Opinion: World Community Ignoring Refugees In Algeria

Joseph K. Grieboski, founder of the Institute of Religion and Public Policy, writes that the international community has forgotten the plight faced by refugees in Algerian and Polisario-run camps. However, with the recent kidnappings of Spanish aid-workers, the world is now showing concern for the situation in these camps. Grieboski points out that Algeria, in which the camps are located, has been silent regarding the kidnappings and must address the kidnappings and the Western Sahara issue at-large. Read More



Question of the Day: What more can be done to bring light upon the situation in the refugee Camps?

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Morocco Dealing With Lone-Wolf Terrorism

Morocco’s counter-terrorism measures have made it difficult for Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to gain a foothold in the country. However, Morocco continues to suffer from lone-wolf operators who operate outside the structure of the larger terrorist network. Though the Algerian-backed Polisario and AQIM are unlikely to work together because of Algeria’s opposition to Al-Qaida, Morocco’s primary source of trouble may be the Western Sahara. Analysts warn that its inhabitants’ anger with the Moroccan government may lead to youth being drawn to violence. Read More



Question of the Day: What can Morocco do to prevent Western Sahara from becoming a source of trouble?

Sentences Handed Out for Soccer Riots

Eleven people were convicted for their role in riots that killed seven people during a soccer game. The riot occurred in the Western Saharan city of Dakhla, after rival groups, which reportedly also included Sahrawi activists, and left two policeman among the dead. The sentences have ranged from eight months to a year. Read More

Morocco Reaffirms Committment to Finding Western Sahara Solution

Moroccan Foreign Minister Taïb Fassi Fihri told the UN Tuesday that his nation was ready to intensify negotiations in order to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. Fihri underscored the importance of finding a solution in light of the Arab Spring. In addition, Fihri stated that Morocco had been working hard to increase contacts with Algeria in order to improve relations between the two countries. Read More

Fatalities After Western Sahara Soccer Game

Seven people were killed after a soccer game in the city of Dakhla, Western Sahara. Two of the fatalities were policemen. Initial reports show that at least 20 people were injured. The interior minister of Morocco ordered an investigation into the incident. Read More

US Anaylsts: Polisario Increasing Drug Trade Efforts

According to US analysts, the Polisario has expanded its drug trafficking efforts in Northern Africa. This has led to the Polisario dividing into warring divisions, with the last month seeing opposing Polisario factions fighting on the Mali-Algeria border. One analyst stated that the Polisario, an Algerian-supported Western Sahara group, has teamed up with Al Qaida in the drug and weapons trade. Read More

New "Morocco Caucus" Formed in Congress

Leaders of Congress unveiled the formation of a "Congressional Morocco Caucus" last week. The bipartisan group is tasked with "deepening the economic and strategic relationship between the United States and Morocco". A letter sent from the group to fellow House members highlighted the importance of Morocco's alliance and praised Morocco's recent constitutional referendum in response to the Arab Spring. Members also worried that the continuing dispute in the Western Sahara was distracting from issues such as anti-terrorism and dealing with the regional unrest. Read More

Question of the Day: Does the formation of the Caucus represent a step-forward on the Western Sahara issue that will produce actual results?