Algeria Faces Diplomatic Crisis as Syria Detains Algerian Soldiers and Polisario Fighters
Algeria’s Diplomatic Tightrope: Navigating Shifting Sands in Syria
Algeria finds itself in a complex geopolitical predicament following a reported refusal by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara to release Algerian soldiers and Polisario Front fighters captured while allegedly supporting the former Assad regime. This incident highlights the challenges Algeria faces as it attempts to recalibrate its foreign policy amidst the evolving Syrian landscape.
According to reports from Monte Carlo International’s Arabic-language service, journalist Uday Mansour revealed that these detainees, including a general and approximately 500 soldiers, were allegedly captured by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) near Aleppo during an offensive. Al-Shara reportedly informed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf that the captured individuals would face trial, adhering to international conventions regarding prisoners of war. This decision has reportedly caused considerable consternation within the Algerian government.
This incident comes on the heels of Attaf’s visit to Damascus as a special envoy for President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Analysts suggest this visit was a strategic maneuver by Algeria to distance itself from its previous staunch support of the Assad regime and to establish relations with the new Syrian leadership. This shift coincides with growing ties between Syria and Morocco, a development that has reportedly unsettled Algerian officials.
Historically, Algeria maintained a close alliance with the Assad family for decades. However, the changing dynamics in Syria present a significant challenge for Algeria’s foreign policy. The Algerian government’s previous unwavering support for Assad, even labeling opposition groups as “terrorists,” now contrasts sharply with its current attempts to engage with the new Syrian authorities. Attaf’s delivery of a letter from Tebboune congratulating al-Shara and offering cooperation in energy, investment, and reconstruction underscores this delicate balancing act.
This situation echoes a similar incident in Libya years ago, where Polisario fighters allegedly fighting alongside Muammar Gaddafi’s forces were captured by Libyan rebels. This precedent likely fuels Algeria’s concerns about the fate of its citizens and Polisario allies currently detained in Syria.
Further complicating matters are past reports of a tripartite agreement between Algeria, Syria, and the Polisario Front, allegedly brokered in Beirut with the involvement of Hezbollah. This agreement reportedly involved the deployment of Polisario fighters to Syria. While the details and veracity of these reports remain unclear, they add another layer of complexity to Algeria’s current diplomatic efforts.
Algeria’s current predicament underscores the difficulties nations face when navigating rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes. The need to balance past alliances with present realities often requires delicate diplomacy and strategic recalibrations. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, Algeria’s approach will be closely watched as it attempts to protect its interests and navigate this complex diplomatic tightrope.
Keywords: Algeria, Syria, Polisario Front, Ahmed al-Shara, Ahmed Attaf, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), diplomacy, foreign policy, geopolitical, Middle East, North Africa, conflict, prisoners of war, international relations.
