InsightShifting geopolitical tides and security priorities have strained the once-close ties between Algiers and Washington. On December 17, a US official addressed the Western Sahara conflict and the recent normalisation of relations between several Arab states and Israel. During George W Bush’s presidency, Algiers and Washington were both investing in efforts to strengthen ties. Abraham AccordsTrump’s decision in December 2020 to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara in exchange for Rabat normalising relations with Israel was problematic for Algeria. Such factors suggest that while there have been setbacks to Algeria-US relations in recent months and years, this damage is not irreparable.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 23, 2021 13:47 UTC