US Influence Shapes Spain’s Shift on Western Sahara Autonomy Plan

Morocco has strengthened its position as a leader in North Africa and the rest of the Arab world, after signing the Abraham Accords in 2020 under the auspices of the United States, which led to the normalization of relations between Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

To read: article 91684

Morocco has historical ties with the United States, which convinced it to sign these agreements in exchange for the recognition of its sovereignty over the Sahara. In 2016, Morocco had threatened the Americans to cede a military base to Russia in the Atlantic if its claims on the Sahara were not met. Washington, not wanting to lose an important ally like Morocco, has used all its weight in the decision of Spain to change its position on the Sahara, believes El Espanol.

To read: US Influence Suspected in Spain’s Shift on Western Sahara Autonomy

Thus, it seems that the United States has put pressure on Pedro Sanchez to first strengthen Spain’s relationship with Morocco during the diplomatic crisis and then support the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara to end the crisis. Without a doubt, the Abraham Accords and the (new) Cold War between Washington and Moscow in the Middle East and the Maghreb have led to Spain’s change of position on the Sahara.