Syria, historically, has provided political support to the Polisario, a Western Saharan-oriented group fighting against Morocco. This has prompted tensions between Morocco and Syria, which had already declined since the 1960s. Syria's close ties with Iran also gave impetus for the tensions, a fact which contributed to Syria's support to Polisario and Western Saharans against Morocco.[1] Syria remains firmly on Western Sahara's side and has officially recognized SADR.[2]