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Showing posts with the label MOROCCO

The Apache in Morocco: A Strategic Advantage or Just Media Hype?

Morocco’s acquisition of AH-64E Apache helicopters has been widely publicized, with some Moroccan sources claiming that this deal provides a strategic advantage over Algeria. However, a deeper military analysis shows that these claims are exaggerated . Algeria has decades of experience operating attack helicopters and possesses a well-established fleet, including the Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" and modernized Mi-24s , giving it a clear numerical and tactical superiority in this domain. Combat Experience: An Irreplaceable Advantage In military evaluations, owning advanced weaponry is not enough —the most crucial factor is combat experience and operational mastery . Unlike Morocco, which is acquiring attack helicopters for the first time, Algeria has been operating them for over 40 years . Algeria has deployed Mi-24 "Hind" helicopters since the 1980s , gradually modernizing them, and later reinforced its fleet with Mi-28NE helicopters, deliveries of which began i...

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 ...

Morocco's Victimization Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword in the Sahara Conflict

Faithful to my principles, I have neither the habit of appropriating others’ ideas nor engaging in plagiarism. I must therefore clarify that the subject of this article is not the result of my own reflection but rather that of a dear friend, an expert in military and security affairs, with whom I recently had a discussion. As I do not have his permission to mention his name, I will respect his anonymity. Nevertheless, I extend my sincere gratitude to him for his unwavering patriotism and the sharpness of his analyses. I deeply regret that the political and military leaders of our country do not pay greater attention to such enlightened minds, whose counsel would be of inestimable value. For several decades, Morocco has carved out a unique position in the media and diplomatic war it wages against Algeria and the Polisario Front. At the crossroads of geopolitics and historical rivalries, Rabat has mastered the art of victimization and narrative manipulation, adopting the posture of a mod...

CAS humiliates CAF: A damning verdict that shakes the credibility of African football’s governing body

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delivered a scathing verdict that exposes the deep flaws within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). By overturning CAF’s decision to approve RS Berkane’s controversial jerseys, CAS has not only corrected a regulatory violation but has also shed light on severe governance and integrity failures within the organization. However, this ruling extends beyond a simple legal dispute. It highlights a far more alarming issue: the growing political influence over CAF and the persistent suspicions of corruption that tarnish its management. The CAS decision serves as a clear condemnation, raising a crucial question: Is CAF still a credible and impartial institution, or has it become a tool for vested interests? A ruling that exposes CAF’s failings The controversy erupted in April 2024 when CAF approved RS Berkane’s jerseys, which featured a map of Morocco that included Western Sahara—an internationally disputed territory. This decision directly...

Jean-Noël Barrot: A Symbol of the Decline of the French Political Class

French politics has long been shaped by statesmen with strategic vision and the ability to navigate complex international relations with intelligence and diplomacy. The world still remembers Dominique de Villepin’s iconic 2003 speech at the United Nations, where he eloquently defended France’s opposition to the Iraq War, or Roland Dumas, a seasoned diplomat who, despite controversies, mastered the intricacies of geopolitical power dynamics. Today, with figures like Jean-Noël Barrot, the contrast is stark. As the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Barrot represents a new generation of technocratic politicians who lack the depth, experience, and strategic foresight of their predecessors. His recent remarks on BFMTV , where he stated that France had already imposed sanctions on Algeria and was prepared to escalate them if Algeria did not comply, reflect a reckless and counterproductive diplomatic approach. A Dangerous Diplomatic Escalation Tensions between France and Algeria are noth...

Spain-Morocco: A Diplomatic Crisis Unfolding Amid Shocking Revelations

Relations between Morocco and Spain are going through an unprecedented period of turbulence. After the Pegasus spyware scandal and heightened tensions over Western Sahara , a new major crisis could permanently reshape ties between Madrid and Rabat. The discovery by Spanish security services of a tunnel linking Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta , used for drug trafficking into Europe, has shed light on much deeper connections between the Makhzen (Moroccan regime) and organized crime networks . But beyond drug smuggling, even more explosive revelations from a former high-ranking Moroccan intelligence officer—now in exile in Spain—could send shockwaves through Rabat's leadership. A Tunnel Exposing a Well-Oiled System The discovery of this tunnel, used to transport Moroccan cannabis to Europe , is only the tip of the iceberg . For decades, Morocco has been recognized as the world’s leading producer of cannabis resin , with multiple international reports pointing to direct involv...

Mali-Algeria: Towards Normalization Under Russian Pressure?

Relations between Algeria and Mali have experienced unprecedented tensions since 2023. Once considered exemplary, especially through the Algiers Peace Agreement of 2015, the bilateral relationship took a dramatic turn following Algeria’s reception of Imam Mahmoud Dicko, a staunch opponent of Mali’s ruling junta. The Malian authorities viewed this as a provocative and unwarranted interference in their internal affairs, leading to retaliatory measures such as recalling their ambassador from Algiers and canceling the Algiers Agreement. Tensions escalated further with Russia’s growing military presence in Mali through the Wagner Group, which Algeria has viewed with suspicion, particularly near its borders. Amid this crisis, Morocco played a significant role in exacerbating tensions, using the opportunity to strengthen its ties with Bamako and positioning itself as an alternative strategic partner to Algeria. Additionally, Moroccan drug trafficking networks have continued to fuel terrorist ...

Algeria and Spain: A Rapprochement That Confirms Algeria’s Strength, Not Isolation

Contrary to claims made by certain Moroccan media outlets, Algeria’s rapprochement with Spain is not an attempt to break out of regional isolation. Instead, Algeria is strengthening its position as a key regional power, while it is Spain that is seeking to restore relations with its strategic partner after suffering significant economic losses due to Algeria’s sanctions. In this article, we will use facts and sources to demonstrate that Algeria is in a position of strength in this renewed relationship and that it is actually its adversaries, not Algeria, who find themselves isolated on the international stage . 1. Algeria: A Key Player in the Mediterranean and Africa 1.1. A Strategic Energy Supplier for Europe Algeria possesses the 10th largest proven natural gas reserves in the world and is Africa’s top gas exporter . Its importance has grown even further due to the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. Italy signed a major agreement with Sonatrach in 2022 to increase its...

Algeria’s Strategic Foresight: A Diplomatic Victory in a Changing World

Algeria, often seen as a discreet yet influential player on the global stage, is now reaping the benefits of a well-calculated geopolitical strategy based on independence, regional influence, and diversified partnerships . While France faces increasing marginalization in Europe and Africa, and alliances in the Sahel begin to fracture, Algeria is solidifying its position as a key regional power . Recent developments— Mali’s diplomatic U-turn towards Algeria , France’s strategic missteps , and the exclusion of Europe from US-Russia discussions on Ukraine —all illustrate how Algiers’ commitment to pragmatism, sovereignty, and multilateralism is paying off in the long run. Mali Reconciles with Algeria: A Diplomatic Triumph One of the clearest signs of Algeria’s diplomatic success is Mali’s recent decision to restore high-level relations with Algeria by sending an ambassador to Algiers , signaling an attempt to de-escalate tensions that had emerged in recent months. 🔹 Morocco’s Attem...