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Moroccan-Israeli Peace Addresses Multiple Security Challenges

(Jerusalem Post) Dore Gold - King Mohammed VI has bravely moved Morocco into the circle of states making formal peace with Israel, a move that is not without risks for the Moroccans. The security challenges they face primarily emanate from the area of the former Spanish colony of the Western Sahara, where an insurgency campaign is being waged by guerrillas from the Iran-backed Polisario Front with the support of Algeria. Morocco had valid claims to this disputed territory; many tribes in the area had been historically linked to the Moroccan monarchy. In 2018, Morocco presented documents proving that Tehran was arming and training the Polisario with the help of Hizbullah, including the supply of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. Moreover, the Iranians were using their embassy in Algiers as a conduit to the Polisario. As a result, Morocco cut its diplomatic ties with Iran. It was clear that the Polisario, far from being a national liberation movement, had linked itself to the terrorist network Iran had established across the Middle East and Africa. Recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara sends a message to Iran that the U.S. wished to reinforce political moderation across the region and weaken the axis of extremism. When the voices of Arab moderation are secured, peace can become a reality. But if Iran enters undisturbed, then any peace can be undermined. The writer, former director-general of the Israel Foreign Ministry and ambassador to the UN, is president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
2020-12-28 00:00:00
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