Unveiling the Truth Behind the Outstretched Hand: Morocco, Algeria, and the Earthquake’s Wake
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In recent times, the concept of the “outstretched hand” has taken center stage in the tumultuous relationship between Morocco and Algeria. King Mohammed VI’s persistent rhetoric about extending a hand of reconciliation to Algeria has garnered significant attention, both nationally and internationally. This supposed gesture, frequently highlighted in his speeches, has been framed as an offer of peace and cooperation, while concurrently painting Algeria as the intransigent party, rejecting this outstretched hand. However, amidst this propaganda, there is a more complex narrative that has emerged, revealing the intricacies of geopolitical dynamics and regional politics.
The Algerian government, keenly aware of the true nature of this extended hand, has been hesitant to embrace a poisoned chalice of reconciliation. They view it as a thinly veiled attempt to bolster the image of the Makhzen regime while distorting the realities on the ground. In this portrayal, the Makhzen regime paints the conspiratorial Zionist regime as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, akin to a dove. Algeria, in turn, has remained cautious, opting to distance itself from this disconcerting game of political chess.
The seismic shift in this narrative came when a devastating earthquake struck Morocco, exposing the vulnerabilities within its infrastructure and the dire need for humanitarian assistance. In a surprising twist, Algeria extended a genuine hand of support to its neighbor, offering aid and opening its airspace to facilitate relief efforts. However, what truly turned heads was the resounding silence from those who had previously touted the concept of the outstretched hand. The same individuals who had accused Algeria of refusing their peace offering now found themselves unable to accept Algerian aid to rescue Moroccan victims trapped under the rubble.
The shock was compounded by the enthusiastic welcome given to aid from a source that had, up until then, been demonized—the Zionist regime. The contrast between the refusal of Algerian aid and the warm embrace of Zionist assistance raised eyebrows and led many to question the sincerity of Morocco’s overtures for reconciliation.
This incident, however, is not an isolated one. It follows a pattern of actions that have contributed to skepticism regarding the authenticity of the Moroccan government’s intentions. The Moroccan king’s refusal to attend Algiers’ Arab Summit was a clear indication of this stance. It reinforced the notion that Morocco’s extended hand was, in reality, a diplomatic maneuver aimed at courting Zionist circles within the Royal Palace.
The Makhzen regime, it seems, is acutely aware that accepting Algerian aid could undermine its strategy of fomenting discord between the Algerian and Moroccan populations, which has been conducted under the watchful eyes of these Zionist circles. The earthquake in Morocco, while exposing infrastructure deficiencies, has also laid bare the true nature of the Makhzen’s approach toward Algeria. It has become increasingly evident that this strategy seeks to tarnish Algeria’s image both domestically and internationally. In doing so, it creates a stark contrast between those genuinely invested in regional well-being and those seemingly serving the interests of international Zionism.
