The former National Security Advisor to Donald Trump has openly voiced his support for the Polisario Front, amid diplomatic turmoil. In a passionate op-ed, Bolton calls for a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, criticizes U.S. alignment with Moroccan positions, and raises concerns about a potential Russian-Chinese breakthrough in Africa. His stance echoes arguments put forward by Algiers, even as some U.S. lawmakers push to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization.
Syria, under the leadership of President Ahmed Al-Charaa, has officially severed ties with the Polisario. In the presence of Moroccan representatives, the new Syrian authorities declared the separatist movement persona non grata. This decision leaves the Polisario without a key regional backer, reducing its support in the Middle East to just Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran.