Biden’s Friendly Message to President Tebboune Disappoints Makhzen’s Hopes for US Stance Against Algeria
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a surprising turn of events, the message conveyed by US President Joe Biden to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has left the Makhzen regime and its allies, including the Zionist entity and French extremist groups, frustrated and confused. The friendly message, sent on the occasion of Algeria’s 61st Independence Day, dashed their expectations of a strong US stance against Algeria following President Tebboune’s visit to Russia.
The Makhzen regime, along with its allies, had been eagerly anticipating what they believed would be a retaliatory response from the United States, such as economic sanctions or diplomatic rupture. However, President Biden’s message instead emphasized the “sustainable partnership” between Algeria and the US, highlighting their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and regional security.
The message from Biden portrayed a completely different image from what the Makhzen regime had anticipated. Rather than a threat, the US president’s words conveyed a sense of courtship towards Algeria, recognizing its pivotal role in North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Arab region, and the Islamic world. Biden stated, “We are working together to confront major regional security challenges, including combating extremism and terrorism. We are working to deepen our trade and economic ties.”
Furthermore, President Biden’s message confirmed the insightful and correct vision of President Tebboune during his visit to Russia. Algeria’s decision to engage with Russia amidst the complexities of the Russian-Ukrainian war demonstrated a deep understanding of international politics. It also revealed Algeria’s aspirations for a mediation role in resolving global crises resulting from the war. President Biden’s message served as a vote of confidence for Algeria to pursue this significant task.
The importance of Algeria to the United States was further underscored by prior contacts between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The US ambassador to Algeria, Elizabeth Aubin, has also been actively participating in various events, particularly economic ones, emphasizing the indispensable role Algeria plays for the United States.
Algeria’s diplomatic competence and past successes, including its instrumental role in resolving the American hostage crisis in Tehran in 1981, are well-recognized by American diplomacy. The resolution of that crisis through Algerian mediation left a lasting impression and serves as a testament to Algeria’s capabilities.
As the Biden administration continues to strengthen ties with Algeria, the message sent to President Tebboune signifies a departure from the expected confrontational stance by the United States. It signals a desire for collaboration, highlighting Algeria’s potential to contribute to regional security and stability. The Makhzen regime and its allies now find themselves recalibrating their expectations in light of this friendly message from the US president.
