Rabat, June 8 -- Local authorities in Marrakech have banned a belly dance festival initiated by Israeli dancer Simona Guzman . The organizer, whose family has roots in both Turkey and Morocco, declared that the Moroccan authorities gave in to the pressure of "Islamists."

The belly dance festival was to take place between June 3 and 10 but was canceled following the protests of people who oppose Israel along with anything remotely related to the nation.

A senior official of the region justified the ban by saying it conflicted with the last days of Ramadan and Eid El Fitr. The official said that this combination of circumstances could undermine the public order and religious sentiments of Moroccans. The official added that otherwise the f...