Morocco

US To Build A Military Base In Morocco Stoking Tension With Algeria

As the new Cold War era rages on, the US government is seeking to set up a military ‘defense industrial base’ inside Morocco. This comes as concerns are raised about Moscow’s growing influence in Africa, however, the move could end up instigating further troubles between Morocco and neighboring Algeria, pitting the two-sides against each other. Read More...

Moroccans Challenge Normalization with Israel

Two years ago, Morocco and Israel signed the US-brokered “Joint Declaration”, thus officially recognizing Israel and instating diplomatic ties. Though other Arab countries had already done the same, the Moroccan official recognition of Apartheid Israel was particularly devastating for Palestinians. Years ago, a close Moroccan friend told me that the ‘first time’ he was arrested […]

The price of betraying Palestine: Moroccans challenge normalisation with Israel

By Ramzy Baroud | MEMO | December 29, 2022 Two years ago, Morocco and Israel signed the US-brokered “Joint Declaration”, thus officially recognising Israel and instating diplomatic ties. Though other Arab countries had already done the same, the Moroccan official recognition of Apartheid Israel was particularly devastating for Palestinians. Years ago, a close Moroccan friend told me […]

Morocco’s FIFA World Cup Victories Defeat Israeli Normalization Efforts

Last Saturday, Morocco’s national football team defeated Portugal in the FIFA World Cup, resulting in celebrations throughout the Arab World. One of those celebrations took place in Jerusalem, where Palestinians hoisting up the Moroccan flag were dispersed and attacked by Israeli occupying police forces. Morocco has been the star of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Read More...

Israelis are not welcome in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Israeli citizens and journalists are allowed in Qatar in a FIFA agreement during the 2022 World Cup now underway in Doha. Being allowed to enter a country to watch football, or to cover an event as a journalist or media crew, is far different than being welcome. Israeli journalists […]

Biden Middle East Visit Already Spells Disaster

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Ramallah, in mid-July. The visit is expected to be centered around talks to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, through first discussing the development of a regional anti-Iran coalition. However, the agenda set by the United States is doomed to failure, and Read More...

Morocco Increases Economic Ties With Israel, But At What Cost?

Israeli officials are slated to sign a deal with Morocco in order to increase economic ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv, which have continued to grow since the signing of a normalization deal between the two in 2020. At what cost does this close relationship with Israel come for the Kingdom of Morocco? Israel’s Economy Read More...

Morocco Drives a War in Western Sahara for Its Phosphates

In November 2020, the Moroccan government sent its military to the Guerguerat area, a buffer zone between the territory claimed by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The Guerguerat border post is at the very southern edge of Western Sahara along the road that goes to Mauritania. The presence of Moroccan troops “in the Buffer Strip in the Guerguerat[Read More...]

Political Islam and Democracy Crisis in North Africa  

When the news circulated that Morocco’s leading political group, the Development and Justice Party (PJD), has been trounced in the latest elections, held in September, official media mouthpieces in Egypt celebrated the news as if the PJD’s defeat was, in itself, a blow to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood movement. Regionally, political commentators who dedicated much […]

What is Behind Algeria’s Severance of Diplomatic Ties with Morocco?

By Vladimir Odintsov – New Eastern Outlook – 29.08.2021 “Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Morocco as of August 24,” Algerian Foreign Minister Ramdan Lamamra told a news conference, accusing the neighboring kingdom of “hostile actions.” Although the termination of diplomatic relations has already taken effect, consulates in each country will […]