This ending month of August marks the 16th anniversary of the closure of border between Algeria and Morocco. Nothing justifies the prolongation of the exceptional situation that is in contradiction with the logic of things in the era of globalization, openness, and the cancellation of hindrances to the flow of persons and goods. The reopening of the border is not a Moroccan demand, despite Rabat's insistence on giving it precedence in the effort of confidence-building, and on discussing the pending issues with Algeria. It is not an Algerian demand either, even though it is seemingly linked with reaching agreements over many issues. It reflects the need of both countries to one other, as they might not be able to periodically reach an agreement over everything. But this does not preclude the recognition that the situation on their border is not normal and should not last long, after it exhausted the cards in which it was used. Missing details reveal that the two neighboring countries fell under the influence of ideas and scenarios that were associated with the growing fears over internationalizing the Algerian situation when the confrontation between the regime and the extremist Islamic movements was escalated. Some European capitals played a role in consolidating the estrangement between Algeria and Morocco for various considerations, backgrounds, and purposes. However, after less than ten years, the concept that Morocco is an exception in being far from extremism through suicide operations in Casablanca will collapse, and the Moroccans will discover later on that they are also victims of stored weapons brought in from the outside to threaten their regime. It would have been enough for the Algerians and Moroccans alike, in light of their exposure to the disease of extremism and terrorism, to realize that closing the border does not close the windows in the face of the transnational phenomenon. They should also realize that their cooperation on the border, at least in coordinating and exchanging ideas and resources, spares them from facing the unknown. The fear of this unknown has inevitably required the increased height of barriers between them. Although this was not a sufficient justification, there is no harm to turn the pages of economic projects on the ports, railways and exploration of wealth, which have become mere memories filled with the dust of oblivion. In addition, due to certain developments, the decision of shutting down the border between both countries was reflected on the components of the Moroccan space which is marred by obstruction and stagnation. Neither has economic integration made its way, nor has political coordination achieved some of its goals. Besides, the Moroccan presence in dealing with the regional and Arab and international issues could not be touched from near or far. This means that both countries are held responsible in a way or another for the continued crisis of the absence of confidence and dialogue. Thus, they are both responsible for shouldering the implications at the Moroccan level. Over time, coexistence and the closure of border has almost become a rule, as the economy has replaced the borders with a decline of the resources available for each party. The parallel and illegal commercial activities impose themselves on smuggling operations and tax evasion, while the humanitarian suffering between the families [from both countries] that enjoy kinship bonds has aggravated. The Moroccans and Algerians are now celebrating the memories of August itself, ones that have historical connotations as to the joint struggle, each in its own way. The irony is that the month that marks the unity of willpower and ambitions that longed for establishing the Greater Maghreb is the same month that consolidated the separation of roads. Whether the events of the Atlas-Asni Hotel were direct reasons for shutting down the border, or were meant to end any consensual approach between the two neighboring countries, today, the lesson does not lie in what the two countries have done or were obliged to do, but rather, in what they did not do to bypass an abnormal situation, one that represents an exception in the relations between states. Like this time four years ago, Morocco cancelled the visa system for the Algerians. A few months later, Algeria took similar measures. Although decisions that contradicted this approach were the reasons behind consolidating the border closure, canceling these decisions did not help in restoring the normal situation. This means that the pending dossiers are associated with the political willpower, not administrative measures.
