After Polisario projectiles targeted the city of Smara, Algeria has moved to ease tensions with United States. Between conciliatory remarks by Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, diplomatic outreach in Washington and reshuffles at the top of the domestic intelligence services, Algiers appears to be trying to convince the Trump administration of its good faith on the Sahara issue.
Mauritania has sent its foreign minister to Rabat, a visit that comes at a sensitive security and political moment for Nouakchott. Rabat’s support is crucial to Mauritania’s regional and international ambitions.
Washington is accusing the Polisario of blocking talks on the Sahara and is raising the prospect of a tougher political stance after several claimed attacks on areas under Moroccan control.