Algeria and Tunisia’s absence from the March 4 Arab Summit highlights their diplomatic isolation and anti-Morocco agenda. Allegations of monopolization of the summit by a select group of Arab nations prompted the boycott. Despite claims of solidarity with Palestine, Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front contradicts its purported stance. The evolving geopolitics and strong backing for Morocco by the Arab League illustrate a shifting balance of power in the region.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Tunisian President Kais Saied’s decision to boycott the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4 underscores their growing isolation within the Arab community and highlights their evident anti-Morocco stance. The announcement from Algeria came just two days prior to the summit, stating that discrepancies in the summit’s preparatory process influenced Tebboune’s absence. He criticized the alleged monopolization of the agenda by a select group of Arab countries, claiming that it hindered inclusive dialogue regarding the Palestinian issue.
Tebboune sent Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to represent Algeria at the summit, while Tunisia’s Saied similarly designated his Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti. The Tunisian presidency reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian rights, emphasizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. A stark contrast exists when considering the lack of substantial achievements from previous summits, including the one Tebboune hosted in Algiers in 2022, which was marred by boycotts from notable Arab leaders.
The rhetoric surrounding Palestinian solidarity by Algeria and Tunisia is overshadowed by Algeria’s alignment with the Iranian-influenced “axis of resistance.” The situation following the conflict on October 7 left Algeria feeling sidelined and desperate to criticize Arab coordination that includes Morocco. Despite this, Algeria continues to resist introspection regarding its Arab relations and increasingly finds itself at odds with emerging Arab alliances.
Gamal Sultan, editor-in-chief of Al-Masryoon, remarked on the inexplicability of Tebboune’s criticism regarding the preparatory process for the summit. Social media commentary explored Algeria’s absence from discussions, attributing it to its rejection of the anticipated Arab consensus. Concerns about the perceived monopolization of the Palestinian cause further illustrate Algeria’s sensitive political climate.
Algeria’s hypocrisy is evident in its handling of the Western Sahara issue, where it undermines Morocco’s sovereignty through support for the Polisario Front. Despite asserting its commitment to Arab solidarity, Algeria’s actions reveal a conflicting agenda that seeks to destabilize its neighbor. The ongoing Gulf meetings, absent Algerian representation, expose Algeria’s declining significance in regional diplomacy.
Tebboune’s recent shift toward normalizing relations with Israel, contingent on a Palestinian state’s establishment, illustrates a stark contradiction with his prior critiques of Morocco’s diplomatic relations with Israel. He attempted to normalize this stance by claiming it aligns with previous Algerian leadership policies. However, Algeria’s expanding trade relationship with Israel, contrary to Tebboune’s accusations against Morocco, raises questions about the sincerity of its political posturing.
Algeria’s push for a Maghreb Union, purportedly aimed at enhancing regional collaboration, continues to marginalize Morocco, which is crucial to North African stability. Recent gatherings in Tunisia further excluded Morocco, revealing the tensions within regional alliances. Despite claims of promoting Maghreb unity, Algeria’s support for separatists contradicts genuine collaborative efforts.
The Arab League’s unwavering backing for Morocco’s territorial integrity serves as a counterpoint to Algeria’s isolation. The continuous support for Morocco amidst Algeria’s attempts to sow discord highlights a shift in regional dynamics. International recognition of Morocco’s autonomy efforts continues to grow, while Arab nations increasingly prioritize collective security over Algeria’s fragmented approach to regional issues.
As Algeria and Tunisia exit the diplomatic limelight, their actions at the emergency summit spotlight their diminishing influence. The perceived boycott, while framed as a principled stance, ultimately underscores their isolation and lack of cohesive strategy to address pressing Arab challenges. The Cairo summit serves as an indicator of the evolving geopolitics in the region, characterized by a shifting alliance in favor of collaboration rather than division.
The absence of Algeria and Tunisia from the Arab Summit reveals significant shifts in regional diplomacy, characterized by their growing isolation and failure to align with emerging Arab coalitions. Algeria’s ongoing contradictions regarding support for Palestinian rights while undermining Moroccan sovereignty through support for separatists further illustrate its hypocritical stance. As Arab nations unify under shared interests, Algeria and Tunisia find themselves increasingly marginalized, showcasing a crucial transition in the Arab League dynamics.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
