It's time to reclaim northern Morocco, Ifni, and Western Sahara for Spain

Two of the foundations that should govern cordial relations between countries are mutual respect and reciprocity.

Historical facts for the uninformed about Spain and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla
What if we extrapolate to others the idea that there shouldn't be Spanish cities in Africa?

In a new provocation against Spain, and while the serious problem created by the July 30th migrant invasion of Ceuta remains unresolved, Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi has stated: "The issue of Ceuta and Melilla will continue to be a matter of dialogue between us and Spain, and we will maintain our historical and geographical rights." This statement is akin to Mr. Ouahbi believing that the Earth is flat or that the Sun is square. For the Moroccan government to invoke nonexistent rights over Spanish cities is intolerable.

At this point, it should no longer surprise us that Pedro Sánchez's government has not recalled the Moroccan ambassador for consultations, as it did with ambassadors from countries friendly to Spain on matters far less important than this one. Regrettably, Sánchez's government insists on behaving like Morocco's butler, giving in to its whims and systematically displaying weakness in the face of its hostile acts toward Spain.

A country that respects itself cannot show weakness to hostile neighbors who intend to seize part of our territory. Once the first foundation for a cordial relationship between countries, which is mutual respect, has been trampled, it is time to act reciprocally: every hostile act by Morocco must be met with a forceful response, whether it be acts of hybrid warfare against our territorial integrity, such as the attack on Ceuta on July 30, or insolent statements like those of the aforementioned Moroccan minister.

Since Morocco insists on claiming the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, two cities that have never been Moroccan and whose citizens do not wish to be Moroccan, the time has come to claim northern Morocco, Ifni, and Western Sahara for Spain, at the very least. Unlike Ceuta and Melilla, northern Morocco, Ifni, and the current Western Sahara—illegally occupied by Morocco—were all Spanish territories. Since Morocco questions Spain's territorial integrity, it is only logical that Spain reciprocate and do the same with Morocco and the territories it currently occupies in violation of international law.

Of course, I have no interest in entering into territorial disputes with any other country. Spain possesses internationally recognized territory and borders and has no interest in initiating territorial conflicts with other countries over territories that were Spanish in the past. But since Morocco does have an interest in stoking this conflict, we must start from a position of strength, so that Rabat is clear that our territorial integrity is inviolable and non-negotiable. If Morocco displays hostility towards Spain, then it must receive hostility in return, with all the consequences. If history has made anything clear, it is that bullies should not be appeased, especially petty bullies who, like Morocco, insist on meddling with a country that has greater military power. Bullies who today are taking advantage of the weakness, cowardice, and betrayal of Spain's interests by the Sánchez government.