Why the US Must Renew Its Commitment to North Africa

Many Americans are understandably fixated on the global crises dominating the headlines. But as we continue to focus on conflicts like Israel’s war against Hamas, we must not neglect a critical region in the quest for global stability and prosperity: North Africa.

The Maghreb — encompassing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya — sits at a strategic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Its vast energy resources, including Libya’s oil reserves and Algeria’s immense natural gas deposits, make it a vital supplier to global markets. The region’s proximity to key shipping lanes in the Mediterranean and its growing economic potential underscore its importance to American interests. (READ MORE from Paul Packer: Silence That Can Kill: Where Are the Black Friends Jews Need?)

But with Washington’s eyes elsewhere, our adversaries have been steadily establishing influence in the region. Russia’s military involvement in North Africa ranges from being deeply embedded in Libya to supplying the majority of Algeria’s arms imports. China has dramatically expanded its economic engagement, emerging as the top trade partner for countries such as Algeria and a major investor in sectors from infrastructure to automobiles across the Maghreb.

The United States cannot afford to cede this ground. We need a more active, supportive role in North Africa — one that bolsters our geopolitical standing, supports economic development, and safeguards the region from the predations of rival powers.

Morocco provides a prime example. The Kingdom, which has been led by the same family for nearly four centuries, has a storied history of friendship with the U.S., dating back to 1777, when Morocco became the first nation to recognize American independence. America and Morocco also have a close security partnership. In recent years, Morocco has sought to leverage its position bridging Europe and Africa to attract diverse international investment and emerge as an economic gateway to the continent.

But Morocco’s significance extends beyond just economics or security. The nation’s decision to normalize relations with Israel in late 2020 was a diplomatic breakthrough, one that promises to reshape regional dynamics. By recognizing Israel and opening the door to greater economic and people-to-people ties, Morocco has helped to further isolate extremist voices and create new space for moderation and pragmatism to take root.

However, the durability of this breakthrough is not guaranteed. The United States must continue to nurture and strengthen the Morocco-Israel relationship, both to capitalize on the strategic benefits for American interests and to bolster the forces of stability and cooperation in a volatile region.

Morocco also demonstrates the competitive playing field. China has rapidly expanded its economic footprint in the country, with major investments in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. Russia has also sought, with less success, to make diplomatic inroads and exploit divisions over the Western Sahara dispute, a conflict between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front over the sovereignty of the resource-rich territory.

The United States can’t take its relationship with Morocco, or any of our North African partners, for granted. We need a positive agenda that plays to American strengths and shared interests with the region.

For starters, that means helping North African states guard against predatory investment that leaves them beholden to foreign powers. Through vehicles like the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, America can mobilize private capital for high-quality infrastructure and offer an alternative to China’s often-onerous deals.

The U.S. should work with North African governments to promote economic reforms, competitiveness, and diversification to create jobs and opportunities, particularly for the region’s youth. We should incentivize American companies to seek opportunities in the region while holding firm to values like transparency and local employment.

On security, the U.S. should expand programs to build local capacity to address challenges like terrorism, smuggling, and uncontrolled migration that reverberate well beyond the region, while steering clear of military entanglements. We should also use our diplomatic heft to push for political stability and dialogue within and between Maghreb countries. (READ MORE: I Was There on October 7)

Crucially, American engagement should capitalize on our edge in soft power, from English-language training to entrepreneurship coaching to university ties. Such links are an unparalleled asset in the competition for moral allegiance.

Most importantly, policymakers in the U.S. must accept that the contest for influence in North Africa is part of a wider strategic competition. As Moscow and Beijing flood the zone with economic enticements and geopolitical chess moves, Washington cannot simply hope for the best. We need to match their overtures with an affirmative vision that places partnership with the region at the center.

With focused, consistent engagement, the United States can help the Maghreb choose a path of openness, stability and mutual prosperity, and cement the region’s westward orientation for generations to come. The region may not always dominate the headlines, but America’s commitment today can secure our position in this important corner of the world — and send a message about our standing globally.

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