Qatar’s Air Force One Gift to Trump Alarms Spain: North African Power Shift Looms

Are Spanish interests in North Africa under threat? This is at least the fear of Spain after the announcement of Qatar providing a new Air Force One to US President Donald Trump. Aware of the discreet role of mediator played by this Gulf country in the pacification of relations between Morocco and Algeria, the peninsula fears that this partnership between Qatar and the United States may work against it in the conflict in the Sahara, analyzes El Debate.

Spain has found itself, against its will, in the middle of two rivals: Morocco and Algeria. The Iberian peninsula has suffered the wrath of Algeria, which has suspended its gas contract and broken off diplomatic relations, after Pedro Sanchez expressed his support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, considered as "the most serious, realistic and credible basis" to resolve this conflict. By signing a strategic partnership with Qatar in 2022, Spain thought it would strengthen its presence in the region and circumvent tensions with Rabat and Algiers.

Spain fears finding itself in an even more delicate position if a rapprochement between Qatar and the United States were to take place. Qatar could become the true arbiter of the Sahara conflict, relegating Spain to an even more secondary role in a matter it considers vital to its national security. This strengthening of ties between Doha and Washington could alter the delicate balance that Spain has sought to maintain in North Africa.