Elizabeth Moore Aubin (Commons Wikimedia)
Washington is refining its strategy on the Western Sahara issue by drawing on the expertise of Elizabeth Moore Aubin, former U.S. ambassador to Algeria from 2022 to 2026. Since leaving Algiers in January, the diplomat has been consulted several times in Washington by both the State Department and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy to provide assessments of regional dynamics.
The consultations come as the United States seeks to revive negotiations involving Morocco, Algeria, the Polisario Front, and Mauritania. Talks held in February 2026 in Madrid and later in Washington failed to produce a formal agreement. Since the United Nations vote of October 31, 2025, however, Morocco’s autonomy proposal has served as the official basis for the negotiations.
Before launching a new diplomatic round, Washington is assessing which diplomatic, economic, or military incentives could encourage Algiers to soften its position. Recent contacts reflect that effort, including talks between Donald Trump’s adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, as well as the visit to Algiers by Africom commander General Dagvin Anderson. Together, these moves signal a renewed U.S. push to advance one of North Africa’s most sensitive regional disputes.
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