This past weekend, Morocco experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters in over a century. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck near the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh. The impact was felt as far north as Casablanca but was most severe in towns and villages near the base of the Atlas Mountains. As of the latest reports, at least 2,497 people have been killed, and 2,476 have been injured.
The earthquake’s epicenter was alarmingly close to Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination and economic hub. The quake severely damaged the city, including its historic sites. The Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was particularly affected, with many of its ancient buildings damaged or entirely collapsed. The 12th-century Tinmal Mosque in the High Atlas mountains also suffered significant damage.
The province of Al Haouz was the most affected, with nearly 1,500 reported deaths. Many remote villages and settlements in the region have been hard to reach for rescue operations. Eyewitness accounts describe entire towns being flattened, and the scale of the destruction is still becoming clear. More than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakech and surrounding areas, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Emergency workers have been deployed to affected regions, but damaged or blocked roads have made it challenging to reach some of the hardest-hit areas. Helicopters and heavy machinery are being used to remove debris and reach isolated communities. King Mohammed VI has ordered the establishment of a relief commission to distribute aid to survivors, including orphans and those who have lost their homes.
Countries around the world have offered their support. France has activated emergency aid and will give 5 million euros to NGOs operating in Morocco. Spain has sent a search and rescue team, while Turkey has offered personnel and tents. Britain has deployed 60 search and rescue specialists, and even Algeria, which severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021, has reopened its airspace for humanitarian aid.
The Earthquake is a Test for US Morocco Relations
The recent earthquake in Morocco brings into sharp focus the complex and evolving relationship between the United States and the North African nation. A recent article in The Hill by David Schenker, who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during 2019 to 2021, discusses the U.S.’s controversial recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory, a move initiated by the Trump administration to encourage Morocco-Israel relations. While the Biden administration has been ambivalent about this recognition, the natural disaster could serve as a pivotal moment for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to Morocco, especially given the country’s strategic importance as a non-NATO ally that overwhelmingly relies on U.S. arms.
The Biden administration has been hesitant to fully embrace the Trump-era policy on Western Sahara, partly to appease Algeria, a key player in European energy markets and counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel. However, the earthquake offers an opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its reliability as an ally by providing aid and support to Morocco in its time of need. This could help mend the frayed trust between the two nations and serve as a counterbalance to Algeria’s growing influence, which leans more towards Russia and China.
In the broader geopolitical context, the U.S.’s stance on the Western Sahara issue and its response to the Moroccan earthquake will be closely watched by other Middle Eastern allies. With skepticism already high regarding Washington’s commitments in the region, the U.S. has a chance to bolster its credibility by standing firmly with Morocco. This is particularly crucial as the kingdom is said to be seeking U.S. security guarantees for peace with Israel. As the Biden administration considers new security obligations in the Middle East, honoring existing promises, especially in the wake of a disaster, could go a long way in strengthening alliances and U.S. standing in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the US have good relations with Morocco?
Yes, the United States and Morocco have generally enjoyed good relations. The two countries have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the late 18th century when Morocco became one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent United States. Over the years, the relationship has evolved to include economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation.
Is Morocco an ally of the US?
Yes, Morocco is considered a significant non-NATO ally of the United States. The two countries have cooperated on various fronts, including counterterrorism and regional security. Morocco also purchases a significant amount of its military hardware from the U.S., further cementing its status as a strategic ally.
Who is Morocco’s biggest ally?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single “biggest” ally for Morocco, as it maintains strategic relationships with multiple countries for different reasons. However, the United States is often cited as one of Morocco’s most important allies, especially in terms of military cooperation and economic investment. France also maintains a strong historical and economic relationship with Morocco.
Who are the major allies of Morocco?
Morocco’s major allies include the United States, France, Spain, Saudia Arabia, and other Persian Gulf states. The country also has strong ties with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, Morocco has been expanding its diplomatic reach, including normalizing relations with Israel, which was facilitated by the United States.
Further Reading
CIA World Factbook Analysis on Morocco
Read more about Morocco from the CIA’s World Factbook. This analysis covers the government, geography, people and society, and many others.
“In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa’adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century…” Read more
What Causes Earthquakes According to the US Geological Survey (USGC)
“An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that we feel…” Read more
An Answer to the “Question of Where is God in Suffering?” by John Lennox at Harvard Medical School
John Lennox at Harvard Medical School answers the question “Where is God in Suffering?” Lennox is Professor of Mathematics (Emeritus) at the University of Oxford and spoke at The Veritas Forum at Harvard Medical School in 2014.