Rabat did well when it gave up the hosting of the delayed Maghreb summit in favor of Tunisia. Since Algeria failed to hold that summit, resulting in it being moved to Libya without realizing the dream, then the Tunisia of the revolution must obtain the support of its sisterly nations in hosting an event that will soon mark a new beginning to the challenge of the stumbling Maghreb union. The identity of whose turn it will be in order to resuscitate the Maghreb Union is not important. It is acceptable to have some distance as long as it will lead to shortening the distance on the best possible visions to realize the dream of the generations. The best thing is to return to the starting point back when the Maghreb choice was so tempting to the extent that Egypt, a major country, wanted to join that union. Regardless of selecting this capital or that, the summit failed to convene earlier because the necessary conditions were missing. The momentum of the Maghreb framework regressed, to say the least. The question is no longer, how can we build a viable Maghreb framework, one that is capable of proceeding and interacting with its European, Arab and African surroundings? There are rather suggestions and ideas that all tackle the obsession of retreat due to that every state is busy with its internal issues. These were rather hard to understand justifications. However, these justifications succeeded in squandering the suitable opportunities that could have improved the situation in the region. All that remains from the union is mere photos and recommendations and decisions that are now placed on the shelf. Logically, there is no contradiction between the internal priorities of each country and the pace for maintaining the Maghreb process. These two axes can meet without cancelling one another out. Most probably, the internal situation of the North African countries will be better off if the two choices were interconnected and concomitant. If development and democracy are the main issues of concern, then building a coherent and solid Maghreb structure cannot but enhance this path by allowing for equal and balanced opportunities. This structure will also constitute an answer to the most complicated problems when it comes to economic integration, political coordination, and the consolidation of the Maghreb negotiators in the dialogue with their European partners; this is in addition to the openness to the Arab world and the replication of the successful GCC experience. None of that actually took place because the exaggerated political sensitivities caused the integration project to be replaced by self-isolation. The concept of solidarity was even deviated towards the paths of conflict, cautiousness, and lack of trust. Thus, the benefits that this common structure was supposed to reap under the headline of the major strategic dimensions turned into little small that are only suitable for every individual side. Was it necessary that the capitals concerned would revive the frozen Maghreb project only after the Arab Spring? Or did the shock of that sudden change affect priorities and inevitable choices? In any case, the cost of the Arab non-Maghreb was quite hefty. The subjective analyses caused the constituents of the region to hit a wall and thus to review their calculations. Thus, they knew that there will be no stability and no development without the support of the Maghreb union. The North Africans used to say that their attempt at achieving unity preceded the European bid; and that regardless of the differences between them no wars or bloody clashes took place. However, they are only reading the title of the book. No one can predict events. If Tunisia succeeds in bringing together the Maghreb capitals at the summit, then this will be a major achievement. Even if there are contradicting visions concerning the priorities of this summit and whether they will be economic, political, or cultural, it will at least clarify the features of the road ahead. And if the summit succeeds in restoring warmth to the drifting relations and in achieving a minimal level of agreement on the transportation of people and goods and removing barriers to this, then this will constitute an incentive for seeking future steps to reinvigorate this path. The Maghreb union was initiated with a decision issued by the highest officials. However, it was halted in the middle of the road. The new thing now is that this choice has become a popular demand. The sure thing is that the bets and aspirations of the ‘People's Maghreb' are in line with the ‘Democracies' Maghreb' because it constitutes both the starting point and the end objective at the same time.
