The Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN), an agency affiliated with the Ministry of Defence, said in a recent analysis paper that the United States is now prioritizing its relationship with Morocco over Spain as a regional partner in the Mediterranean.
The report emphasized the impact of Morocco’s enhanced diplomatic relations with Israel as a key factor influencing this shift.
The analysis, conducted by Pedro Francisco Ramos Josa, a professor at the International University of Valencia, pointed out that the turning point occurred at the end of 2020 when former President Donald Trump recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco.
In response, Morocco strengthened its ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords.
Ramos Josa said that, despite Spain being a NATO ally and hosting a significant U.S. naval base, the U.S. prioritized relations with Morocco due to the perceived strategic advantages in the region.
Morocco’s historical significance to the United States was underscored, with the country being the first to recognize U.S. independence in 1777, and Washington’s first diplomatic delegation was established in Tangier.
The report noted also the importance of Morocco as a regional partner for the United States in areas such as security, trade, and development. Notably, Morocco purchased $10 billion worth of military equipment from the United States in 2019.
Ramos Josa criticized Spain’s response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, stating that the U.S. decision reflected a transactional approach favoring Morocco over a NATO ally.
“Under the transactional approach that prevails in Washington, Morocco offered the United States on this occasion more than Spain, hence the decision on Western Sahara,” said the author.
The author underscored the success of Morocco’s diplomatic moves and criticized Spain’s inability to adapt to changing dynamics.
The report was released during a period of tension between the Spanish and American governments, exacerbated by the crisis in the Red Sea following Israel’s war on Gaza.
The U.S. sought Spain’s participation in international missions, but Spain refused to join the US-led coalition.
In a separate development in 2023, Spain faced internal challenges as two CNI agents were arrested for allegedly passing information to the U.S. CIA.
The arrests, confirmed by Defense Minister Margarita Robles, led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with the expulsion of at least two CIA operatives from Spain.
The incident raised concerns about espionage and strained relations between the Spanish and U.S. administrations.
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