Rabat, July 1, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic shift, Morocco is preparing to reopen its embassy in Damascus after more than a decade of closure, marking a potential warming of ties with Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The move comes as Rabat seeks to bolster international recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Syria emerging as a key target for diplomatic engagement.

A Step Toward Normalization

Morocco closed its embassy in Syria in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war and the Arab League’s suspension of Damascus over its violent crackdown on protests. However, with Assad’s regime ousted and a new government in place, several Arab states have gradually restored relations with Syria. Morocco now appears to be following suit.

A Syrian delegation recently visited Rabat to inspect the Syrian embassy, which has been shuttered since Morocco expelled Syrian diplomats in 2012. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has reportedly expressed interest in visiting Morocco, though Rabat has yet to formally respond to the proposal.

Western Sahara: A Key Motivator

Analysts suggest that Morocco’s push for Syrian recognition of its claim over Western Sahara is a driving factor behind the diplomatic outreach. Rabat has been aggressively courting nations to back its autonomy plan for the disputed territory, which is also claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

“Syria’s stance on Western Sahara could be crucial for Morocco,” said Samira El-Masri, a North Africa geopolitical analyst. “If Damascus officially endorses Morocco’s sovereignty, it could encourage other holdout nations to follow suit.”

Syria had previously supported the Polisario Front during Assad’s rule, aligning with Algeria and Iran. However, the new Syrian government, seeking international rehabilitation, may be open to shifting its position in exchange for economic and diplomatic support from Morocco.

Regional Implications

Morocco’s move could further strain its already tense relations with Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front and a longtime rival. Algeria, which restored ties with Syria in 2023, may view Rabat’s overtures to Damascus as an attempt to outmaneuver it diplomatically.

The reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Syria would also align with broader regional trends, as Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already reintegrated Syria into the Arab fold. However, Western nations remain cautious, with the U.S. and EU maintaining sanctions on Syria over human rights concerns.

Next Steps

While no official timeline has been announced for the embassy’s reopening, diplomatic sources indicate that both sides are moving swiftly. A state visit by President Al-Sharaa to Morocco could solidify the new chapter in bilateral relations—provided Rabat extends the invitation.

As Morocco continues its diplomatic offensive on Western Sahara, its re-engagement with Syria may prove to be a strategic win—or a new flashpoint in North Africa’s ongoing geopolitical rivalries.

Washington, D.C. — June 27, 2025
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced new legislation aimed at designating the Polisario Front, the armed separatist group operating in Western Sahara, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under U.S. law. The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, underscores growing concerns over the group’s alleged ties to Iran, Hezbollah, and other destabilizing actors in the Sahel and Maghreb regions.

The bill, officially titled the “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act” (H.R. 4119), was introduced on June 24, 2025, by Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) and co-sponsored by Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). If passed, the legislation would direct the U.S. Secretary of State to review and report on whether the Polisario Front meets the legal criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization.

“The Polisario is a Marxist militia backed by Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, providing Iran a strategic outpost in Africa and destabilizing the Kingdom of Morocco—a U.S. ally for over two centuries,” said Rep. Wilson in a public statement.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The bill’s introduction comes amid renewed geopolitical tensions in North and West Africa, where the Polisario Front has waged a decades-long campaign for independence in Western Sahara—a region Morocco considers an integral part of its sovereign territory. The U.S. formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory in 2020 as part of a broader diplomatic agreement.

According to U.S. lawmakers supporting the bill, the Polisario Front has received military training, funding, and drone technology from Iran and its proxies, raising alarms about the potential for increased terrorist activity and instability in the region. Intelligence assessments cited by congressional sources suggest the group may be aligning with transnational militant networks, threatening U.S. allies and economic interests in North Africa.

What the Bill Proposes

If enacted, the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act would:

• Mandate the U.S. State Department to investigate and formally evaluate the group’s activities under the FTO criteria.
• Authorize the imposition of financial sanctions, including asset freezes and restrictions on transactions involving U.S. entities.
• Bar entry into the United States for individuals affiliated with the Polisario Front.
• Criminalize material support to the group under U.S. anti-terrorism statutes.

Legal analysts note that such a designation would significantly limit the Polisario Front’s international financial activities and would deter third-party nations and organizations from providing support.

Regional Response and Diplomatic Context

The proposed legislation is expected to bolster U.S.–Morocco relations, as Rabat has long pressed for stronger Western action against the Polisario Front, which it views as an Iranian-backed separatist movement threatening national security. Morocco has also accused Algeria—a key backer of the Polisario—of facilitating arms transfers and safe haven operations.

In response to the bill’s introduction, Moroccan officials and international advocacy groups have welcomed the move, emphasizing the need to counter state-sponsored proxy conflicts in the region.

However, human rights organizations caution that any shift in U.S. policy should also consider the humanitarian situation of Sahrawi refugees in camps in Tindouf, Algeria, and ensure that diplomatic pathways toward peaceful conflict resolution remain viable.

Next Steps in Congress

As of this week, the bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee for further review. It must pass both chambers of Congress before being presented to the President for signature. Ultimately, any FTO designation requires final approval by the U.S. Secretary of State, in coordination with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

If passed, this would mark the first time the United States formally designates the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, a major shift in its long-standing approach to the Western Sahara dispute.

Contact:
For more information, please refer to the full bill on Congress.gov (H.R. 4119) or visit the official websites of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.

January 13, 2025 — In a significant development, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the protracted conflict in Gaza. This move follows extensive negotiations mediated by Qatar, with active involvement from U.S. officials.

Details of the Agreement

According to Israeli sources, the first phase of the ceasefire includes:

• Hostage Release: Hamas will free 33 hostages, comprising children, women, and individuals in poor health. Notably, the list includes two dual U.S.-Israeli citizens.
• Ceasefire Duration: An initial 42-day cessation of hostilities, during which both parties are expected to adhere to the terms outlined in the agreement.
• Humanitarian Aid: A substantial increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza to address the escalating crisis, with provisions to ensure aid reaches those in need.
• Prisoner Exchange: In reciprocation, Israel will release a specified number of Palestinian detainees, focusing on women and minors, corresponding to the number of hostages freed by Hamas.

International Involvement

The negotiations have seen active participation from international mediators:

• Qatar: Hosting and facilitating the dialogue between the conflicting parties.
• United States: President Joe Biden has indicated that an agreement is imminent, emphasizing the importance of the ceasefire and the release of hostages.
• Egypt: Playing a supportive role in mediating the discussions.

Challenges and Considerations

While the agreement marks a pivotal step towards de-escalation, several challenges persist:

• Verification of Hostage Status: Israeli authorities believe most of the 33 hostages are alive; however, there is a possibility that some deceased individuals may be included in the release.
• Implementation of Ceasefire: Ensuring compliance from all factions within Gaza and maintaining the ceasefire over the stipulated period.
• Humanitarian Access: Guaranteeing that the increased aid reaches civilians without diversion or obstruction.

Next Steps

The forthcoming days are critical as both sides work to finalize and implement the agreement. The international community remains cautiously optimistic, recognizing that successful execution could pave the way for a more comprehensive resolution to the longstanding conflict.

Source:

• Reuters, “Main points of the Gaza ceasefire proposal,” January 13, 2025. Available at: Reuters.
• WUSF, “Hamas and Israel negotiating release of hostages,” January 6, 2025. Available at: WUSF.
• India TV News, “Hamas likely to release 33 hostages in first phase of ceasefire deal,” January 14, 2025. Available at: India TV News.