en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com - Morocco - 

Ali Aaouine had no job but one big dream; to start a rental car company in this town near the historic city of Fez.

In 2011, the 30-year-old joined a US-supported government programme called Moukawalati or "My Small Business". This initiative was designed to help young Moroccans write business plans and get low interest loans.

Despite completing the programme and receiving a certificate, Aaouine couldn't get a loan because of a lack of credit and assets. His project failed.

"They said they would supply loans, but they are just selling dreams to young people," says Aaouine, who now works at a local association that helps young entrepreneurs.

Throughout much of the Arab world, the rate of unemployed young people remains high, according to the World Bank.

Morocco, where one in three young adults is unemployed, is no exception. In this North African kingdom, which escaped the Arab Spring revolutions and is one the US' staunchest allies in the so-called war against terror, there's rising concern about the recruitment of young unemployed Moroccans into organisations like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which may provide a sense of purpose and even a regular stipend.