Maybe the most controversial of my blog titles and catagoricalization
Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory and has implemented various development projects in the region. On the other hand, the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, maintains its demand for self-determination and independence for Western Sahara.
To summarize, Western Sahara is a disputed territory with competing claims from Morocco and the Polisario Front. It is not universally recognized as a sovereign country, although the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has declared independence and is recognized by several states. The issue remains a subject of ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional tensions.
The History in a Nutshell
It never ceases to amaze me that being neutral on a topic, acknowledging that there are positive aspects and room for improvement, could be so polarizing and controversial. My opinions about the US and how it in fact has pros/cons, strengths/weaknesses, people who are pure genius along with those who are blubbering idiots gets me into unsolicited arguments. And if you know me, you know I hate confrontation.
With the majority of people, or at least the ones who engage in this type of conversation, they love it or hate it. My overall opinion once again is, just like any other nation, we have our good and bad, we are a large nation, and a nation of extremes, a melting pot, a salad bowl, we’re working on our issues, but issues that come from positive aspects such as diversity and (for the most part) progressive referendum. and one of the only things that I find TRULY idiotic is when people think we have nothing to improve on, and that goes for any nation and any person. If you think you’re perfect and have nothing to learn, that’s where this conversation ends.
Anyways, I think our education system as a whole is pretty decent but what blows my mind, after visiting many countries with integrated indigenous people and culture, is that we REALLY didn’t learn anything about Native Americans. We learned that they respect nature and animals and when the pilgrams arrived, spoke in a language that was essentially broken english, they all sat down for a nice turkey dinner together, which is actually just funny when you think about it.
Western Sahara on the other hand has a history rooted in indigenous culture, Sahrawis being the main ethnic group. The territory was once colonized by Spain until Africa for the most part decolonized. In 1960, the Sahrawi people sought independence from Spain, however both Morocco and Mauritania claimed this region as their own. Spain withdrew in 1975, but as Morocco and Mauritania both occupied this region, a guerilla war against both countries broke out, striving to establish the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (catchy name, huh). Mauritania later withdrew, leaving Morocco as the only occuping power. The UN attempted to resolve the conflict by ordering a ceasefire in 1991. allowing the people of the Western Sahara to choose between independence or integration with Morocco. This has been an ongoing process as there have been many disagreements and it remains a disputed territory and the situation remains unresolved.
In conclusion, Western Sahara is considered a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations .. but was stamped into Morocco when I landed at the airport. And to make it even more complicated, apparently some want to go back to Spanish rule and I think we get the point.
Where to Stay:
The most important decision you will make, but luckily, it’s really the only decision you’ll have to make on this trip,
Where I stayed:
Where I almost stayed:
Where I would stay in the future:
Budget Option:
Patisserie Bab Al Madina