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Showing posts with the label POLISARIO

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...

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...

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...

The Introduction of Attack Drones: A Strategic Turning Point in the Conflict Between Morocco and the Polisario Front

The long-standing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front could witness a new escalation with the introduction of attack drones into the Sahrawi army’s arsenal. Until now, Morocco had a clear technological advantage due to its use of armed drones, primarily supplied by Israel and Turkey. However, recent statements by Sahrawi diplomat Brahim Mokhtar suggest that the Polisario also intends to acquire this military technology, potentially reshaping the balance of power on the ground. Morocco’s Use of Drones: A Strategic Advantage Since the resumption of hostilities in November 2020, Morocco has intensified its use of drones to target Polisario positions in the Western Sahara. Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and Israeli Harop loitering munitions have allowed Moroccan forces to conduct precision strikes on Sahrawi fighters, significantly reducing casualties among Moroccan troops. These attacks have forced the Polisario to adapt its tactics, limiting large-scale troop movements and ...

Morocco in Diplomatic Turmoil: Between U.S. Pressure and a Risky Gamble on Western Sahara

Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the Moroccan regime has been experiencing a state of confusion and uncertainty. Rabat had hoped that Washington would continue supporting its claim of sovereignty over Western Sahara, but it now finds itself under intense pressure. At the heart of this diplomatic dilemma is a controversial U.S. plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Moroccan territory, a proposal reported by both Israeli and Western sources. From Celebration to Uncertainty: A Shift in Morocco’s Expectations In 2020, Trump’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara was seen as a major diplomatic victory for the royal palace. In exchange, Rabat agreed to normalize its relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords. However, with Trump’s return to power, Morocco’s expectations have clashed with a new reality: the former U.S. president appears less concerned about Western Sahara and more focused on implementing his controversial plan for Gaza....

Algeria’s Strategic Stance: A Calculated Refusal to Arm the Polisario

Algeria has long been a steadfast supporter of the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination, providing diplomatic and humanitarian aid to the Polisario Front. However, in a recent interview with the French newspaper L’Opinion , President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that, despite repeated requests from the Polisario, his government has so far refused to provide them with weapons. This declaration raises several questions: Why does Algeria currently refuse to arm the Sahrawi fighters despite Morocco’s ongoing illegal occupation of their land? And what would happen if Algeria decided to change its stance and supply the Polisario with advanced weaponry? Algeria Under International Pressure Algeria has consistently defended the decolonization of Western Sahara, advocating for the Sahrawi people’s right to independence in line with UN resolutions. Despite Morocco’s relentless propaganda attempting to portray Algeria as a direct party in the conflict, the truth remains unchanged: Alge...