Google Maps Erases Western Sahara Border for Moroccan Users, No Coincidence
The New Arab astutely notes this digital vanishing act occurred just a day after the UN backed Rabat's plan. What they don't explicitly connect (but we will) is the 2020 Abraham Accords, where the US (under Donald Trump, then affirmed by Biden) recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel. This diplomatic quid pro quo—US backing for
an annexation deemed illegal by international law—is the real unseen border being redrawn. So, Google's map isn't just updating; it's manifesting US foreign policy. One might wonder if human rights, international law, or inconvenient lines on maps ever truly stand in the way of 'strategic partnerships' or (one can only assume) lucrative tech contracts. Apparently, when the US gives its blessing,
occupied territories cease to exist—at least for those living within a certain digital radius. Talk about targeted advertising.