Algeria finds itself at a diplomatic crossroads following the firm backing of the United States for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
In contrast to its severe response to European countries such as Spain and France, which also supported Morocco’s autonomy proposal, Algiers has opted for a reserved approach towards Washington, showing a clear difference in treatment that highlights a strategic change.
The shift began with the Trump administration, when the United States consolidated its position in favour of the Moroccan autonomy plan, describing it as ‘serious, credible and realistic’.
This position was recently reaffirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
It made clear that Washington considers this initiative as the only viable basis for a lasting solution to the conflict.
Unlike its usual reaction, such as the withdrawal of ambassadors or the suspension of treaties as happened with Spain after it recognised Moroccan sovereignty, Algeria limited itself to issuing an official communiqué expressing its ‘regret’ at the US position.
This measured response contrasts with the episodes of confrontation with European countries, where Algerian diplomacy did not hesitate to act harshly.
The reason for this moderation is based on the fear of even greater isolation on the international stage.
Analysts such as Rachid Lazraq, professor of political science at Ibn Tofail University, emphasise to Al-Arab that this attitude reveals the double standard of Algerian diplomacy, which avoids direct confrontation with the United States so as not to be marginalised regionally.
Furthermore, the Algerian regime has been seeking a strategic rapprochement with Washington for years.
During Trump’s presidency, Algeria offered military cooperation, arms deals and access to its abundant mineral resources as part of an attempt to influence the US stance on Western Sahara.
The Algerian ambassador in Washington, Sabri Boukadoum, even declared in March that his country was willing to engage in dialogue on all fronts, especially in the areas of security, maritime intelligence, rescue operations and the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.
This strategy of rapprochement, however, has not borne the expected fruit.
The position of the United States has remained firm and consistent, aligning itself with the Moroccan vision since Trump’s first term.
In view of this, Algeria is forced to adopt a cold diplomatic tone, without the aggressive rhetoric used previously, in an attempt to save face in the eyes of public opinion and avoid clashes with a decisive power on the international stage.
Mohammed Al-Tayyar, a Moroccan expert in security and strategic studies, emphasised to the media that this measured language had never before been used by Algeria in matters related to the Sahara, which confirms that the fear of a deterioration of relations with Washington has substantially moderated its discourse.
The explicit recognition of Moroccan sovereignty by the United States, just days before a key Security Council session on Western Sahara, has intensified the diplomatic isolation of Algeria, which already faces growing internal and external criticism for its inflexible stance and its inability to adapt to a new geopolitical balance in the region.
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