Western Sahara Strategy & Diplomacy: A new policy paper argues Morocco has shifted from relying on historical and legal claims to a broader playbook mixing diplomacy, economic development, governance, security cooperation, and coalition-building—aimed at moving the debate toward autonomy, stability, and pragmatic geopolitics. Mining & Cross-Border Tensions: Mauritanian artisanal miners’ unions deny claims that Mauritanian prospectors were hit in a Morocco drone strike near Akleibat El Foula, saying the attack targeted Sahrawis in a disputed buffer zone and warning that misinformation could strain ties. UN Mediation Update: Staffan de Mistura’s June 7–8 visit to the Tindouf camps is framed as an effort to restart negotiations by creating conditions for a new round under UN Security Council resolutions. Construction Materials in Occupied Territory: Heidelberg Materials says it increased cement production in occupied Western Sahara and supplied concrete/cement for major port and infrastructure projects in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, keeping pressure on corporate involvement. Arms Race Context: Coverage highlights rising military spending by Morocco and Algeria, linking Rabat’s posture partly to the Western Sahara dispute and Algiers’ to wider regional security pressures. Trade & Logistics Angle: Reports on Morocco–Gulf ties point to Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, and energy, with consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla tied to support for Morocco’s autonomy plan.