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Morocco
Anti-Americanism, indeed anti-Westernism is clearly rampant throughout the Islamic World. The most immediate threat is Algeria. The West, with Spain as its agent, is hoping that Morocco will remain moderate. Because of its history, Spain has a love-hate relationship with Morocco. While Spain brings up the subject of Gibraltar on every possible occasion, it avoids mention its ownership of two Gibraltars in Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla, which do not have any autonomy. Spanish TV stresses the loyalty of their population, but is forced to contend with their use for illegal immigration to Spain and thence to Europe generally. With Western encouragement, Spain is aiding Morocco in a variety of ways; construction of a tunnel under the Strait of Gilbraltar is planned.
A meeting of top representatives of Spain and Morocco has just been held in Malaga. As usual, the final communique said little. Significantly, the Moroccan representatives spoke French, but the French are discreetly staying in the background. The Moroccan control of the ex-Spanish Sahara is a major subject. The West is not keen on seeing it taken over by Polisario, which has close ties to Algeria. Perhaps the Moroccan regime will be saved, but its leverage on the Islamic World generally is small.
Ronald Hilton -
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