ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

On August 24, 2021, Algeria took the historic step of officially severing diplomatic relations with Morocco. This move, seen as a direct response to Morocco's hostile actions, highlights a series of political, historical and geopolitical tensions that have plagued relations between the two neighbors for decades. This summary explores the major reasons for this rupture, integrating media dynamics, unsuccessful attempts at mediation, and historical grievances accumulated against Morocco. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have historically been marked by geopolitical tensions, notably due to the Western Sahara conflict and deep-seated political rivalries. This climate of mistrust is exacerbated by media coverage on both sides, with Moroccan media playing a key role in maintaining an obsession with Algeria, while Moroccan attempts to seek international mediation to ease these tensions remain unsuccessful. 1. Historical and political background The rivalry between Algeria and Morocc

This article analyzes the potential for a military conflict between Algeria and Morocco in an operational and objective manner, without foreign intervention. It focuses on military capabilities, potential conflict scenarios, and strategic implications for both nations. The methodology is based on a comparative assessment of the armed forces of the two countries, geopolitical considerations, and hypothetical scenarios based on historical precedents and current military doctrines.

A document from the French intelligence services, dated December 16, 1957, reveals Morocco's expansionist ambitions toward Algeria during the Algerian War of Independence. This document sheds new light on the complex relationship between the two countries and partially contradicts the historical narrative taught in Algeria, which emphasizes Morocco's unconditional support for the Algerian revolution. In the official version of the Algerian War's history, as taught in Algerian schools, Morocco under King Mohammed V is portrayed as a steadfast ally in the struggle for Algerian independence. This narrative highlights the unity of the Moroccan and Algerian peoples in their fight against French colonialism. It is true that the Algerian revolutionaries initially saw their struggle as part of a broader Maghreb liberation movement (Tunisia – Algeria – Morocco). The attack on the Northern Constantine region in August 1955, for example, was carried out in response to the exile of the

The growing recognition by Western powers of Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara is exacerbating tensions in North Africa. Faced with what it perceives as a growing threat, Algeria may be prompted to resort to force to protect its vital interests. This article explores the reasons behind this worrying possibility and examines the potential implications for the region. A Disturbing Parallel: Ukraine and Western Sahara There are striking similarities between the conflicts in Ukraine and Western Sahara. Russia, in 2022, justified its military intervention in Ukraine by several factors. It perceived Ukraine as an essential buffer zone against NATO expansion, a direct threat to its national security. Moreover, Moscow's historical and cultural ties with Ukraine, the protection of Russian-speaking minorities and the desire to maintain its regional influence motivated it to act. Similarly, Algeria sees Western support for Morocco's claim to Western Sahara as a direct thr

Algeria expressed on Thursday its "deep disapproval" of the recent French decision to support Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This stance was described as "unexpected, inappropriate, and counterproductive" by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Algerian government clearly stated that it would draw all the consequences from this decision, placing full responsibility on the French government. The French recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan, seen as legitimizing Morocco's contested sovereignty over Western Sahara, provoked a strong reaction in Algeria. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this decision as an act supporting a "colonial fact," which is incompatible with the principles of decolonization supported by the international community. This stance is all the more controversial given that it comes from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which is supposed to respect and promote international leg

The relationship between Morocco and Algeria is complex and historically marked by political and diplomatic tensions. These tensions are often exacerbated by geopolitical issues, such as the status of Western Sahara and the border disputes perceived by Moroccans, influenced by expansionist ambitions. It is undeniable that there is institutional hostility from the Moroccan regime towards Algeria, manifested through organized attacks against Algerian history, culture, and heritage, as well as against Algerian martyrs. What is striking is the absence of dissenting voices in Morocco condemning these systematic attacks against Algeria. Indeed, Morocco is a dictatorship where expressing dissent can be dangerous, but it is noteworthy that, in the context of the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, there have been demonstrations by the Moroccan population against this normalization. In contrast, there have been no demonstrations in Morocco criticizing the institutional hostil

For several years now, we have witnessed a troubling phenomenon on social media: the relentless attack by some Moroccans on everything Algerian. This assault does not stop at the living or contemporary history but extends to the dead, particularly the martyrs of the Algerian War of Independence. This behavior raises a fundamental question: why do Moroccans target our martyrs, even though respect for the dead is a universal principle in all cultures and religions, including Islam, which is the majority religion in Morocco? Historical and Sociopolitical Context The Algerian War of Independence and the Moroccan Reaction The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was a fierce and bloody armed struggle against French colonialism, marked by immense sacrifices by Algerians. In contrast, Morocco gained its independence in 1956 primarily through peaceful means and political negotiations. This disparity created a different perception of the struggle for independence in the two countries. For t

The events of November 1988 in Algiers, where the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was set to declare an independent Palestinian state, were not merely diplomatic proceedings. They were shrouded in geopolitical tension and potential military threats, particularly from Israel, aiming to disrupt the historic gathering. This article explores the little-known narrative of how Algeria, through strategic military preparations, averted a planned Israeli airstrike against the PLO leadership. Context: Israeli Operations and the Tunisian Precedent The backdrop to the November 1988 events was set by a previous Israeli operation in Tunis in October 1985. This attack targeted the headquarters of the PLO's Force 17, demonstrating Israel's long-range capabilities and its resolve to eliminate Palestinian leadership outside its borders. The strike, conducted with precision and surprise, underscored Israel's determination to counteract Palestinian resistance despite international rami

Mr. President, Citizens, We are facing a critical situation that requires a firm and decisive response. The presence of over 1.2 million Moroccan nationals in an irregular situation on our territory constitutes a threat to our national security, economy, and social cohesion. We must act with determination to protect our nation and ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Algerians. National Security at Stake It has been revealed that there are connections between Israeli intelligence services and Morocco. Reports indicate that the Mossad is massively recruiting within the Moroccan community, particularly in France. We cannot exclude the possibility that similar actions are taking place on our soil, thereby threatening our national security. As a sovereign country, we cannot tolerate the presence of individuals who might jeopardize our security and stability. Economic and Social Impacts The illegal flow of foreign currency to Tunisia, which is then transferred to Morocco via Moroccan

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, held a media meeting with the national press on Thursday evening, addressing various national, regional, and international issues. Announcing his candidacy for a second presidential term, Tebboune emphasized that his electoral program will aim to complete current achievements and guide Algeria towards security at all levels. Promising Economic Forecasts The president announced that the national income will reach $400 billion by the end of 2027. He highlighted Algeria’s positive economic indicators, noting the recognition of these progressions by major international institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. Tebboune also mentioned the increase in state revenues, the recovery of billions of dollars in diverted funds, and the rise in non-hydrocarbon exports. Public Satisfaction and Confidence Tebboune asserted that Algerians are satisfied with the developmental advances and can discern truth from falsehoods. He also emphasized th

Yesterday, thousands of people gathered on the sidewalks of the city of Tizi Ouzou to warmly welcome the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This visit, marked by the inauguration of significant projects and meetings with civil society, sent a strong message to the separatists of the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia (MAK). The Arrival of President Tebboune in Tizi Ouzou President Tebboune's arrival in Tizi Ouzou was a demonstration of popular support, with young people waving national flags and residents dressed in traditional Kabyle attire. This massive support starkly contrasts with the MAK's divisive attempts, highlighting the unity and solidarity of the Kabyle population with the Algerian state. Inauguration of Key Projects President Tebboune inaugurated the new 50,000-seat stadium in Boukhalfa, named after Hocine Ait Ahmed, a historical figure in Algeria's independence struggle. This sports complex, built to FIFA international standards, aims to boost

A single statement by Rima Hassan, the Franco-Palestinian lawyer and candidate on the LFI list for the European elections, about Algeria on the occasion of Independence Day, was enough to provoke indignant reactions from two spokespeople of the Israeli regime. Rima Hassan wrote that "the Mecca of revolutionaries and freedom is, and will remain, Algeria. Tel Aviv is the capital of a fascist regime and an apartheid state," in response to Raphaël Enthoven's proclamation on the social network X (formerly Twitter) that "Tel Aviv is the Mecca of freedom" and that "every human must make a pilgrimage there at least once, to taste the endless charms of the most joyful, tolerant, open, and lively city in the Middle East." Rima Hassan's response did not sit well with Julien Dray, a prominent figure in the Socialist Party (PS), who countered by stating that in Algeria, "all those who fight have lost their lives or are imprisoned." By doing so, Julien

On February 26, 1961, King Hassan II ascended to the Moroccan throne amid a politically and economically turbulent climate. On May 17, 1963, Moroccan legislative elections were held, in which the opposition won 56.5% of the votes, exacerbating internal tensions. Paul Balta, a former correspondent for "Le Monde" in Algeria, noted that this situation prompted King Hassan II to provoke disputes with neighboring countries to bolster his regime and suppress internal opposition. Beginning of the Conflict October 8, 1963 : Clashes began between Algerian and Moroccan forces when Moroccan troops attacked Algerian positions in Tinjoub and Hassi Beida. Algeria responded by recapturing these positions and launching counterattacks. October 9, 1963 : Morocco announced that the Tinjoub, Hassi Beida, and Tinfouchy outposts had been seized by Algerian forces in a surprise attack. Algeria, however, asserted that Moroccan forces had been advancing in the desert since September to establish outp

French historian Benjamin Stora provides a deep historical insight into the obsession of the French far right with Algeria. His analysis, grounded in a profound understanding of Franco-Algerian relations and colonial history, offers an enlightening perspective on the ideological foundations of movements such as the National Front (FN), which later became the National Rally (RN). The Foundation of the National Front: Between Vichy and the Algerian War Stora situates the birth of the FN in 1972 in the wake of two significant but distinct events: the Vichy regime (1940-1944) and the Algerian War (1954-1962). According to Stora, the ideology of the French far right draws inspiration from an imperial nostalgia based on a hierarchical and discriminatory order, where the French occupied the top position and the colonized peoples were relegated to the bottom. Colonial Nostalgia and the Myth of Lost Greatness In an interview with the Turkish channel TRT in French, Stora describes how the French