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Significance
The move follows heightened tension in Western Sahara and a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution in April renewing the UN’s mandate in the disputed territory. Developments are linked to Morocco’s relations with Washington as well as Gulf Arab allies Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Impacts
A Moroccan attempt to change the status quo in Western Sahara would further damage Morocco-Algeria ties.
A diplomatic crisis in Western Sahara could heighten protests in the territory and draw unwanted attention to Moroccan actions there.
The six-month MINURSO extension means that another escalation in the territory is likely before the end of the year.
Keywords:
Morocco,
ME/NAF,
Iran,
Saudi Arabia,
United Arab Emirates,
Western Sahara,
Algeria,
international relations,
politics
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2018
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