Writer and journalist Nicolas Pelham discusses the Moroccan monarchy, King Mohammed VI's friendship with a German kickboxer, and the future of Morocco. The conversation also compares the ruling strategies of Arab kings and explores leadership and stability in Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has an unusual friendship with a German kickboxer, raising concerns about his judgment and the future of the kingdom.
The comparison between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlights the importance of having checks and balances to prevent potential pitfalls in leadership.
Deep dives
King Muhammad VI: An Enigmatic Ruler of Morocco
Muhammad VI, the King of Morocco, stands out for his admiration of individuals who challenge the system, despite being at the pinnacle of power himself. Unlike many other Arab kings, the monarchy in Morocco has a long-standing legacy, dating back to the 8th century. However, Muhammad VI has always seemed uncomfortable in his role, seemingly pushed into it by his father. This discomfort has become even more pronounced over the years, leading to extended absences and unexplained actions. Despite his shortcomings, the king still enjoys widespread respect and affection from Moroccans, who perceive him as a symbol of the nation. However, concerns are growing about the king's effectiveness and his absence from the kingdom for most of the year, causing instability and potential constitutional crisis.
The German Kickboxing Brothers: Influence on the King
The enigmatic king's close association with the German kickboxing brothers of Moroccan origin, particularly Abu Bakr Zaytar, has raised eyebrows and provoked questions about his judgment. Zaytar, a former gangster turned champion kickboxer, represents a rags-to-riches story that the king seems to admire. With a deep desire to rebel against the establishment, Zaytar and his brothers have been given significant power and influence within the royal court, leading to tensions and concerns among the Moroccan establishment. This unusual bond between the king and the kickboxing brothers has brought about a constitutional crisis, raising doubts about the king's ability to fulfill his duties and leaving Moroccans worried about the future of the kingdom.
The Perception Gap: Public Admiration vs. Establishment Concerns
The Moroccan people, including those who have left the country, generally hold a positive view of King Muhammad VI, despite being aware of his failings and unexplained absences. Moroccans show great respect and affection for their king, partly due to nationalistic pride and the belief that tarnishing the king's image reflects poorly on the country's reputation. However, behind the scenes, the establishment is increasingly concerned about the king's prolonged absences and dependence on the German kickboxing brothers. There is growing unease and articulation of doubts within the establishment, with some expressing private concerns about the king's capability to fulfill his role. This perception gap between the public and the establishment adds to the growing instability and uncertainty in Morocco.
Lessons from Comparing Muhammad VI and Muhammad bin Salman
A comparison between King Muhammad VI and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) reveals contrasting leadership styles and approaches. While Morocco has been able to make substantial progress without a present leader and a strong bureaucracy in place, Saudi Arabia, under MBS's complete control, races forward with ambitious initiatives. Both leaderships elicit enthusiasm and loyalty, despite their unconventional behaviors and actions. One lesson to draw is the importance of having mechanisms and institutions that provide checks and balances to rulers with immense power, helping them stay connected to reality and manage potential pitfalls. The different dynamics in Morocco and Saudi Arabia demonstrate the diverse ways in which leadership is perceived and valued within the context of each country.
This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Nicolas Pelham of The Economist and author of a recent article in 1843 magazine entitled "The Mystery of Morocco's Missing King." They talk about the Moroccan monarchy, King Mohammed VI’s unusual friendship with a German kickboxer, and what it means for the future of Morocco. Later, Jon continues the conversation with Natasha Hall and Danny Sharp, as they compare the different ruling strategies of Arab kings.
