Good interview Barry, I learned much from Eric on migration but I reckon there’s a lot more to the story than simple economic migration, although Morocco‘s terrible record on prospects for young people and work of course would be a factor. So very sad that many lost their lives (and if any ‘bad actors’ were responsible, you can bet they will never face consequences)
Here’s my uneducated stab at understanding the shadowy geopolitical machinations: OK there’s no evidence yet of geopolitical orchestration, but mobilising 60,000/70,000 people into Ceuta within 24 hours seems to require more than spontaneous movement—possibly sophisticated cyber-enabled coordination. The political result is convenient: Spain, critical of Israel and opposed to war with Iran, is humiliated; EU solidarity is strained; Washington and Jerusalem benefit.
And the larger prize may be strategic. If Morocco’s claims to Ceuta and Melilla gain US and Israeli backing, control of the Mediterranean’s Atlantic gateway could become a bargaining chip. In future, the Strait of Gibraltar may matter to Washington much as Hormuz does today—securing trade routes and potentially providing access to new bases. Ceuta and Melilla remain Spanish territories, though Morocco has long disputed Spain’s sovereignty over them.
Everyone hoping Cueta and migration challenges are going to disappear but not going to happen.
Very informative
Thanks for taking the time to listen, Patsy.
Thank you. It’s good to hear a more nuanced explanation of al this, tho depressing.
Good interview Barry, I learned much from Eric on migration but I reckon there’s a lot more to the story than simple economic migration, although Morocco‘s terrible record on prospects for young people and work of course would be a factor. So very sad that many lost their lives (and if any ‘bad actors’ were responsible, you can bet they will never face consequences)
Here’s my uneducated stab at understanding the shadowy geopolitical machinations: OK there’s no evidence yet of geopolitical orchestration, but mobilising 60,000/70,000 people into Ceuta within 24 hours seems to require more than spontaneous movement—possibly sophisticated cyber-enabled coordination. The political result is convenient: Spain, critical of Israel and opposed to war with Iran, is humiliated; EU solidarity is strained; Washington and Jerusalem benefit.
And the larger prize may be strategic. If Morocco’s claims to Ceuta and Melilla gain US and Israeli backing, control of the Mediterranean’s Atlantic gateway could become a bargaining chip. In future, the Strait of Gibraltar may matter to Washington much as Hormuz does today—securing trade routes and potentially providing access to new bases. Ceuta and Melilla remain Spanish territories, though Morocco has long disputed Spain’s sovereignty over them.
What do you think?