Andry
Tineo
INTL
31004
K.
Yanes
The
City College of New York, CUNY
Winter
2013
Exposé:
Friends, Neighbors and others
Friends
are people you can count on for assistance or support. At one point in life we
need friends and we must choose them wisely. In chapter twelve, “Friends,
Neighbors, and Others” in Marvine Howe’s book Morocco: The Islamist Awakening and Other Challenges stated the new
stages of the political relations Morocco has with foreign countries. Morocco's
friends and neighbors had been Europe, France and Spain. Morocco was the first
nation in the world to recognize the U.S in 1777. Since 1786 the United States
and Morocco have the oldest unbroken pact, which is the treaty of Peace and
Friendship (304). A new relationship came along with the United States in
spring of 2002. Morocco was one of the very few Arab countries to support the
United States in fighting terrorism. According to Mohammed VI, he wants to
fight terrorism because it is not only a concern to his country but also to all
the democratic people.
In
acknowledgement of their new friendship President George W. Bush announced the
free trade agreement, which would be beneficial to both countries. Supporting
the United States was like playing with fire because there were offenses in
Afghanistan and Iraq due to the previous World Trade Center attack. Morocco
primarily used to only look up to Europe and somewhat to the United States as
its main economic partner and pathway to modern progress (302).
With
the free trade agreement with America, it seemed like Morocco wanted to have
partnership with many benefits since they did not only want free trade. They
also wanted more investment in industries and services due to the fact that they
were not making much progress with their partnership with Europe. Free trade
was a controversial topic and it was requested that agriculture should not be
spoken of since they thought it was dangerous to be involved with one of their
main agriculture partner who was Europe and also have relations with others.
Morocco was scared that it would affect them economically.
Some
events that have occurred seemed odd. In May of 2003, Casablanca had suicide
bombings which is a mystery too many. Everyone wonders if the attacks were
intentional and if it was a new way of radical Islamist preaching their
movement, a conviction of Moroccans pro-western and American policies or
another indication of the rivalry between those that are wealthy and
underprivileged. At the current state of Morocco, I think it possibly could
have been any of the three, who knows the honest truth. I feel similar with
9/11 being a mystery as well.
The
sovereignty of the Western Sahara land continues to be a disagreement in which
it has affected political relations with many of its neighbors. During the
1960's the Soviet Union was supporting Morocco’s opponent, Algeria who was
fighting the indigenous people of the Western Sahara. In retaliation Morocco
reinforced their relationship with the West. It has been quite a challenge
claiming the Western Sahara, which is still an issue between the Polisario and
Morocco. Morocco was in agreement with the United States for the free trade
association thinking that they will assist in claiming the Western Sahara.
Morocco’s
enemy is their neighbor Algeria due to the issue with the Sahara. Their best
friend is Saudi Arabia since they have the same opponents other than Algeria.
They corresponded to each other with anything they could provide. Saudi Arabia supported
Morocco with money for war in the Sahara, essential oil, financing, investments
and jobs. Morocco provided technical cadres, security specialist and welcoming
vacation sites (318).
An
interesting fact that this chapter states was how Hassan II was recognized for
his role as a peacemaker. During the Arab-Israeli issue he was in good
relations with both and was considered as the mediator. Hassan was in relation
with many countries that it is remarkable that his own funeral was considered
his final act as a peacemaker. Mohammed VI tried to proceed in accordance with
his father by creating a multidimensional foreign policy. Due to this there is
an ongoing battle and pressure in which some Moroccans are stuck choosing
between their Islamic beliefs and attraction with the West.
Morocco
has many relations and has been seeking for support from their friends and
neighbors in search of solutions for their country. It seems as if Morocco has
always had a main concern of getting assistance in resolving their issue with
the Western Sahara. They have been persistent in finding help to claim the
Sahara and seems as if they will not quit because they have come too far to
stop now. Other than supporting the United States in fighting terrorism the
relation between the West and Morocco was a focus on new trade, investment and
tourism. Although there was a general rise of anti-Americanism in Morocco and
other Arab countries because Americans had issues with Afghanistan and Iraq. Morocco
was courageous enough because they still tried to build stronger and friendly
relations. Regardless that Morocco was not in agreement with their neighbors
they clearly showed their support to the West since they did not agree with
violence and terrorism.
I believe that Morocco had sent a strong message to the Arab world, as well as the enitre West when it showed support to the Unites States after the September eleventh attacks. The country seems to try and keep strong, positive relationships with many countries in various parts of the worls. Each brings a different, yet important impact to the country. Although taking sides and showing support for the U.S cause great controversy among the Arab nations, I believe it is was in the best interest of the country to do so. We all want to keep good relationships with as many people as we can, but especially with those who can ive us the most support. As one of the most powerful nations in the world, Morocco wants to keep America near by. It also shows the importance of what it means to stand up for a cause, despite what others might think.
ReplyDeleteThe topic of diplomacy and foreign policy is one that greatly interests me. Morocco seems to have varied interests and open relations with other states; this chapter further highlights it’s multifaceted foreign policy programs with its neighbors, Europe and the U.S in particular. Morocco’s has embarked on programs of free trade and support of the fight against terrorism with the U.S, both very controversial issues. The fact that Morocco engages in U.S friendly foreign policies reveals its agenda and personal interest, specifically with the quest for the acquisition of Western Sahara and increasing its services sector. I think what is most interesting and unique of Morocco is it’s western friendly and support of the fight against terrorism, considering that the majority of Arab world was against this U.S policy. It’s not only courageous of Morocco to take this stand but also, more importantly, shows its intentions and priorities as a state that continues to modernize and democratize.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to know that Morocco like Pakistan decided to support US in its war against terrorism. However, it makes me wonder if the people of Morocco supported the decision of their government to support US against the war or not? Morocco supported US unlike Turkey whose Muslim population voiced against the war. Although, Morocco unlike Pakistan and is geographically located at a very strategic position. I wonder if there were any mass demonstrations in Morocco against the King's decision to side with the U.S. in the war.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that early on in this article when Morocco's friends and neighbors are being listed, none of them were African countries. Morocco lies in close proximity to Europe but it still remains an African country. In order for Morocco to remain out of the heavy light of scrutiny it must balance its much valued European neighbors with its obligations to its African constituents. I also find it to be of significance the fact that Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States in 1777. Morocco has maintained somewhat of a steady relationship with the U.S. This led to free trade agreement, this also gave Morocco a super power to rely on when things weren't going so well with its European partners.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear being in Morocco that they have a good relationship with the U.S., because of how welcoming the people were to us Americans. The only issue is that as Morocco is becoming more westernized, conflicts are going to rise such as the suicide bombing in Cassablanca, which may have been caused by radical Islamist. More so, what I really wonder about, is why the U.S. isn't in support of Morocco in fighting to claim the Sahara desert. If they have a good relationship, then the U.S. should be able to be an ally to Morocco. The way countries work and are able to maintain relationships are very cool, U.S. and Morocco still has a long way to go as many Moroccans are not thrilled about the western influences the U.S. is bringing to Morocco.
ReplyDeleteBased off of what I have seen and experienced in the United States, I think it is wise to maintain a healthy relationship with this country simply because it is a superpower. Usually I question why countries seek to imitate the actions of the West, but it does make sense why a developing country would do so - if they have one of the most powerful countries as an ally, it gives them more leeway for advancement. The terrorist attacks in Casablanca are utterly dumbfounding because it is a display of how far extremist Islamists would go to show their discontent with westernization. I'm all for voicing your opinions but why is it impossible to do so without violence?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kwiz. Even though Morocco is an Arab nation and lies in the African continent, they have showed time and time again that they are true friends to Europe and America rather than other Arab or African countries. I was not surprised to learn that they were the first to recognize the U.S. in 1777 or that they supported the U.S. decision to engage a war against terrorism. Morocco also shows a lot of suport for Israel, which is very controversial as well. Their clear support for Europe and the U.S. helps them build a bridge towards modernization and democratizing the country. However, like Syira said: what about the people? Do the people support the government's position in all of this?
ReplyDeleteMorocco's devotion to the U.S is representative of an "if you can't beat them, join them" ideology as the U.S Free Trade pacts are often viewed a neocolonial. While a partnership with U.S may ensure economic growth via foreign direct investment in the long run, what also ensues are larger disparities between rich and poor. Moroccan friendly relations with the hegemonic U.S is nothing more than a business arrangement to ensure that the King's dinner plate remains full.
ReplyDeleteI can understand where Morocco is coming from in terms of having the United States as an ally--- however, it's not wise to be completely dependent on a superpower. The reason I say this is is because the major superpowers, France and the United States, played a big role in colonization and imperialism. Their domineering ways instigated the premeditated events that caused many countries to be in debt to the United States. Furthermore, its not just in Morocco's best interest to have the US as an ally but also good for the United States because this reaps many benefits such as the ability to trade and continue to make the US look good. After all, like Latrice said, US is a hegemonic power and played a big role in suppressing many nations under the guise of being their ally and giving support. It's wise not to forget that history.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that Morocco is in good relations with Europe. Because Morocco chooses to focus more of their efforts into good relation with the United States and Europe or the European Union (EU), they are trying to align with the "bigger" or "super powers" within the United Nations. In my opinion, I believe that because Morocco is focusing more on alligning with these "super countries", they will obtain full support within any issue that Morocco encounters. However, I also believe that Morocco should focus more on their relations with Africa and the African Union (AU) because as they are an African nation, they can use that to their advantage more so than they could within the EU. It is wise for Morocco, to gain the support of the EU and the US, but they should not mainly focus on these relations, but also with their relations with their neighbors and other African Nations.
ReplyDeleteWe are living in interesting times and Morocco is an interesting local in these times. Andry I am glad you fleshed this topic the way you did it really shows the history of Morocco's relations and where it may go as a result. Morocco is standing next door to the border of ideas between the west and the middle east. It is clearly standing on the Middle East side of things but it is equally clear that it has taken much influence from its brothers on the other side of that line. The balance of relations at play here is a very delicate one. Morocco must hold onto its brotherhood with its fellow Islamic countries but in order to develop as a country it must be able to deal well with its brothers to the west. It has been skirting this fine line for years but as people on both sides become less and less patient with the other it has been a very precise dance of politics. It will be very interesting to see the direction Morocco will take in he coming years.
ReplyDelete