Monday morning and back to work…..my weekend was lovely….lovely people, lovely weather and lovely food……time to get back to the insanity we call reality.
I would like to thank my friends at Ace News Room for they know of my interest in the plight of Western Sahara and have helped me pass on the story of these brave people in search of independence.
Before we get to my post on the situation I would like to pass on the words of Sahara Watch , a pro-Morocco site…..in defense of keeping Western Sahara under the thumb of the King of Morocco……
It is never a good idea to make broad generalizations about Africa. For every long-term dictatorship, there is another nation that has embraced democracy. For every country that is struggling economically, such as Sierra Leone, ranked nearly last in the world in economic growth, there are two more African nations that are thriving, like Ethiopia and Cote d’Ivoire, each with growth rates over eight percent.
There is one generalization, however, that holds true much of the time: Creating new nations doesn’t solve problems so much as create new ones. The past quarter century has seen two new nations born in Africa — Eritrea and South Sudan. Neither has thrived. Since its founding in 1993, Eritrea has launched wars against all of its neighbors — including Yemen, which is separated from Eritrea by the Red Sea. Since its creation in 2011, South Sudan has headed straight into civil war and humanitarian catastrophe. (This is not to say that new sovereign nations shouldn’t be considered when they can bring stability out of chaos, as with the Kurds in Syria and Iraq, or the case of Somaliland).
So the somewhat-remote possibility of a new nation in the Sahara should be seen as a cause for concern. That possibility exists in Western Sahara, a little-known but large swath of land on the Atlantic side of the desert. Long part of Morocco, Western Sahara was reclaimed by Morocco in the 1970s as the Spanish ended their colonial rule there. Unfortunately, local rebels teamed up with Algeria, Cuba, and other Soviet-era comrades to launch a war against the Moroccans. In 1991, the sides reached a ceasefire, with Morocco controlling nearly all of its former territory.
The rebel forces, known as the Polisario, retreated to camps in the Algerian portion of the Sahara. The United Nations began to plan for a referendum on the future of Western Sahara, but after a decade of international efforts, no consensus emerged on who, exactly, would vote. At the urging of several nations, including the United States, Morocco has put forward a plan for an autonomous region in Western Sahara, but under the ultimate sovereignty of Morocco. The Polisario has refused to consider the plan, and has threatened a return to violence.
This issue received attention recently, when U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki moon, during a trip in the region, made reference to Western Sahara being “occupied” by Moroccan forces. The remark prompted a massive demonstration in Morocco, with as many as three million people marching in the streets.
This minor controversy has provided an opportunity for the international community to take the sensible step of communicating to the Polisario and Algeria that independence for Western Sahara is not a viable option, and that it should accept Morocco’s offer of autonomy. This outcome — limited independence for the people of Western Sahara — is a reasonable compromise that accounts for most of the interests of all parties. To be blunt, an independent Western Sahara would be a disaster, much like Eritrea and South Sudan have become.
Looking east from Morocco, the map of the Horn of Africa is filled with turmoil, much of it caused by the two new nations, and some of it spilling over to the Arabian Peninsula, where the United States has vast strategic interests. Eritrea, which once supported Houthi rebels in Yemen, is now on the side of the coalition seeking to thwart them. In South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, one that would not exist but for American diplomacy, tens of thousands have been killed in a brutal civil war and two million people have been driven from their homes. It is Syria on the Nile — the world’s latest failed state.
There is no reason to visit this chaos on Morocco or the Sahara region. Morocco, which was the first nation to recognize the United States in 1777, is one of our oldest and closest friends. It was a staunch ally of the United States in the Cold War, and is now a key Arab nation in the fight against terror and radical extremism.
Both Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush noted, regarding Western Sahara, that “[g]enuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty [is] the only feasible solution.” The Obama administration should use the current controversy to make this solution a reality.
(Sahara Watch Orgaization)
This group main purpose is to keep Morocco in control of Western Sahara which is the US stance. It is a tacky stance!
IST readers know that I have a soft spot in my heart for the people of Western Sahara……my concern comes from many years ago when I was employed as a researcher/analyst and was sent to t…
I dunna know nofink, except my Algerian friend Majid sure looks down on the Morrocans!
Calls then servile dogs….
haha 😉
Not many like the Moroccans…they have this superiority complex that most dislike….
ps…he speaks 4/5 languages…
Who am I to disagree?
I won’t tell you wot he thinks of the Muslim brotherhood, and least of all the French!…
Franz Fanon to you…
Not to mention the U.S. of Aaaaaaa
grin
LOL
pps..
I woz in Morrocco/Marakesh last year….I cld not breathe owing to the pollution of single stroke bike engines..
at least the only thing in the Atlas mountains woz avoiding the drug traffickers…
other than that..haha..the scenery woz beautiful..
hahaa…the above is rather true….
Those mountains are beautiful…..
I have to share this with you…
I have just been skyped by the Lebanese bride Maguy…who upon arriving at the International airport of Dubai,said to me …in all seriousness…
‘Pennie,this is not an Arab country!’
Hahaha….
Poor child…
I said, never mind,they are from the desert….haha
She said…’Yes,this true’
Bless her….Dubai is truly gross!
Wot has my brother done?
she woz asked to cover her arms at customs( she had a t shirt on)….
Ya know the UAE dislike the Lebanese….not to forget Saudi..
I wonder why?.
politics!
sweet 😉
People have a right over their land. How does Morocco claim the region?? To me the situation is clear. Morocco is illegally claiming what is no right over.What is the History prior to the Colonial Powers coming in?
That is what Morocco is saying…before the colonial days this part of the Sahara was under the King of Morocco.
Once again the US sides with authoritarian rule over democracy and freedom…..we really need to stop pretending that the US is a champion of liberty and democracy…..chuq
I think the Facade remains within the US only. All the others know The Emperor is actually Nude.
You are correct…..there is something wired wrong in our brains…..at least most of us….
I checked a bit. The Moroccans may have a point. The area and Morocco were one Kingdom.The Songhai Empire did accept Moroccon suzerainty.
Yep and the US was part of the UK empire….these are asking for nothing but what they live on….and ask….what is the big draw for Morocco to keep Western Sahara? It is not that rich or a region so it must be just the land size to keep their empire from the past….sad reason to deny people a free voice in their own land….chuq
It is a bit complex. Colonial Empires were different as they destroyed culture and people. Thus US and UK example is not valid, however Native Indians and Immigrants from UK( Europe) could be a point for return of land to original Inhabitants. Back to Western Sahara: the problem is the Region did belong to Kingdoms Of Morocco and Kingdom from Mali. Most Inhabitants were Nomadic Tribes. How then to define which region belongs to which Sect ?
Most of the people within the boundaries are Sahawris as it is today there is a Moroccan wall built to separate the west from the east…the larger cities are on the west side of the wall and the desert on the east….they are willing to give the people limited autonomy if they obey Morocco…..I have written much on Western Sahara it would be easier for us if you need the links I will provide….chuq
I will study more to overcome my lack of education about the region. The Sahawris are a mix of many Tribes and they inhabit not only Western Sahara but parts of Mauritania and Algeria as well.
Mauritania fought with Morocco for control in the 60’s I believe but they decided that they were not going to get involved in this because there was no benefit from it. Algeria is supporting that so-called rebels in their disagreement with Morocco…the people do not want to be ruled by laws from another people…..I guess we could compare them to any other people that want their independence…..the Kurds or Assyrians or Chaldean, etc…..
The only difference is the current Inhabitants “Sahrawis” as people brand them now are actually a conglomeration of Nomadic Tribes. They never grew roots.
I guess we could say the same about the Bedouins…..they are Bedouins not Israeli or Jordanian or……they may be nomadic but they till have a common culture that is not the same as that of Morocco….this is nothing but a land grab then we are back to colonial aspirations.
“Israelis” are a Modern Term too. Modern Isrealis are a conglomeration of Numerous Immigrants with the common thread being their Religion.Bedouins are Nomadic Tribe but grew roots like the House of Saud.
The Israelis are similar to the Sahawris…
How so? I think I am missing something.
A loose band of tribes that became a country…it is early maybe I missed something….not sure.
are we talking of Western Sahara??
I believe that was about Israel….was it before coffee? LOL
ha ha. Moses led a tribe??
Moses lead a people….the tribes came later about the time of Saul, I believe…..but then that is assuming that there were slaves in Egypt to begin with…
I believe they were Slaves and Egypt then was a mighty Empire ( like The US of that time)
I have found little research that would agree…they had servants…I believe the Hebrews were mercenaries that were put to work when no war was available…they did not like having to work for a living and they had a mini revolt and left…
thanks, you have given me some work now. will revert on this sooner than later.
Glad to help….if it is what you desired…if not…then I am sorry…chuq LOL
Yes, very interesting to learn and discover. I hope I can travel to the region too.
I loved it there…heat and all….the desert is beautiful….the street food is to die for…..sorry I go on and on….chuq
Please do, unchartered territory for me
I have read some research that the Hebrews were actually just a tribe with the Canaanite people….
now we are talking of Ancient Times.
But I like history….sorry cannot help but do a historic perspective now and then….
Yes it is very interesting. How things change, the politics etc: fascinating. I love chatting with you as well. ( sorry do not agree always)
I like it better that we do not agree sometimes…..makes for better exchanges.
Yes on that I agree a 100%. (would be boring to keep nodding in agreement)
I thought you might like to see this from the press……
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/04/us-congress-aid-western-sahara-sahrawi-morocco.html?utm_source=Al-Monitor+Newsletter+%5BEnglish%5D&utm_campaign=7d146ac251-April_05_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_28264b27a0-7d146ac251-102406829
Interesting, thank you. What to say , but shake my head. I have been to Morocco in the early 1990s , beautiful but very restrictive country. I remember we had to always keep our Passports with us . The Customs were Rude and insisted on tearing open every present I had for my Hosts.
I worked there in the 80’s and I had a Helluva time when I had to visit Western Sahara for a project I was assigned….they were just as you described.
That is interesting. I know you have more than a soft corner for the Oppressed.
Yep….I think that we all deserve a bit of freedom and I do have a soft spot….
True
My problem is that powers are decided this issue not the people….if they want to go on their own then they should be able to do so.
Kurds do not fall in the same classification.
You are right….I should have used another example….
Thank you for bearing with me, I find discussions help in learning. I will not be offended if you wish not to discuss any further. I am not involved personally, nor do I know anyone from the Region of western sahara.
It is no problem…..I just afraid I will not able to do so in a timely manner…..I worked there in the 1980’s and came to know the people and the land…..so I have a one sided look I guess we can say…
Definitely makes a difference.Initially I thought Morocco was just being over ambitious in grabbing Territory. Now am not so sure. The International Court of Justice admits the territory was once under the Sultans of Morocco , but loosely.
Why would they want to subjugate a people that will not give up a desire to be independent?
This is Human Nature. Every colonial power subjugated people across the world. They still are.
Oh I agree but does not make it right. After all this is the 21st century and not the 17th…
Since when do humans follow what is Right.You yourself know the Policy countries Pursue. See Syria, Yemen, Libya, Ukraine and now Armenia-Aberjain conflict.
Yes, yes….but I can put myself above petty land wants and see a bigger picture….not that anyone in authority would care what I think.
alas, only if they did, the world would be a better place.
Good post, & one I’d generally join in, if only to take a shot at an oligarch or two. But, posting used up most of what I had today, and my daughter’s coming for her b’day dinner tonight, so, I’m forgoing commenting elsewhere than ECR, after this one, so I can grab a couple Z’s (hope springs eternal) before she gets here.
Y’all have fun today….
gigoid
No problem we must do what we must do…..go get some rest….chuq