Information Society, the digital age has created security challenges that undermine peace and stability. States must balance granting citizens Internet freedom against implementing security interventions that risk violating rights and international ethics.
Public Order Challenges:
The erosion of physical boundaries in cyberspace has intensified security threats, enabling individuals to pose global threats through digital devices in an instant. This is especially challenging for developing countries with inadequate legal frameworks.
State vs Individual Rights:
The text explores the tension between Social Atomism (individual rights) and Social Ontological Collectivism (community rights), reflected in different democratic approaches—Liberal Democratic (prioritising constitutional rights) versus Progressive Democratic (relying on local laws).
MENA Region Focus:
The study particularly examines cybersecurity and human rights issues in Middle East and North Africa countries, where complex cyber technologies compound violations. It includes field research in Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Bahrain.
Historical Context:
The work traces Freedom of Speech from Greek Parrhesia through European coffee houses and Enlightenment thinkers to modern social media, showing how digital platforms have amplified both participation and problems like misinformation.
Findings and Recommendations:
Research reveals vulnerabilities, including legal unawareness, conflicting views on surveillance, and "crowdsourcing" that leads individuals to unintentionally violate their own rights. The text advocates balanced security measures based on standardised norms while cautioning against excessive "norms-whipping" that could infringe on freedoms.

22/02/2026

These are two new books hatched out with hard labour. The first is a compilation of Moroccan Folktales and their translation into English. Overall, it is not meant to be exhaustive but a tentative one. The second is the result of 4 years of hard work on Freedom of Speech, rendered more complicated by the proliferation of Social media platforms and the development of cybertechnology. For more information, the summaries or the books are given below:
On the Moroccan Folktales

This collection, while not exhaustive due to the vast and varied nature of oral tales, aims to preserve regional variations threatened by the decline of storytelling amid modern media. It seeks to illuminate the creative processes of different storytellers, including their metaleptic identification with protagonists, as described by Genette (1981). Following Propp's (1926) morphology of tales, the introduction outlines classification criteria based on character types (human, animal, object) and their interactions. Character names are also considered, reflecting regional linguistic variations. For instance, Nounja and Lounja denote the same character, the /n/ to /l/ phoneme shift indicating Riff or Atlas origin. Similarly, Thargo/Thamza/Aisha Qandisha exhibit regional name variations; while Nounja and Lounja are generally human, Aisha Qandisha can appear monstrous or alluring. Thematic criteria for inclusion prioritize humour, trickery, and wit ("The Fox and the Camel," "Misadventures of the Clever Jackal," "Clever Slave"), moral lessons ("Joha and his Son"), and classification as legends or myths depicting struggles for love or power ("Legend of Isly and Tislit," "Legend of Ibn Mashaal")
The study acknowledges the inherent limitations in definitively categorising tales, recognising the fluidity and overlap between character types and thematic elements. A single tale might, for example, feature both animal tricksters and a moral lesson, blurring the lines of strict classification. Furthermore, the metaleptic engagement of the storyteller, their personal interpretation and embellishment of the narrative, introduces a subjective element that resists absolute categorisation. The storyteller's own cultural background, beliefs, and experiences inevitably shape the tale, adding layers of meaning and nuance that transcend the basic morphology outlined by Propp. The intent, therefore, is not to impose a rigid framework, but rather to offer a set of guiding principles for understanding the structure and variations within this rich oral tradition. Future research will focus on gathering a broader range of tales, particularly from underrepresented regions, and on exploring the dynamic relationship among storyteller, audience, and the evolving narrative landscape.

07/10/2025

The Tkoumit in Tazougart (another forgotten Symbol)
Highly comparable to the Torres in the neighbourhoods of Al Houceima, although very much different in nature, the Tkoumit has apparently served as a prison for the French during the First World War, at least according to some locals. It now lies in ruins, a crumbling testament to a bygone era. The kasbah, or what remains of it, stands atop a small cliff (see the picture below), overlooking the surrounding countryside. The view from up there is spectacular. It stretches miles northward to another place called Tkoumit 2, harbouring another Cave, although not as deep as the Aziza Cave. My host, Mr Chadli Afhmed, told me there were times when he would spend hours strolling between the two spots, enjoying the views offered by the tablelands on top of the cliffs.
Who knows? What is known is that the Tkoumit might have been a place of great historical significance, a reminder of a time when Morocco was under French Rule as a Protectorate. A time that is now long gone but not forgotten. The Tkoumit is also a place of outstanding natural beauty, a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and relax in the peace of the tableland offered by the cliffs. It is the perfect place to escape and reconnect with nature.
But the Tkoumit is more than just a beautiful place. It is also a place of great mystery. No one really knows why the French chose this particular spot to build their prison. Was it because of its strategic location? Or was it simply because it was a convenient place to keep their prisoners out of sight? Whatever the reason, the Tkoumit remains a bit of an enigma, a place that is both fascinating and perplexing.
Because of that, the Tkoumit stands as a shadow of the past that haunts the present—a witness to a dark history that needs to be fathomed. It is a place where one can reflect on past events and contemplate the mysteries of the future. A place that is both beautiful and haunting. The fact that Tkoumit still stands erect, despite the damage caused by the rainy and stormy seasons, is a testament to its strength. Yet, up there, one wonders what might have crossed the minds of the people who were held here in captivity. It would certainly be a new story, one of hardship and resilience and hope. Did they dream of freedom, of escaping the confines of their stone cage? One could only guess!!!
Upon contemplating the remaining walls of the Tkoumit, the weight of history becomes overwhelming. It becomes a poignant reminder of the difficulties of the past. As one ponders the crumbling walls, one can almost feel the presence of the living people who once peopled the place; their spirits linger in the shadows.
Despite its sombre history, one may still find some semblance of beauty and serenity in the place. The surrounding countryside, composed chiefly of groves, offers respite and solace to the local population, who are envious of the beauty it provides, and they take trips every now and then to ramble among the ruins in the remaining hours of their afternoons.

24/11/2024

A new publication is due on December 6th, 2024. It is being marketed at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. Here are the links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Irvings-Dialogism-Alhambra-Intentional-Hybridities/dp/1685620140/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VS2CP7HLAIV4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bt8c6I6bFAz2yxCnNq-L5g.NBqJMOAgQnA0hzAcnazUODkAPUhFvUNbIsJNIEtCee8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Irving%E2%80%99s+Dialogism+in+the+Alhambra&qid=1732296627&sprefix=irving+s+dialogism+in+the+alhambra%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/irvings-dialogism-in-the-alhambra-mohamed-dellal/1146522492?ean=9781685620141
Austin Macauley: Link will be available next week

Irving’s Dialogism in the Alhambra: Organic and Intentional Hybridities

23/05/2024

The translation of Mehdi's biography, which was awaiting publication for about a few months has finally come out and is ready for the readers.
It features Mehdi "The child, who had just come out of a sweet and fabulous dream, was suddenly in the cesspool of horror and human servitude; ignorance was the rule among his circumstantial executioners. From the age of five, he was reduced, for two long years, to doing odd jobs worthy of the times of slavery and was thus deprived of his most elementary rights: playing, studying, being understood, and being protected. All of this was difficult for the little boy to grasp. He was also unaware he had a half-sister (Fatna BENT BRAHIM) from his father's first marriage. This one had been lucky enough to stay with her mom instead of suffering the pangs of a father with no love or empathy for his progeny".

05/04/2024

This is a Black-headed Gull in the dead arm of Mulwiya Estuary (Thursday 4th of April 2024).