In its relationship with the new rulers in Spain, Morocco needs an extra dose of patience and perseverance. While the neighboring sphere is not always a source of concern, it is not always a source of comfort either, especially in the context of relationships in which history intersects with the residues of the past, and the differences that cast their shadows on both the present and the future. This is not only because the Spanish Popular Party has always used Morocco as leverage in internal disputes, as it has some influence on public opinion; but also because the position of this party in the opposition has allowed it to take stands that it is likely to abandon or to reconsider. This is governed by the ebb and flow of cautious exchanges such as the ones that prevailed throughout the term of the conservative party, in its dealings with the issues of the Sahara and the demarcation of territorial waters for example. In truth, this latter issue has stalled since the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in the north are still under Spanish occupation. The effects of such positions were only aggravated when the party moved to the opposition. The two countries have some bad memories that nearly took them to the point of no return, against the backdrop of the crisis that almost broke over the sovereignty on the uninhabited Mediterranean Island of Perejil. Leaders of the Popular Party have also provoked the Moroccans by habitually visiting Ceuta and Melilla. This escalation could have been avoided through a small amount of self control since the visits could have changed nothing with respect to the two cities' connection to Moroccan sovereignty. Things seem worrisome because the dialogue between Spain and Britain over sovereignty in Gibraltar goes hand in hand with the door being closed on dialogue with Spain over issues concerning the southern bank of the Mediterranean. The Spanish Socialists, who sustained major losses in last week's elections, also did not dare to tackle this issue because of internal sensitivities, albeit they had helped in making amends since the signing of the friendship and good neighborly relations agreement between Rabat and Madrid. But what is certain is that the most realistic solutions are the ones proposed by the most radical stakeholders. Thus, the possible and mandatory coexistence between Spain and Morocco might carry signs of an openness that has not been achieved before. The reason for believing this is that, when thrust by the ballots to the lead, any political party would reconsider the requirements of dealing with its new situation on the internal and external levels. This party undoubtedly knows that the expectations of those people who have faith in it are much more important than evoking external battles. However, this requires the support of its immediate surroundings in order to help in changing its vision of the necessities and priorities. Nothing justifies taking an opposition stand at a time when the Popular Party is bearing the responsibility of making political decisions. Similarly, it won't be necessary for the Moroccans, in dealing with the ruling Spanish party, to surrender to some repercussions that have been supposedly overcome. The fact that the two neighbors have undergone early elections constitutes an encouraging sign. In Rabat, these elections were imposed by the need to implement the requirements of the new constitution by fulfilling the commitment to building corresponding institutions. In Madrid, the economic and financial crisis represented a pressuring force to contain the restlessness of the Street. Only chance will make the Spanish under the Popular Party look towards their southern neighbor at a time when a new team has taken over the government there, in light of the outcomes of Friday's elections. This situation will allow the two neighbors to avoid their former disputes. Since the democratic normalization after the departure of General Franco, Morocco has traditionally constituted the first stop of the new Spanish prime minister. This aims at highlighting the importance of Rabat in the realm of Spain's strategic relationships. This axis grew even more important because the first European-Moroccan summit - which granted Rabat a forward position in the relationships with the European Union – was held in Spain. This implies that Madrid's commitments within the European sphere now call for more openness towards Morocco. Less than five kilometers separate Morocco from Spain. Like the lights of the Green Island in South Andalusia can be seen from the highest hill in Tangier in North Morocco, so are the aspirations of Rabat in building a special partnership with the aim of re-demarcating the natural gap between the African and European continents. In fact, Spain has an economic and commercial extension south of the Mediterranean.
