Amid major geopolitical shifts in the Arab region, Moroccan-Syrian relations emerge as one of the issues raising questions about the possibility of overcoming past disagreements and opening a new chapter. Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the rise of a new government in Syria, Hafid El Zahri, a researcher in political and international studies, believes that relations between Rabat and Damascus are “heading towards clarity,” especially given the new Syrian regime’s desire to rebuild trust with Morocco. But can these relations overcome lingering issues, particularly the question of the Moroccan Sahara? This article analyzes the dimensions of this sensitive issue and raises questions about the future of relations between the two countries.
Moroccan-Syrian Relations: A History of Tensions
For decades, relations between Morocco and Syria have been marked by tensions, particularly since the 1970s when the Syrian regime led by Hafez al-Assad aligned with Algeria and Libya to support the Polisario Front, negatively impacting bilateral relations. These tensions peaked over the past decade, with Morocco closing its embassy in Damascus in 2012 due to the bloody escalation in Syria and the Syrian regime’s support for the Polisario.
Questions that arise:
- How did the former Syrian regime’s stance on the Sahara issue affect relations with Morocco?
- Can the new Syrian regime change its position on this issue?
- What factors might push Damascus to reconsider its regional alliances?
The New Syrian Regime: A Desire for Change?
With the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the rise of a new government, signs indicate that Damascus seeks to rebuild relations with Arab countries, including Morocco. Hafid El Zahri believes that the new regime intends to open a new chapter with Rabat, particularly due to its desire to reintegrate Syria into its Arab fold.
Analysis of signals:
- Congratulatory message from King Mohammed VI: The Moroccan monarch sent a congratulatory message to interim Syrian President Ahmed Charaf, reflecting good intentions from Morocco.
- Diplomatic contacts: Exchanges have taken place between the foreign ministers of both countries, but they have not yet led to the reopening of the Moroccan embassy in Damascus.
- Position on the Sahara issue: El Zahri believes that a change in the Syrian regime’s stance on this issue would be key to improving relations.
Critical questions:
- Can the new Syrian regime abandon its support for the Polisario?
- What benefits could the Syrian regime gain from improving relations with Morocco?
- How can Morocco leverage these changes to strengthen its international position?
The Sahara Issue: The Most Complex Dossier
The Sahara issue remains the most influential factor in Moroccan-Syrian relations. The former Syrian regime was one of the main supporters of the Polisario, making this issue a major obstacle to any improvement in bilateral relations. El Zahri believes that a change in the Syrian regime’s stance on this issue is necessary to open a new chapter.
Analysis of the position:
- Calls within Syria: Some Syrian factions, such as the National Salvation Front, have called on the new regime to sever ties with the Polisario and recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
- International stance: Morocco views the Sahara issue as “the compass of its foreign policy,” as described by King Mohammed VI, making any change in Damascus’ position of great importance.
Pending questions:
- Can the new Syrian regime abandon its support for the Polisario under national interest pressure?
- How can Morocco seize this opportunity to strengthen its position in international arenas?
- What concrete steps can both countries take to overcome this lingering issue?
Future Cooperation Prospects: Promising Areas
Despite challenges, researchers believe there are promising areas of cooperation between Morocco and Syria, particularly in security and economic fields. Morocco, with its extensive experience in counterterrorism, could be a key partner for the new Syrian regime in this area. Additionally, the two countries could collaborate in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and health.
Analysis of opportunities:
- Security cooperation: Morocco could provide technical and training support to the Syrian regime in counterterrorism efforts.
- Reconstruction: Morocco has significant expertise in areas such as vocational training and agriculture, making it a potential partner in Syria’s reconstruction.
- Cultural exchanges: The two countries could strengthen cultural and educational ties as part of efforts to rebuild trust.
Conclusion: Towards Clearer Relations
Amid major geopolitical shifts in the region, Moroccan-Syrian relations emerge as one of the issues likely to witness a significant turning point. Despite challenges, particularly regarding the Sahara issue, there are positive signs of both parties’ willingness to open a new chapter. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the ability of both countries to overcome lingering issues and build relations based on shared interests and mutual respect.
Final questions awaiting answers:
- Can Moroccan-Syrian relations move beyond the legacy of the past?
- What concrete steps should both countries take to achieve this goal?
-
How can Morocco leverage these changes to strengthen its regional and international position?
