Often described as a “special relationship,” the alliance between Washington and Rabat stands as one of the oldest and most distinctive in American diplomacy. Tracing its path from unshakeable historical foundations to pragmatic adjustments during the Cold War, this bilateral journey has been complex, consistently seeking equilibrium.
On June 23, 1786, Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to officially acknowledge the independence of the United States, formalizing this recognition with a Treaty of Peace and Friendship that remains active today. This foundational document, born from Washington’s need to safeguard its merchant fleet from Mediterranean piracy, serves as the bedrock of a connection both capitals proudly label as “special.” Yet, beneath this diplomatic rhetoric, the reality of an alliance shaped by strategic imperatives and geopolitical shifts presents a far more intricate picture.
the pivotal moment of world war ii
While the ties are ancient, it was the Second World War that truly solidified this rapprochement. In 1942, Operation Torch, a major Allied endeavor led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, saw the landing of 35,000 American troops on Moroccan shores.
Beyond its military significance, this period proved crucial for Sultan Mohammed V. During the Casablanca Conference in 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly pledged his support for the restoration of Moroccan sovereignty post-war. This promise significantly bolstered American prestige among Moroccans, despite causing considerable displeasure to General de Gaulle.
the cold war: airbases and pragmatism
Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, the relationship had to adapt to the new realities of the Cold War. Washington, identifying Morocco as an indispensable strategic foothold, established airbases there for its Strategic Air Command (SAC), enabling the projection of its nuclear capabilities towards the Soviet bloc.
However, King Mohammed V’s strong desire for national sovereignty soon led to 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 territory, honoring prior commitments.
regional stability and political navigation
The stability of the Moroccan monarchy consistently remained a core concern for the United States. 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 inherently unstable 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 intricate American political system, skillfully transforming its security requirements into enhanced collaboration. From military assistance concerning the Western Sahara to the development initiatives of the Peace Corps, the relationship evolved into a form of reciprocal soft power.
facing future challenges
Today, as the regional landscape continues to shift in the wake of the “Arab Spring” upheavals, the future trajectory of this special relationship is once again under scrutiny. Washington must carefully balance the preservation of a historic strategic alliance with the imperative to support the political aspirations of local populations.
As Middle Eastern affairs expert Carol Migdalovitz emphasizes, the challenges ahead are significant. How the United States addresses these complex issues, while simultaneously safeguarding its historical ties with Morocco, will be crucial in defining the nature of this enduring relationship moving forward.