Deep Dive: El País Recycles Outdated Narratives on Western Sahara Amid Madrid Accords Anniversary

From a geopolitical perspective, the Madrid Accords of 1975 represented Spain's withdrawal from Western Sahara, shifting control to Morocco and Mauritania amid Cold War dynamics, which continues to influence power struggles in North Africa as seen in recent US-led talks. Internationally, this situation highlights how media outlets like El País perpetuate colonial legacies, affecting cross-border relations by framing the conflict in ways that favor certain narratives over resolution, potentially impacting global diplomacy involving the UN and other powers. Regionally, the cultural and historical context of Western Sahara involves indigenous Sahrawi populations and their struggles against Moroccan control, with Algeria supporting the Polisario as a proxy, underscoring why media portrayals in Spain matter for local identities and ongoing autonomy debates. Analyzing through the lens of international affairs, the convening in Madrid underscores the humanitarian implications for Sahrawi refugees and the broader migration patterns in the Maghreb, where unresolved conflicts hinder trade and stability. The criticism of El País suggests a failure to evolve with modern diplomatic efforts, which could exacerbate tensions between involved nations and organizations. This persistence of outdated views illustrates why addressing historical grievances is crucial for contemporary peace processes. In terms of strategic interests, key actors like Morocco seek to consolidate control over Western Sahara for resource access, while the Polisario fights for independence, making media framing a tool in information warfare. The article's focus on Spanish media reveals how domestic narratives influence international perceptions, emphasizing the need for nuanced reporting to foster genuine dialogue. Ultimately, this event matters because it reflects broader patterns of how colonial histories shape current global conflicts and the role of journalism in either perpetuating or resolving them.