Morocco and Its Relentless Quest for Allies to Confront Algeria: A Self-Proclaimed Power, an Undeniable Dependence

There is a truth that Moroccan propaganda struggles to conceal: behind the façade of a supposedly "powerful" army, behind the grand declarations of a kingdom aspiring to strategic dominance, lies a far more inconvenient reality. For decades, Rabat has been tirelessly seeking allies to serve as crutches in its confrontation with Algeria — alternating between Israel, the United States, and more recently France — in a desperate attempt to compensate for its own structural weaknesses.

One question arises: if the Moroccan army is truly the formidable force it claims to be, why does it need the support of other nations to carry out its belligerent ambitions?

An Overrated Army, a Blatant Dependence

Moroccan media, loyal to their triumphalist rhetoric, never miss an opportunity to praise the strength of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). The acquisition of Israeli drones, the purchase of American F-16s, and the modernization of armored vehicles are all presented as undeniable proof of rising military power.

However, behind these figures and flashy announcements lies another reality: Morocco, far from being a self-sufficient military power, is merely a consumer of foreign weaponry, lacking genuine strategic autonomy.

An army is not defined solely by its arsenal — it is judged by its experience, endurance, and ability to sustain a prolonged conflict without external support. On this front, Rabat lags far behind its eastern neighbor. Algeria, with its independent military doctrine, has invested for decades in developing its own capabilities, establishing strategic partnerships with powers like Russia and China, while also fostering a national defense industry.

In contrast, Morocco is incapable of waging war without the approval and logistical backing of its Western partners. It buys weapons but lacks the defense industry and technological autonomy necessary to impose itself as a truly independent military actor. Its reliance on the United States, France, and now Israel makes it vulnerable — none of these allies would sacrifice their own interests to offer unconditional support in the event of a direct confrontation with Algeria.

Israel, Washington, Paris: An Uncertain and Opportunistic Game of Alliances

One of the most glaring contradictions in Morocco's posture is its tendency to seek external support while projecting a discourse of self-sufficient power. At times, Rabat boasts of its strategic rapprochement with Washington, hoping for direct military backing; at other times, it highlights its cooperation with Israel, expecting Israeli technological expertise to compensate for its shortcomings.

But how solid are these alliances? The answer is far from reassuring.

The United States: Conditional and Unreliable Support

Despite its public sympathies for Morocco, Washington has never provided absolute guarantees to Rabat. The U.S. favors a pragmatic approach, prioritizing its regional interests without committing to a conflict that does not directly concern it.

The American recognition of Morocco's "sovereignty" over Western Sahara under the Trump administration was a purely opportunistic maneuver, offering no military commitment in return. The Biden administration, careful not to alienate Algeria, has deliberately refrained from confirming this stance categorically — leaving Morocco in a state of strategic uncertainty.

Simply put, Morocco may purchase F-16s and missiles at exorbitant prices, but that does not mean the United States will come to its aid in a confrontation with Algeria.

Israel: A Fragile and Risky Partnership

The rapprochement with Israel came at the cost of a total abandonment of the Palestinian cause — a betrayal that continues to provoke widespread rejection among the Moroccan people themselves. In return, Rabat hoped to gain Israeli military support in intelligence and drone technology.

Yet, Morocco overestimates the extent of this alliance. Israel, a pragmatic player par excellence, will never engage in a conflict that does not directly serve its interests. Far from entangling itself in a war with Algeria, Tel Aviv will always prioritize its broader strategic partnerships, particularly with global powers.

Rabat is nothing more than a pawn in a larger game, and believing that Israel would come to Morocco's rescue in the event of military escalation is a dangerous illusion.

France: A Hesitant and Constrained Partner

France's position is even more ambiguous. After a period of tensions with Rabat, Paris is now trying to mend ties, primarily to safeguard its economic interests in the region. However, the idea that France would militarily support Morocco against Algeria is pure fantasy.

Despite its desire to maintain good relations with Morocco, France will never risk sacrificing its strategic partnership with Algeria — especially on energy and security issues. Morocco's recent efforts to revive its relationship with Paris reveal more of a desperate need for reassurance than a solid military alliance.

A Desperate Gambit to Mask Fear of Direct Confrontation

Ultimately, Morocco is playing a dangerous game — one of constant provocation, fully aware that it lacks the means or autonomy to bear the consequences of military escalation. It perpetually seeks allies to create an illusion of strength, but these alliances are opportunistic, fragile, and subject to the shifting interests of major powers.

Meanwhile, Algeria maintains a starkly different posture. It neither seeks foreign approval nor relies on a providential ally for protection. Instead, it invests in its own capabilities, strengthens its defense industry, and relies on a battle-hardened army with an independent military doctrine.

If Morocco were truly the military power it claims to be, it would not need to beg for alliances across the globe. The reality is far different: behind the smokescreen of arms acquisitions and defiant declarations, Morocco knows it cannot face Algeria alone. This is the core contradiction of a monarchy that, despite its ambitions, remains dependent on the goodwill of others to exist on the geopolitical chessboard.