The regional and Arab developments were the ones that prompted Morocco and Algeria to reopen the book of dialogue between them. And although this book's pages were written with the ink of the transformations induced by the storm sweeping the Arab world – and almost leaving no room for any side to catch its breath –, closely reading into it might vary based on the difference in perspectives. Still it is likely, against the backdrop of these transformations, that there is no option for the two neighboring countries but to open up to each other. The logic that viewed the closing of the border and the erection of barriers as being some sort of self-protection measure has probably ended in failure, while these transformations that affected regions which appeared to be far from collapse probably led toward the relative breakthrough. Indeed, as long as the border is dissipating in the face of the major events, there is no longer any point behind the national experience which imagines that dangers only threaten others. Neither Morocco nor Algeria can elude the challenges without economic cooperation leading toward complementarity, especially since the two countries enjoy the elements of harmony by use of their reciprocal human and financial capabilities. Certainly, the gas and oil in Algeria and the agriculture and labor in Morocco, in addition to both their experiences, constitute elements of strength and immunity in case they reach the best possible formula for the construction of a major bloc in the Maghreb. Indeed, what is noticeable is that some Moroccan agricultural goods land in European countries and distant territories before resuming their journey back to Algeria with different tags, knowing that the passage from Oujda to Oran only takes a few hours. On the other hand, Algeria is getting its oil bills from distant capitals, which is increasing the shipment and marketing costs, despite the fact that Morocco is the closest to it. Moreover, in the tourism sector, the Algerians used to come first at the level of the number of visitors to Morocco during the détente stage, while the hefty cost of the active smuggling operations on the closed border strip is negatively affecting the economy in both countries. This is not to mention the human repercussions of the closure of the border in the face of families enjoying marital ties and that are forced to cross thousands of kilometers to see their parents, knowing that the closest meeting point could only be measured in meters. All the questions being raised in Morocco in this regard are being echoed in Algeria. Indeed, the Algerians, just like their Moroccan neighbors, are all concerned about this unnatural situation affecting the relations which were often characterized by the highest forms of solidarity and brotherhood in the face of critical challenges, especially during the stage of the struggle against colonialism. The disputes between factions belonging to the same state might be understood, in light of diverging visions over the ways to achieve independence amid conflicting theories and options. However, this discrepancy should not necessarily exist at the level of the relations between the states, especially the ones enjoying solid and durable ties in terms of history, language, identity and extension. At a previous stage, the dispute between the Moroccan and Algerian regimes used the pretext of the emergence of contradictions that were negatively reflected on the course of understanding and good neighborly relations. However, the collapse of these justifications in light of globalization, market economy and the support of individual initiatives, was not accompanied by a joint approach at the level of the common interests and benefits. Nowadays, the two neighbors are picking their words very carefully and in a way that reflects the wish to launch normalization and establish ordinary relations. Consequently, they are both insisting on repeating the talk about the inevitable Maghreb convergence. However, normalization is not a goal in itself as it was experimented in installments, through the resumption of the diplomatic relations then the agreement over the activation of the demarcation treaty. But each time it was believed that the two neighbors were on the brink of shedding the old burdens, a setback and a return to square one were seen. The efforts deployed between Rabat and Algiers are restoring the same hopes and repeating the same mistakes which are reproduced in new forms. Indeed, what is required is a reconciliation that would lead to a large extent of self-criticism, considering that without this political attitude – which could spare the wager on bilateral or multipartite normalization –, the relations between the two countries will continue to be obstructed between the momentum of hope and the harshness of reality. Perhaps thinking about the political timetables which existed prior to the eruption of the Arab Spring, will not be the same in the face of the current transformations that have become similar to shock therapy. And in order for the two countries to avoid sparing the available opportunity, they must read into the situation and into the aspirations of the people of the region who have become bored of the political disputes and wish to replace them with rivalries guaranteeing their dignity, freedom and stability.
