Colonial Mentality Resurfaces in Spanish Military Rhetoric
In a striking display of outdated colonial attitudes, a group of former Spanish military leaders has made provocative remarks aimed at Morocco, igniting tensions between the two nations. Retired General Francisco José Gan Pampols, who previously headed Spain’s military intelligence, claimed that Spain could "extinguish Morocco within 24 hours," a statement steeped in arrogance and disconnected from the realities of contemporary international relations. Such comments are seen as an attempt to project military superiority and bolster national pride within Spain, even as they provoke outrage in Morocco.
Additionally, Admiral Juan Rodríguez Garat, the former commander of the Spanish fleet, joined the chorus of threats, discussing hypothetical scenarios of comprehensive military conflict that would target vital Moroccan infrastructure. His rhetoric, which includes the potential use of aerial, naval, and cyber capabilities, contrasts sharply with the diplomatic language that should ideally characterize relations between neighboring countries.
The Spanish newspaper "El Español" has also played a significant role in amplifying these militaristic threats, showcasing Spain's arsenal, including Eurofighter and F-18 fighter jets, in what appears to be a blatant psychological pressure tactic against Morocco. Such statements cannot be divorced from Spain's recent governmental actions, including a late-August decree placing the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla under a state of national security concern, mobilizing all available resources.
This coordinated campaign, which combines media and military rhetoric, reflects a deep-seated anxiety in Spain regarding Morocco’s growing strategic capabilities. Instead of pursuing a path of partnership and cooperation, some factions in Madrid seem intent on resurrecting the language of threats and colonialism, a discourse that is out of touch with the realities of modern Morocco.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
