Western Sahara : Arab Spring ?

           I recently read some interesting comments by Noam Chomsky on the Arab Spring. He promotes the Idea that the Struggle of Self-governance in Western Sahara is part of the Arab Spring. He puts forth the Arab spring is identified by two factors: first that the issue is of a socio-economic nature. In the majority of the countries with these Arab spring protests it is evident that economic issues played a huge role in the developing protests and in some cases the overthrowing of governments. Next that the fight against authoritarian governments. Mubarak, Ben Ali, and Sahel all can be shown in an authoritarian light. Each could be classified as authoritarian rulers.

            In Western Sahara’s struggle for self-governance both of these factors still apply. The socio-economic conditions of Western Sahara are similar and in most cases worse than the majority of North Africa. Being one of the poorest countries in the world with serious economic issues it is easy to link this to some of the areas unrest. The rule of Mohammed VI underwent some minor reforms during the Arab Spring but not nearly and of the drastic changes that were called for. The very wealthy king is not really shown as an example of authoritarian government, but his dynasties rule could be classified as such. If the Moroccan rule of Western Sahara is considered an occupation or as outside control is would be easy to link the desires of some Western Saharans for self-governance with that of the protests of the Arab spring.

               Personally I see this conflict as a last holdout of colonial and not really in the context of the modern Arab spring. But Noam Chomsky’s point is very interesting and does make a lot of sense.

Also theres a really good conversation going on > here about this subject