Why did Abd el-Krim write for El Telegrama del Rif?

Abd el-Krim began writing for the Melilla-based newspaper El Telegrama del Rif in 1907, a position he held until 1915. Through his articles, he advocated for the benefits of European—specifically Spanish—civilization and technology, arguing that they held the potential to improve the cultural and economic standing of the Moroccan population.1

His work for the newspaper was part of a broader period of collaboration with Spanish authorities, facilitated by his father’s status as a moro amigo ("friendly Moor") and his own employment within the Spanish military bureaucracy in Melilla. This professional association, however, occurred well before his eventual break with Spain and his leadership of the Rif War against colonial rule.123