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The Maghreb is a region located in the western part of North Africa and the Arab world. The region is also known as Northwest Africa. It consists of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Although there is no specified Maghreb meaning, the Arabic word the Maghreb refers to “Place of Setting of the Sun.” During certain periods, America showed interest in the economic and political scenario in the Maghreb. There was no American regional policy in the Maghreb until the beginning of the 1990s. But at the end of the 1990s, American policy was prevalent, which led to the emergence of a regional entity by following the concept of ‘trading blocs.’
Objectives of American Policy in Maghreb
America has formulated certain policies to implement them in the Maghreb with certain objectives. The US wants long-lasting economic development in the region. Therefore, the US wants to fulfil all its objectives as per its interest. Some of the objectives of American policy include:
- Stability and Prosperity of North Africa
- A strong relationship with Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria
- To encourage democracy
- To reform economy
- To allow the American companies to invest in the region
- To create lucrative jobs
After disclosing the objectives mentioned above, Algeria and Morocco reopened their land border and closed in 1994. The declaration also expressed the interest in showing support for three countries to revive Arab Maghreb Union Members.
Maghreb meaning is not only limited to a “place of setting sun.” It also means the west since the Sun sets in the west. The United States always wanted the Maghreb to be an integrated entity.
Role of Morocco being the Pillar of America
Morocco played the role of a pillar of American presence for US policy in the Maghreb and the Middle East. At the end of the Cold war, American economic and military assistance decreased due to the restriction of the congressional budget. Due to the following reasons, Morocco became an important ally of America.
- Morocco extended its support during the Gulf war in 1991 by sending 2000 troops to Saudi Arabia
- During the instability in Algeria, Morocco fought against anti-western extremist forces in the Maghreb city
America used the institutionalism of Islamism inspired by Hassan II to formulate policy. Hassan II also showed some tolerance towards minority groups. One more aspect was observed in preparing the policy related to economic reformation and market liberalisation.
Since 1956, Morocco has received more financial assistance than any other Arab Maghreb Union member. The largest Maghreb city is Casablanca which is located in Morocco.
Algeria and America Relation
At the end of the 1990s, the relationship between America and Algeria developed when hostility between the two counties decreased. As a result, the influence of Algeria within the organisation of African unity increased gradually. The good relationship between US and Algeria was proved when President Abdelaziz Bouteflika made an official visit to the United States in July 2001.
Due to an improvement in their relationship, Algeria and the United States signed an agreement on trade, investment, and double taxation. The agreement was also related to accessing Algerian oil and natural gas resources.
Tunisia and the United States
The United States also extended its support to Tunisia for security reasons. During the Algerian crisis, Tunisia also benefited from American support. Because of this support, Tunisia prevented the propagation of radical Islamism. However, Tunisia was able to manage the criticism against human rights violations. But two exceptions were visible concerning the American indulgence.
In 2003, during his visit to Tunisia, the former Secretary of State Colin Powell criticised the human rights violation in Tunisia. In 2004, President Bush also suggested improving the freedom of the press.
Maghreb Meaning and Framework of American Policy
The aim of the United States is to improve the political, economic, and security relations with the Maghreb states. According to some official reports, the United States aims to set up an economic alliance with the Maghreb by improving structural reforms. In addition, the US wants Maghreb countries to offer support to improve the private sector. America is also interested in the area of oil and natural gas.
But, America was confronted with an obstacle in fulfilling its regional policy due to the conflict over Western Sahara.
Conclusion
The 9/11 incident contributed more to improving relations between the United States and Maghreb countries. Because during that time, Maghreb countries played an important role in security. Maghreb countries came forward to fight against global terrorism and extended immense support to America.
