Often hailed as a truly “special relationship,” the alliance between Washington and Rabat stands as one of the most enduring and distinctive partnerships in American diplomacy. Tracing its roots from unshakeable historical foundations through pragmatic adjustments during the Cold War, this bilateral journey has been complex, consistently seeking equilibrium amidst shifting global dynamics.
On June 23, 1786, Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to officially recognize the independence of the United States, cementing this bond with a Treaty of Peace and Friendship that remains in effect today. This foundational document, born from Washington’s need to safeguard its merchant fleet from Mediterranean piracy, continues to be the bedrock of a connection that both capitals proudly label as “special.” Yet, beyond this diplomatic rhetoric, the reality of an alliance shaped by strategic imperatives and geopolitical tremors presents a more nuanced picture.
world war ii: a crucial turning point
While the ties between the two nations are ancient, it was the Second World War that truly solidified their rapprochement. In 1942, Operation Torch saw the landing of 35,000 American soldiers on Moroccan shores, an Allied effort led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Beyond the military maneuvers, this period proved pivotal for Sultan Mohammed V. During the Casablanca Conference in 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly assured the Sultan of American support for the restoration of Moroccan sovereignty post-war. This promise significantly boosted American prestige among Moroccans, despite causing considerable displeasure to General de Gaulle.
the cold war: airbases and strategic pragmatism
Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, the relationship had to adapt to the new realities of the Cold War. Perceiving Morocco as an indispensable strategic foothold, Washington established airbases there for its Strategic Air Command (SAC), enabling the projection of its nuclear force towards the Soviet bloc.
However, King Mohammed V’s strong desire for national sovereignty soon created friction. Morocco’s priority was the departure of foreign troops, while American strategists worried Rabat might align with the Non-Aligned Movement. This diplomatic standoff culminated in 1963 with the complete withdrawal of American forces from Moroccan soil, honoring previous commitments.
regional stability and political maneuvering
The stability of the Moroccan monarchy has consistently been a key American concern. During the attempted coups against King Hassan II in 1971 and 1972, Washington reacted with apprehension, fearing the loss of a moderate ally in an otherwise volatile region. Despite the King’s fleeting suspicions of potential American involvement—fueled by the coup plotters’ use of American fighter jets—the relationship endured.
Over the decades, Morocco honed a particular expertise in navigating the complex American political landscape, transforming its security needs into enhanced collaboration. From military assistance for the control of the Sahara occidental to the development projects of the Peace Corps, the relationship evolved into a form of reciprocal “soft power.” This strategic partnership contributes to stability across the Maghreb and broader West Africa.
future challenges for the alliance
Today, as the regional context continues to evolve with the reverberations of the “Arab Spring,” the future of this special relationship is once again under scrutiny. Washington must carefully balance maintaining a vital historical alliance with supporting the political aspirations of local populations.
As Middle Eastern affairs expert Carol Migdalovitz has highlighted, the challenges are immense. The approach the United States takes in addressing these issues, while safeguarding its historic link with Morocco, will be crucial in defining the nature of this relationship for generations to come, impacting stability in North Africa and the Sahel.
