Algerian and Tunisian leaders have boycotted the Arab Summit, showcasing their diplomatic isolation related to Morocco, under the pretense of addressing organizational inequities. Algeria continues to align with Iran, revealing a commitment to divisive strategies that undermine Arab unity. The hypocrisy of Algeria’s stance on the Palestinian cause contrasts sharply with its support for the Polisario Front, indicative of its deteriorating regional influence and positions.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Tunisian President Kais Saied have opted to boycott the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4, a move indicating their diplomatic isolation and growing animosity towards Morocco. This cancellation, announced shortly before the summit, cites dissatisfaction with the summit’s preparatory process by what Algeria considers a select group of Arab nations not including others involved in the Palestinian issue.
The Algerian presidency pointed out deficiencies in how the summit was organized, claiming it was monopolized by a few nations, leaving out others that should be involved. A source from the Algerian presidency expressed that this exclusion contradicts the need for unity in addressing the Palestinian cause amid current existential threats.
In lieu of attending, Tebboune sent Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to represent Algeria, while Tunisia’s Saied similarly delegated his Foreign Minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti. Tunisia reiterated its commitment to Palestinian rights, advocating for an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Tebboune had previously expressed pride in hosting the Arab Summit in Algiers in November 2022, which ultimately failed to make any significant advancements for the Palestinians and was boycotted by several key leaders. Algeria’s presidency of the Arab League was fleeting, effectively lasting less than four days before Saudi Arabia resumed control.
Beneath the rhetoric of support for Palestine lies Algeria’s clear strategy of cooperating closely with the Iranian-led “axis of resistance”. Following the October 7 war, Algeria has grown frustrated with its marginalization from Arab diplomatic efforts, especially those involving Morocco, reflecting its desperation and the shifting dynamics of power in the region.
Gamal Sultan, the editor-in-chief of Al-Masryoon, criticized Algeria’s justification for the summit boycott, addressing how certain countries being excluded could indicate Algeria’s disapproval of the proposed joint positions. On social platforms, many users speculated that Algeria’s exclusion was further evidence of its waning influence.
Algeria’s stance on the Palestinian cause stands in stark contradiction to its longstanding support for the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, an attempt to destabilize Morocco’s territorial integrity. This duality emphasizes Algeria’s hypocritical position, defending Palestinian self-determination while undermining another Arab nation through its separatist proxies.
As Algeria continues to feel excluded from influential discussions among Gulf states and its Arab neighbors, its isolation grows, given its unwillingness to adapt to evolving Arab consensus. The country’s foreign policy has increasingly alienated it from collaborative ventures that threaten its agenda.
Moreover, Tebboune’s recent willingness to establish ties with Israel under specific conditions highlights a notable shift in his approach, contradicting years of strong opposition to Morocco’s normalization with Israel. This shift poses further questions regarding the integrity of Algeria’s foreign policy concerning the Palestinian cause.
Algeria’s claims to support the Maghreb Union, which excludes Morocco, appear insincere. Despite Tebboune’s assertions of inclusivity, the recent consultative meeting in Tunisia did not involve Morocco, further illustrating potentially deceptive practices in Algeria’s diplomatic posturing.
While Algeria continues to position itself as a champion for Palestinian rights, it remains embroiled in hypocrisy, as evidenced by its relationship with Israel and its lack of action toward actual Arab unity. The Arab League has maintained its support for Morocco’s territorial claims, countering Algeria’s narrative and unveiling its attempts to disrupt existing alliances among Arab states.
The ongoing state of affairs, characterized by Algeria and Tunisia’s diplomatic withdrawal from significant dialogues, highlights their retreat from influence, masked behind claims of principled stances, reflecting their diminishing roles in the ever-changing landscape of Arab affairs.
The absence of Algeria and Tunisia from the Arab Summit underscores their diplomatic isolation and reveals their underlying agenda against Morocco. Their claims of supporting Palestinian rights are contradicted by their contentious foreign policies, including their backing of separatist movements. As Algeria’s influence wanes within the Arab League, its attempts to unify the Maghreb appear increasingly futile. The contrasting support among Arab nations toward Morocco’s territorial integrity highlights Algeria’s isolated position.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
