| Description |
1 online resource (23 pages) : map (digital, PDF file) |
| Series |
Carnegie papers |
|
Working papers (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)
|
| Contents |
Introduction -- Western Sahara in 2010 : a deceptive calm -- A regional concern -- Unrest in hitherto unexpected places? -- The roots of conflict -- The new conflict dynamics -- Finding a way past the tensions |
| Summary |
The Western Sahara is a critical region that could quickly become part of the criminal and terrorist networks threatening North Africa and the Sahel. The undergoverned areas abutting the territory are becoming major hubs for drug trafficking, contraband smuggling, and weapons circulation. And Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is extending its reach in the region. The potential for destabilization is real. AQIM and its offshoots in the Sahel are already working to expand their partnership with smugglers from massive refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, and to enlist recruits among the disenchanted youth there. If AQIM strengthened its alliance of convenience with the Polisario, the movement that has long fought for Western Sahara's independence, a formidable terrorist organization could emerge. Nearby Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara is plagued by widespread socioeconomic protests and ethnic strife. Ethnic cleavages and cultural animosity have become dangerously pronounced, threatening to further fuel radicalism, violence, and confrontations. Meanwhile, the parties to the conflict are not getting any closer to reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement. Morocco maintains its sovereignty over the territory. The Polisario continues to fight for independence, and its staunch supporter, Algeria, is quite satisfied with the status quo. Both Morocco and Algeria could help the region avert a slide into chaos, if only they could see past the hostility and distrust that have long separated them. Morocco's proposal for autonomy for the Western Sahara and the country's July 2011 constitution are the first steps toward a solution. Rabat's friends in the West, especially the United States and France, must pressure Morocco to expedite a significant devolution of power to the Western Sahara to limit the threat of instability |
| Notes |
Title from PDF cover screen (viewed on Mar. 15, 2012) |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (page 19) |
| Notes |
Mode of access: World Wide Web & Adobe Acrobat Reader |
| Subject |
Conflict management -- Western Sahara
|
|
Political stability -- Western Sahara
|
|
Security, International.
|
|
Conflict management.
|
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Diplomatic relations.
|
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Political stability.
|
|
Security, International.
|
| SUBJECT |
Western Sahara
|
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Morocco -- Foreign relations
|
|
Algeria -- Foreign relations
|
| Subject |
Algeria.
|
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Morocco.
|
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Western Sahara.
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
|
|
