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Showing posts with the label WESTERN SAHARA

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 ...

Algeria’s Triumph at the African Union: A Victory of Ethical Diplomacy Over Moroccan Corruption

The election of Ms. Selma Malika Haddadi as Vice President of the African Union Commission is not just an electoral victory—it is a resounding slap in the face for Morocco’s diplomacy, plagued by corruption, blackmail, and unethical tactics . With an overwhelming 33 votes , Algeria secured a decisive win, while Morocco suffered a humiliating defeat that exposed the hollowness of its so-called influence . This election symbolizes the triumph of principled, ethical diplomacy committed to African unity over Morocco’s underhanded, deceitful strategies . Africa is no longer naive —the masks have fallen, revealing the true nature of a Moroccan regime willing to employ the most disgraceful tactics to achieve its goals . Algeria: A Stronghold of Dignity and Pan-African Integrity Ms. Haddadi’s victory was no accident. Her distinguished career, marked by key diplomatic roles and high-level responsibilities, reflects her unmatched competence and unwavering commitment to the African continent....

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....

The Use of Derision in the Moroccan Press in Response to Algerian Political Events: A Psychoanalytic Analysis

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 ...

Moroccan Tomatoes, Geopolitics, and Fork Stabs: Chronicle of a Spicy Romance Between France and Its Eternal Moroccan Temptation

Ah, the tomato! That little red fruit, the crown jewel of summer salads and the undisputed star of Mediterranean markets, now finds itself at the heart of a conflict blending geopolitics, diplomacy, and—of all things—parliamentary squabbles. Who would’ve thought that a simple fruit-vegetable (we’ll let the botanists argue about that) would become the symbol of a tug-of-war between France, Morocco, and even the Western Sahara? Spoiler alert: everything is political, even ratatouille. Europe’s Vegetable Garden: A Coveted Throne Since 2012, Morocco has been nurturing an ambitious dream: to dethrone Spain as Europe’s primary vegetable supplier. With its generous climate and ultra-modern greenhouses, the kingdom has some serious agricultural cards to play in the high-stakes game of international trade. But not everyone’s cheering from the sidelines. Some French politicians—particularly from the right and far-right—who have historically been strong supporters of Morocco on sensitive issues l...

The France-Algeria Crisis: Possible Scenarios and Geostrategic Implications in the Mediterranean and Africa

Relations between France and Algeria are experiencing unprecedented tensions, particularly due to France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria perceives this stance as a direct threat to its strategic interests in North Africa and the Sahel. However, this crisis is not limited to the Western Sahara issue; it also extends to economic cooperation, military alliances, and regional influence in Africa. This article aims to analyze the possible trajectories of the France-Algeria crisis by examining potential scenarios and their short-, medium-, and long-term geopolitical and geostrategic consequences. The analysis is based on academic sources and research studies to assess the factors driving this crisis and its broader implications for power dynamics in the Mediterranean and Africa. 1. Geopolitical Context of the France-Algeria Crisis 1.1. Western Sahara: The Core of the Dispute Algeria has maintained a consistent position on the Western Sahara issue for decades,...

The Myth of Moroccan Support for the Algerian Revolution: A History of Calculations and Opportunism

The narrative surrounding Morocco’s relationship with the Algerian Revolution has long been shaped by biased historical accounts , mostly propagated by Moroccan state discourse . This version of events portrays King Mohammed V as an unwavering ally of Algeria in its struggle for independence. However, a deeper examination of historical facts reveals that this support was neither unconditional nor altruistic . Rather, it was a political tool , used by the Moroccan monarchy to strengthen its position, gain leverage in negotiations with France, and pursue territorial ambitions at Algeria’s expense. Strategic, Self-Interested Support When the Algerian War of Independence erupted in 1954, Morocco had just gained its own independence in 1956. Still grappling with internal instability and political uncertainty, King Mohammed V saw the Algerian struggle as an opportunity —both to consolidate his rule and to extract concessions from France. By offering limited assistance to the FLN (National ...