The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Here’s what that means.

On Dec. 10, President Trump upended 45 years of U.S. policy by stating that the United States recognizes Morocco’s claim over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Trump also announced that Morocco will normalize its relations with Israel, a deal that analysts describe as a quid pro quo. Israel reportedly lobbied the U.S. government over the past year to recognize Morocco’s claim.