Morocco is a monarchy with a Constitution, government, parliament and judiciary, in which ultimate power and authority rest with the throne. A democratic reform process is underway and the country is broadly regarded as politically stable. The U.S. Government maintains excellent relations with Morocco and has designated Morocco a Major non-NATO Ally. A series of terrorist bombings in Casablanca in March and April 2007, the first major incidents since the Casablanca bombings of 2003, highlighted the fact that Morocco continues to face a terrorist threat. U.S. facilities were targeted in 2007. Counterterrorism cooperation is excellent. The Moroccan Government aggressively investigates terrorist suspects and has dismantled a number of terrorist cells over the past year.
Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco and usually center on domestic issues. During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in major cities. Although these demonstrations have been peaceful, well organized, and well controlled by the police, past events have exhibited anti-U.S. sentiment with isolated violent incidents.
The sparsely settled Western Sahara was the site of armed conflict between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front, which demands independence. A cease-fire has been in effect since 1991, but the territory remains disputed between Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario. Negotiations to reach a settlement resumed in 2007 under UN auspices, but the dispute hampers development in the territory, as well as economic and political integration in the North Africa region.