The Maghreb marks where the Middle East intersects with Africa and, through the Mediterranean, Europe. This makes it an extremely strategic staging ground for naval access to the Levant and great power competition. This chapter gives an overview of the most pressing geopolitical issues facing each Maghreb country with particular emphasis on the two contenders for regional leadership, Morocco and Algeria.
The US Rediscovers North Africa
Algeria and Morocco: Caught in a Losing Battle Over Regional Dominance
In Morocco, Broken Promises and Bleak Prospects
In Algeria, a New Constitution Fails to Deliver
Western Sahara: A Forgotten Conflict
Tunisia’s Return to Authoritarian Rule
Mauritania’s Extremism Problem