ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

For decades, Moroccan authorities and media have perpetuated the idea that Algeria has a strategic ambition to gain direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. This narrative, which is both exaggerated and disconnected from economic and geopolitical realities, is often used to justify Morocco's claims over Western Sahara. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this claim is not supported by facts but is instead a rhetorical tool aimed at legitimizing Moroccan policies in the region. 1. The Moroccan Narrative: A Geopolitical Fiction Morocco frequently portrays Algeria as having expansionist ambitions, suggesting that its support for the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination is driven by hidden strategic interests rather than principles of justice or international law. However, this hypothesis is baseless: Algeria already has extensive maritime access. With over 1,600 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, Algeria is well-positioned to engage in global trade routes. ...

This article examines the prospects of a Trump administration toward Algeria, focusing on the role of American economic interests and recommendations from influential U.S. think tanks advocating for a strategic rapprochement with Algeria. In a context of heightened geopolitical competition, several American research institutions are encouraging strengthened ties with Algeria to curb Russian influence in North Africa. This article explores the economic, political, and strategic implications of such a potential rapprochement and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. Algeria occupies a strategic position in North Africa, thanks to its abundant natural resources and historical ties with several world powers, including Russia. These relations have sparked the interest of American think tanks, which recommend a more active engagement policy toward Algeria to limit Russian influence in the region. This article examines the implications of these recommendations and analyzes how a Trump administra...

This article examines the frequent use of derision in the Moroccan press when covering serious political events, such as Algeria’s recent military parade on November 1, 2024, and the decision to impose visas on Moroccan nationals. Taking a psychoanalytic perspective, it explores how and why this defense mechanism is activated in Moroccan media and the symbolic rivalry it reflects. The study aims to shed light on the psychological implications and unconscious motivations behind this discourse, seeking to understand how derision reveals underlying tensions in Moroccan-Algerian relations. Relations between Morocco and Algeria have historically been marked by rivalry—political, ideological, and territorial—heightened by ongoing conflicts over sovereignty, borders, and regional influence. Within this context, the Moroccan press often takes a sarcastic, mocking tone in its coverage of Algerian political actions and decisions. This recourse to derision in the face of significant events, like ...

The conflict in Western Sahara, which has opposed Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, since 1975, remains one of the longest unresolved territorial disputes. Faced with diplomatic deadlock, the UN special envoy, Staffan de Mistura, reportedly suggested partition as a potential solution. This controversial proposal highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching a compromise acceptable to all parties involved. Historical Context and Diplomatic Deadlock Western Sahara has been claimed by Morocco since 1975, after the withdrawal of Spanish colonial forces. Morocco proposes an autonomy plan under its sovereignty, supported by France, while the Polisario Front advocates for a referendum on self-determination, including the option of independence. UN resolutions and international mediation have failed to find a consensual resolution to the conflict, plunging the region into a decades-long stalemate. Previous mediation attempts, including Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, have not b...

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 Western Sahara conflict, located in northwest Africa, is one of the oldest and most complex decolonization issues in the world. Since Spain's departure in 1976, the territory has been disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi national liberation movement. This article explores the genesis of the conflict, key developments, UN resolutions, and the current situation, highlighting the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people and the obstacles to peace, particularly the role of corruption in blocking the peace process by Morocco. Genesis of the Conflict Spanish Colonial Period Western Sahara was a Spanish colony since the late 19th century. In 1963, the UN included the territory on the list of non-self-governing territories, thereby recognizing the right of its inhabitants to self-determination (UN General Assembly Resolution 1514). Calls for decolonization intensified in the 1960s and 1970s as liberation movements in Africa gained influence. The Emergen...

The Night of the Sharp Knives , which took place on November 14, 1976, was one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of the conflict between Algeria and Morocco. This event, also known as the "Battle of Amgala II," witnessed a surprise attack by Algerian special forces on Moroccan forces stationed in Amgala. Background of the Conflict The conflict over Western Sahara began after Spain withdrew in 1975, when Morocco and Mauritania divided the territory amidst opposition from the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, which demanded complete independence for the Sahara. Tensions between Morocco and Algeria escalated due to Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front, leading to armed clashes. Events at Amgala On January 31, 1975, Moroccan forces attacked Algerian troops present in Amgala to supply the Polisario Front, killing more than 100 Algerian soldiers. This attack enraged Algeria, which vowed a severe military response. The Algerian Response On November 14, 1976, Algeri...