The 3 Strangest Borders on Earth

3 Borders that will Blow Your Mind
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I want to tell you about three specific border regions. Each of them are remarkably unique - but they also have a massive impact on the communities that live nearby.
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Iz's (my wife’s) channel: / iz-harris
- how i make my videos -
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- my courses -
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- about -
Johnny Harris is a filmmaker and journalist. He currently is based in Washington, DC, reporting on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe. Johnny's visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways. He holds a BA in international relations from Brigham Young University and an MA in international peace and conflict resolution from American University.
- press -
NYTimes: www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/op...
NYTimes: www.nytimes.com/video/opinion...
Vox Borders: • Inside Hong Kong’s cag...
Finding Founders: findingfounders.co/episodes/j...
NPR Planet Money: www.npr.org/transcripts/10721...

[@johnnyharris]

Thanks NordVPN for supporting my video!Go to nordvpn.com/johnnyharris to get a 2-year plan plus a bonus gift with a huge discount! It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!

[@Asamations]

Love your work!

[@ayushxd5799]

Hmm

[@raajpatel9198]

Having a Vibe like previous border series 😬

[@Sammyfarel]

Poggers

[@_perza]

best videos check

[@lavidawithjoey]

It's been years since I have actively watched TV and I cannot thank creators like Johnny enough for helping me make this transition. I went from absorbing unhelpful and mainly useless information to constantly having access to high quality intriguing content. Hats off for another wonderful video!

[@firepit1432]

I agree and also now means you only have to sit through a few seconds of adverts at a time rather than multiple 5-10 mins of ad breaks for every show on tv!

[@casablanca1706]

Sadly, Johnny transmits a lot of false information.

[@MrSupernova111]

I said the same exact thing on this video! I also stopped watching TV or Netflix years ago because of the wealth of high quality educational videos like this one online. Cheers!

[@xdae]

I mean… we still can watch KZbin on our TV

[@thelukesternater]

Sames

[@berkay9853]

Hey Johnny, About the Suileiman Shah, I made some research on Turkish websites about the story and history of it. (Turkish viewer here), it was in his will to be buried in Biladü'ş-Şam (Ottoman name for todays Syria Region) because he was martyred there. And thats why he is still in Syria even though its right next to the border. And also I believe there is an agreement of some sort to bring him back to his former burial place when things are more settled in the region. Btw I learned there is still a moseloum kind of thing where the dam overflowed his first burial place.

[@qpSubZeroqp]

You deserve more views and attention because your comment is a pretty important piece of this story

[@AhmadLad]

His current burial ground is temporary according to official sources. They plan on returning him to his original place once the war is over. I’m from Syria and I find such monuments to be proof of our shared heritage and brotherhood. I hope someday all this hatred and malice be over with so we could all visit it once this whole ordeal is over.

[@khushi6880]

Wait a minute, I am confused.😀 you said it was in his will to be buried over there because he was martyred there, but how can he state that in his will after being dead. Or I am dumb🤪 as I am not able to comprehend what is written. Please! can someone explain?

[@CharmChampion]

Is this Hurrem’s Suileiman?

[@alatasarin]

@@CharmChampion No. the one you are thinking of is Suleiman the Magnificant. Suleiman Shah died in 1236, whereas Suleiman the Magnificent was born in 1494.

[@fearlessandfar]

This is all so fascinating!

[@alessandro.calzavara]

Lol, I'm watching this right after your video about the Mursis

[@davidspez7267]

Thank you Johnny for all the awesome content throughout this year 👏👍

[@AfroVersity]

My dad a former Kenyan military officer went for peace keeping mission with the UN in Western Sahara and worked at that border. He has so many stories about that border.

[@_perza]

I know this is unrelated but the UN is the worst organisation ever.

[@mapk1516]

Can you tell us some stories if that's okay?

[@matpk]

@@_perza compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist Chinazi IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late

[@PryorSebastian]

No body asked, if you’ve got good stories to tell. Start telling them.

[@inkynewt]

Break us off a piece of something if you can! (Protecting everyone's identities as needed of course)

[@bryn]

I’m so glad there’s people like you making content like this.

[@Ok-lu8gx]

ok

[@albertwang5974]

Yes, in these days, humiliating China is a booming business for these vbloggers!

[@austin7912]

@@albertwang5974 china deserves to be humiliated

[@bengiyardimli1925]

How has he not covered the Aegean borders between mainland Turkey and the Greek islands alredy? I know its a large can of tuna but tons of interesting stuff there to cover, all right up Mr. Harris' alley imo.

[@souhailhails]

Men the Moroccan part of the video is biaised, complete fake news ! No context, no terrain reality, a good video is not just someone doing a wikipedia reasearch and putting western sahara borders on youtube

[@fitfirst4468]

I would love to watch a deep dive series on each of these three boarders. Your work is amazing!

[@gordonsneddon5914]

Hi Johnny…wonderful map animations…they get a complex story over to the audience in such a quick and simple way. Map geeks rock!

[@marouane53]

I really hope it's an honest mistake, the use of the footage from the Moroccan city of Laayoun in 3:31, a city that has representation in the Moroccan parliament and has been thriving economically in the last decade, to represent as you said " The people in the little strip who run their own country." And if you zoom a little, you can see the red and green Moroccan flag in those images. While actually, the seat of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic government is located in Tindouf, Algeria and not inside the little strip.

[@RYGVisuals]

Condensing such a complex geopolitical conflit into a 2 to 3 minutes segment would require cutting a lot of elements .. Talking about the Sahara Question and not mentioning the Polisario Front, Algeria, Tindouf, the 1991 Armistice. I think he kept the elements of the story that are aligned with his political views, since a lot of these leftist westerners romanticize everything that has the words "freedom, independence..." His biais made him make a lot of mistakes in this video, not only the Laâyoune one.

[@deusex-machina3337]

Yeah! that was some 10/10 BS.

[@yass_our4894]

Il passe complètement à côté de la plaque ( Use wikipedia to translate this frensh sentence as u did while u did this stupid video)

[@enasukeyna3453]

I was reading comments to see if anyone had anything to say about the incorrect presentation he showed in his video, and luckily, I came across your comment, knowing that he didn't mention Polisario.

[@casablanca1706]

Thank you Marouane, I’ve been trying to reach you out for this video.

[@ludoviajante]

I can't help but appreciate the amount of work put into a video like this. Your work is an inspiration, Johnny. Much love from Brazil!

[@Yanzdorloph]

his work is filled with lies thou, filled to the brim

[@akjdhajkdjhaghjkadh9804]

@@Yanzdorloph explain

[@souhailhails]

Which amount of work, the Moroccan part of the video is biaised, complete fake news ! No context, no terrain reality, a good video is not just someone doing a wikipedia reasearch and putting western sahara borders on youtube

[@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200]

Funny how the first three border disputes are due to Zionists yet he keeps mentioning 'European colonialism'.. But doesn't say anything about how the Morroco/Israel ordeal and the Syria/Israel ordeal and the Iraq/Israel ordeal all involve ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE who are pushing their interests in each theatre.. He should be able to say 'Jewish colonialists' just as easily as 'European colonialists' but has been conditioned by the media and society to never name those perpetrators

[@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200]

@Tala Elise Turkey is named in the Israeli Clean break papers as an Ally to Israel in wanting to break up Syria like the Balkans and controll the Northern districts while Israel does the same with Southern districts surrounding the Golan. Read the papers for yourself if you doubt it...

[@brendabrass2715]

Thanks Johnny and Liz. Hope you and the family have a great 2022!

[@mariapiaamorin5793]

I'm obsessed with your videos. You're seriously an amazing story-teller and researcher!!

[@AC-im4hi]

I love hearing about weird borders. This should totally be a series!

[@hymesh]

I think this is what you're looking for: kzbin.info/aero/PLyXor-IbFvGR37eL0G4eSwO9GczeUcY89 Strangest Borders by RealLifeLore

[@puny_God]

@MellowSavagez thought that was obvious 🤣🤣

[@regallux6973]

Look to cameroon you will fine many of such

[@handlemonium]

I love how the video URL literally as the word "cringe" in it.

[@khalilerrajaoui359]

Please go visit the south of Morocco like for example Dakhla and you will see that all the people that live there, they are Moroccans and they are proud to be part of it, because simply Morocco used to be bigger than that and all those people that you are assuming they are claiming to gain that part it's because Algeria is giving them a lot of money for it, just so we don't focus on land that this country named Algeria took from us while we were trying to help them to get out from their colonisation. There is something called Maghreb Union which means Moroccan Union that all those countries who are part of it used to be part of Morocco.. I personally invite you to do a Vlog together in those southern areas and you are more than welcome, you will notice that it's one of the most peaceful ares and beautiful that ever saw in your life..

[@7addaribaba]

The western Sahara always was part of Morocco 👍

[@edgzta]

LIES , get OUT of Western SAHARA

[@khalilerrajaoui359]

@@edgzta Bro I am Moroccan and my DNA is 100% North Africa, if you want I already have a KZbin channel come to Morocco I invite and let's do a Vlog together wherever you want in the South of Morocco. There is also a world Cup in Dakhla in Windsurf, just check on KZbin there is tons of videos about this.

[@oussamaibrir7899]

Why y'all always gotta involve Algeria it's your mess Algeria had nothing to do with it and I know u're gonna say they support them but Algeria has always supported independence movements like Palestine and western sahara

[@m00rish37]

@@oussamaibrir7899 True im moroccan i think Tindouf And Other territories are blame on France.After the Isli war france basically drew borders but the trick is they only drew the northern borders the south they said:"Ooh its just a desert with nothing no need to specify that"and kept adding territory to the algerian colony's territory For me i just want the W.sahara back Algeria can keep the Eastern Sahara

[@alejandrovelazqueztorres6198]

Hi Johnny, keep up with the good work! I really enjoy your videos. I was wondering if you have any videos talking about Antarctic. If not, are you planning on doing one? I think it is very interesting how the nations fight over every single piece of terrain but none country has ever claimed any part of Antarctic.

[@banerjeerrhy3327]

The effort that goes into producing these videos and research behind it is impeccable.

[@FreeTheBro]

Please do a full video on Western Sahara, your videos are great and accurate but I don’t think you brought up the whole picture, and I understand. You had 5 minutes to talk about it and it’s a lot to talk about. Please do a full video and bring up the green March, the French and spanish colonization of Morocco. I think you will change your opinion if you look in to the subject a little bit more and maybe visit Morocco. Most people don’t know about this and I think it would be an interesting and educational video.

[@risannd]

Speaking of South China Sea, Indonesia is often left out in the discussion. They have tiny little parts that interfere with so-called “Nine Dash Line”. Even China is not going to let go this small part, which caused bit strained diplomacy with Indonesia. In response, Indonesia updated their map, naming the contested area North Natuna Sea (Natuna being the island chain near the area). Only the contested area though, since Indonesia still call the rest of the sea as South China Sea.

[@lvjinbin28]

people only know China claims 9dashline, but ignore to mention Taiwan still claims 11dashline today? because PRC inherited from ROC since 1949, and ROC's 11dashline got supported by West and Soviet 1945, even US navy gave warships to Chinese to help ROC took over military control of South China Sea in 1946, so ironically it means Chinese got legitimacy of South China Sea from West since 1946, and Malaysia Phillipines Vietnam didn't oppose because they were still colonies for West,

[@commonprosperity4all675]

@@lvjinbin28 zzqingqongbongszz are everywhere

[@budakbaongsiah]

@@lvjinbin28 Taiwan also claims China and even Mongolia, but it doesn't enforce its claims. China does.

[@lvjinbin28]

@@budakbaongsiah when Taiwan's navy is stronger than mainland, Taiwan blocked mainland's trade for 30 years, when Taiwan's navy is weak then Taiwan said: don't bully me?

[@hc7325]

@@lvjinbin28 Taiwan has never blocked China's trade. It was Mao who banned foreign investments in China. After Mao died in 1976, Deng took power and began decades of economic reform to turn the country into a market-oriented economy. Taiwan had nothing to do with any of this.

[@kaymarieperera4778]

I loved this. I shared it with my best friend to share with her 10-year-old son as he loves learning about archeology, among other scintillating topics. Well presented, allowing anyone to follow along, especially the reasoning for world political boundaries and "enclaves." Thank you!

[@franklinekihiu1063]

"You're not real, but if you like my friend, you're real now." Johnny Harris, 2021.

[@kompaskompas5605]

Very informative video, we appreciate your hard work. Just one thing that I would like to clear is... You mentioned Spain leaving Western Sahara but you didn't talk about the spanish occupation of the Sahara, it's an important part of the story. The Sahara was part of the Kingdom of Morocco since the 8th century, the spanish only arrived there after the protectorat of Morocco in 1912. Then Morocco gained independence in 1956 (the northern part) and tried to recover its Sahara using diplomacy for 20 years with no luck, then the green march was launched in 1975 forcing the spanish out of the Sahara region. Morocco never colognized the Sahara, they've recovered it.

[@TilmanBaumann]

None of your "facts" matter if there are ACTUAL PEOPLE who rather die than be moroccan. Why would historic borders matter? Things change. Borders change. People cange.

[@kompaskompas5605]

@@Blackgriffonphoenixg There were multiple confrontations between the Moroccan milatary and the Polisario back in the 70's and 80's, the landmines played a key role to stop the sahraoui fighters from mobilizing in the Moroccan Sahara before the wall was built. In other words, mines are left overs from old wars. Morocco is doing its best to clear the mined areas. As for Polisario fighters, the Moroccan army can easily crush them with a click of a button but Morocco choses not to (although they still attack us despite the UN peace treaty), is that what occupants do in your opinion...?

[@nak1509]

@@Blackgriffonphoenixg Tf you mean? Aren’t we supposed to defend ourselves against literal terrorists? You know that nobody lives on the other side of that border right? All of the Sahrawis under Polisario control live in refugeecamps in Algeria with no basic needs. The only ones who come to the 15% area that Morocco does not control are Polisario terrorist trying to attack Moroccan cities. That’s why there are landmines on the border

[@nak1509]

@@Blackgriffonphoenixg There is no occupation like who are they supposed to occupy huh? Other Moroccan citizens? You can travel to the Moroccan Sahara and it will be no different than Marrakesh or Casablanca

[@nak1509]

@@TilmanBaumann Thats the thing ppl do not rather die than be Moroccan cuz that would be insane. The problem is that thousands of Sahrawis are under Polisario control which means they are isolated from the world and live with no basic needs

[@h2_]

That explanation of the Morocco/West Sahara border was extremely suspect to me. Like "no fucking way, this doesn't sound right, imma immediately google it" sus. And yea, I was right to be suspicious. Smh.

[@sogsbn]

The colors used in your videos are truly soothing to the eye , which is another plus point on top of the great story telling skills of Johnny . Pls do keep up the good work & hope to see more informative videos in 2022.

[@kingace6186]

Johnny is back to the basics!!! Vox Borders throwback. Love to see it and hope to see more border analyses.

[@marty500]

As someone who frequented Baarle-Nassau/Hertog. You're right, it doesn't affect people on a daily basis, until last year. Since Belgium and Netherlands had different pandemic measures, things got....weird. But it's still true people are less affected than the other 3 cases you mentioned.

[@johnnyharris]

Whoa fascinating!!

[@valarmorghulis8139]

How about you guys there in Vietnam we can team up I'm from Philippines to fight againts this bully who claim this stupid dash line which does not follow the International law of 200 nautical miles EEZ

[@Moon-ro1ly]

Hello @Johnny Harris I like the mermaid of well researched videos that you share on your channel and enjoy the in-depth discovery of the different subjects. Concerning the Moroccan sand wall border, I was disappointed you didn't keep your neutral analysis by showing the story of the two sides. I am Moroccan (and have my own biases) and I understand that the sahrawis (the separatist side of them) deserve to present their arguments, nonetheless the depiction of Morocco as the antagonist without showing our arguments such as our historical claims which go back way beyond the Spanish colonization of our sahara and way before the creation of Polisario in 1973 (sahrawi separatist group), can't leave me silent. Morocco has invested a lot in the development of the region at the expense of the entire country. And yes I do acknowledge that we have had our wrongs in the conflict (from a human right perceptive) but different reports have highlighted the improvement of life conditions (economically and in terms of human rights) there throughout the years. I encourage this channel followers to not stop at this simplistic video and to search for themselves and would appreciate if you could mention the lack of research on this topic in your next video. Best of luck for your future. Please note this is a constructive feedback that aims at helping you improve your work. I will continue enjoying your videos.

[@aymanekouera2302]

I totally agree with you 👍Neutrality should be kept at all cost

[@Belkasrioualid]

This is why oversimplifying history , politics , or even science may turning out worse than ignorance itself

[@franciscobarragancastro4348]

I agree he should do a video just on this topic. But my no means you can phrase Morrocco as the good guy in the situation. You can't just say we committed human right violations, but hey, at least we built roads to help in the extraction of minerals.

[@Moon-ro1ly]

@@franciscobarragancastro4348 thank you for your response. I'm defending neutrality, so you can construct your own opinion on the matter. Furthermore, I didn't say human rights violation was alright, I was trying to build contrast with 2 opposite arguments to highlight the importance of neutrality. Countries around the world did wrong things (exampli: Spain using chemical arms against northern moroccans during their colonization of the region in 1920s and only recently recognizing it and considering to offer compensations) and it is important to acknowledge them. Also, development is not only translated into building roads and mining. The conditions of life for the average saharwis are relatively better to the averages of their northern countrymen.

[@Moon-ro1ly]

@Hugh Nelson that's an interesting point you are raising, it's like you are sharing real examples of the Hobbesian vision that the control of the monopoly of violence in once territory is crucial for the survival of the leviathan.

[@TwirlGirl2197]

Make this a series!!! I loved it and would love to see more parts!!!

[@aadam2695]

Great video, Harris. Really well done. Professionalism, brings a lot of information that's actually interesting and just... overall amazing. I have one request however, can you cover the Greenlandic ice sheet?

[@elmehdifakdi6546]

Hi Johnny, I'm Moroccan and I've been following you since your beginning at Vox. You always delivered accurate analysis but here with Morocco, there's a lot that is missing. I would love to have a full video on Morocco that splains why Morocco has always been Israel's friend and the historical claims that back morocco's sovereignty over Sahara. Merry Chrismas

[@7addaribaba]

Christmas haram 😂

[@FreeTheBro]

I’d also like too see that, most people talking about Western Sahara doesn’t include the whole picture

[@baathi7358]

@@7addaribaba Not all Moroccans are Muslim.

[@brighteststar77]

When you say Morocco has been Israël’s friend, which morocco are you talking about? Because when you say Morocco that means the Moroccans who live in it which are 35 millions Moroccans, and if you ask every true and free Moroccan I emphasise here on FREE Moroccans you know what they think about Israel, so stop trying to shove this untrue political agendas that doesn’t represent morocco nor Moroccans down our throats.

[@badrtaib730]

Dude, as a Moroccan, please refrain from saying Morocco has always been Israel's friend. It's not a good look, at all.

[@tasami]

Much respect to your content but as a moroccan i should advise you to see the moroccan borders and the real people living there so you may understand the situation. and you can always do more research about the history of this region before Spain took over . But the political events were an opportunity for moroccan government i cant judge morally on them but i can say its a smart political movement.

[@oubayheot8843]

Couldn't agree more. A lot of details were missed.

[@douggaudiosi14]

Sounds like your against the idea of other people having Freedom

[@USF_Hunter]

@@douggaudiosi14 so you are okay giving your house to others if they claim it's theirs?

[@saadei7]

​@@douggaudiosi14 bro its just algeria who wants our land .

[@oussamahilali7150]

​@@julioatrejo7687 bro i am from western Moroccan sahara and i consider myself Moroccan,

[@baderkhosaym4448]

As someone born and still living in Syria , your explanation of the situation was incredible and had many important details coverd, thank you brother

[@michaelcolburn1490]

I am new to your channel. I respect you so much from the start. People who use their name (assuming you are Johnny Harris) on their product are awesome. They OWN their efforts and bring a high quality to their work because of this. Keep on with your quest. Thank you, sir.

[@Tooxie11]

I am always amazed at how many top notch videos you churn out. These feel like they would take 3 months to make, and yet you pump these out every week and change. Love the content Johnny keep it up! Happy Holidays!

[@romanw8632]

I would love to see a full video on the Morocco/Western Sahara conflict. it is an insane situation and is very much underreported, and your videos on lesser-known conflicts are amazing

[@nourbendali2206]

It has never been a Morocco / Western Sahara conflict actually , but a Morocco/ algeria Conflict over Western Sahara as a battlefield. This is something really important to understand the situation.

[@dahobachir74]

@@nourbendali2206 don’t try to twist the truth, it is Sahrawi who fought the Moroccan and Mauritani troops after Spain left and split their country between Morocco and Mauritania .. simple facts that can easily be verified

[@aminegouizine2817]

@@dahobachir74 the polosario are there in tondouf the host is Algeria that wants to see the atlantic ocean but cant unfortunately hhhh

[@dahobachir74]

@@aminegouizine2817 the mouvement was born in Western Sahara, not in Algeria and absolutely not in Morocco

[@aminegouizine2817]

@@dahobachir74 bro if a tiny group of people want to dissocoate from your country what are u going to do?

[@gamestarz7030]

Thanx for explaining all of this in such a simple manner❤️

[@georgegeorgiouza4728]

Happy new year to you guys too! Great content, and well connected explanations … as always.

[@rebootedperson3821]

You are one of those whom I understand without a dictionary :) Beautiful clear speech, pleasant timbre and speed of speech, correct sentences, no profanity, everything that I like as a person learning English. Thank you for your work Mr. Harris! Good luck and wealth in the new year 2022!

[@SparkySteve.]

Johnny, ive only discovered your.content a couple of months ago and its absolutely fantastic, thank you Sir. Im from England and id love to request you do a video and the history of Northern Ireland, the IRA, its war with England, and the ongoing border dispute. I think youd love it and we'd all be eternally grateful

[@franzvanjulio5523]

I just found you today and I love your content. It’s like you’re in my brain and know how I love to learn and the kinda of things I like to learn about. Awesome!

[@In_tyme]

The passion Johnny has for maps is infectious and inspiring. We need more people like this

[@manlikederek925]

I'm just getting into film editing and really considering purchasing your LUT pack, as always thabk you Johnny for all the great work you do.

[@tikkas1203]

Another great story about borders! Happy New Year!

[@daylanhicks9096]

Your videos are top notch. Your focus is educating the people. Thank you John.

[@franciscandiyey]

I went to Western Sahara last october in Laayoune it was really fine there but there is nothing to see as a tourist. Im a travel vlogger and I enjoy watching your videos!

[@seejayep4258]

Don't reply to the bots. Someone's attacking Johnny.

[@abuzaine3956]

I am sure there were Moroccan flags flying over Laayoune and not any of those of the Polisario.

[@azeddinelaamry7706]

It is because of the moroccan military power

[@azeddinelaamry7706]

And not because they want to be moroccan

[@abuzaine3956]

@@azeddinelaamry7706 Moroccan military power? Moroccan military is average in the region at best. If the people living there did not see the Moroccan government as legitimate then it would be an independent country.

[@kimberlystratton7585]

We love your videos and appreciate the hard work and 'hands-on' investigating you do to make them. Keep them coming, be careful and stay safe. God bless you and your family.

[@marketstallfacts4723]

Fascinating! Thank you so much. Just found you. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@olya9473]

Now it s my fav channel . Thank you❤🙏🏼

[@mediaportal2836]

Hi Johnny, being a subscriber for a long time and really enjoying your content and all efforts to maintain a certain level of objectivity/impartiality. However, having done a thesis on the subject myself, I did find that the part covering Morocco and W. Sahara border lacks indeed some research and it only portrays one version of the story/conflict. Historically, the Sahrawi tribes have always pledged allegiance to the Sultans of Morocco(Current Alawi dynasty founded in the 17th century) before Spanish colonization. There has never been an independent country in the region, and to this day, SADR(founded in 1976 by the Polisario front after Spanish decolonization) is still not recognized as such by the UN and is only considered as a country de facto by mainly Algeria and a small number of countries. It is, therefore, a mistake to say that the population of Western Sahara "run their own country under the militant of Morocco". I think what you were referring to is the Autonomy plan proposed by Morocco to the UN to convince the Polisario (A small part of Sahrawi population that is calling for a referendum on the self-determination and are mainly living in Tinduf camps in Algeria, the other part being the Sahrawis living in the Moroccan controlled Sahara and predominantly consider themselves Moroccans). Today, the call for a referendum on the self-determination is rendered practically inapplicable on the ground as the two countries Algeria (being the host of the Polisario front in Tinduf) and Morocco have inflated the numbers of the inhabitants of both sides. The geopolitical stakes are enormous here which makes this conflict even more complex (too complex to cover in a couple of minutes anyways). This is mainly due to the involvement of the European powers. Which are interested in keeping the situation in a status quo, in order to have the upper hand on the economic contracts of fishing, agricultural products, phosphate... with Morocco and Algerian gas, oil.. Moreover, maintaining the conflict proves to be very efficient when it comes to selling weapons to both countries (In 2019 Algeria spent 9billion$ and Morocco 4 billion which puts them in the 1st and 2nd position respectively of the largest military budgets in Africa).

[@badrjaoui4767]

Nicely said

[@achrafmahfoud7254]

you said it all 👏🏾

[@bushrasaid195]

Nicely put 👏🏻

[@othmaneei_]

thank you for this!

[@Gravesend83]

I love your obsession with maps and borders. I've learned so much from your years of content on multiple sources. Thank you, Johnny.

[@lauritsdamgaard7326]

Fantastic video as always Johnny! I would love a deeper video about The south china sea, maybe with a focus on its history and the surrounding countries relation to the sea - kind of like the videoes you have been doing about USA’s old colonies

[@mpenna02]

I majored in geography in college, and I haven't heard of these borders before. I've heard of all the common weird borders, but the fact that you researched and shed light on the issues surrounding these borders is awesome.

[@ChrDen]

How would a geography major not know about the border issues in the South China Sea?

[@mpenna02]

@@ChrDen I heard about those ones.. not about the one in Morocco though.

[@LORDMQSS]

I’m so happy to see all those Moroccans kicking his arse in the comments, the date of the release of this video is not aleatory its exactly one year after the US recognition Fight back 👊🏻👊🏻

[@mouradinius]

Good luck changing things on youtube buddy, no one match our determination to complete our territorial integrity you can cry and lie all you want the sahara will remain Moroccan until the end of times.

[@CokeNire]

I have tremendous respect for u, Johnny. Thank you for always being very educational. I really appreciate your efforts!

[@juancarlosgonzalezmena2950]

Thank you Johnny for such an amazing work. Greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨 and have a fantastic 2022

[@loc4177]

Great video as always. Thank you Johnny Harris.

[@barrodexteriit.9301]

Thank you for acknowledging the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. It's a shame that even the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea can't deter China's claim that was solely based on "historic rights". They're just this big bad bully that nobody can stop. Due to their immense militarization of the islands in the disputed sea, the livelihood of many Filipino fishermen is at risk. I mean, who could fish when you're threatened in your own waters. Truly a terrible situation.

[@alumpy-acho112]

i like how people focus on china and call them the bully because they claim most of the sea, but taiwan literally has the *exact same claim* and also has islands, but people literally dont give a shit because its not china and you should hate china just because everyone else does. also people act as if its only china building islands, but they ignore the fact that vietnam and the philippines have 10 times more islands in there, and they *are also capturing fishermen from other countries* , but they dont care because ITS NOT CHINA AND WE SHOULD ONLY HATE CHINA

[@alumpy-acho112]

the philippines navy are also putting chinese fishermen's livelihoods at risk but it doesnt matter because somehow they will find evidence that they are ccp spies

[@doaa7941]

@@alumpy-acho112 Taiwan has the exact same claim only because it has to to satisfy the one china policy, it's not like Taiwan's actively trying to take those waters. Also what does the country that were there having 10 times more island have to do with China building islands and claiming islands from others, those islands are literally in arms reach. What China is doing is taking them and building new islands, I'm sure building those islands isn't going to have any impact on the environment. Also gimme da sources I wanna read on some. Btw, as far as I know, Taiwan doesn't capture fishermen from other countries, but the Phillipines killed a few fishermen from Taiwan in like 2013 or something and then Taiwan started flexing its naval power. Also China's claims are really ridiculous because it's like a thousand miles away from their actual border, if we're claiming historically, Taiwan should belong to the Netherlands, Spain, or one of the aboriginal groups. And mongolia has claim to the whole world if they go by China's logic.

[@Zarafin]

@@alumpy-acho112 The 300KM aren't enough to fish now?

[@Wehdeo]

@@alumpy-acho112 You’re acting as if other countries are hating on China’s actions for no reason when there are many good reasons to do so.

[@Light-oz5pv]

Hi Johnny, can you do a video explaining your research process please? I’m curious about your process for formulating the right questions and then going on to find accurate answers to those questions. Or is this already available? If yes, how can I get access to it?

[@sadecoco1502]

You are such a great storyteller. This channel is amazing and very informative.

[@Strype13]

Lol@Turkey moving their little "speck of Turkey" all around the map whenever things get hairy near their treasured tomb. "I think they were just jealous of all the other powerful countries having an exclave, like a little island of themselves floating around in a different country. They literally just want to be like, 'oh yeah, we have one of those!'" Absolutely classic, Johnny.

[@adefrawy]

Great video as always, but you've discussed the Moroccan border and forgot to mention why it is built this way? The border is built against Algeria not the natives as Algeria is fighting for the independence of that land in order to have access to the seaside.

[@daviroza4700]

I feel sorry for Sahrawi people their dying and being persecuting on their own country like literally no one recognizes Morocco’s claim please stop this oppression

[@cheesecakevanila5624]

@@daviroza4700 Look, you have to remember, this is'nt persecution, the sahrawi people are not being oppressed, trust me im one of them, it has to do more with Algeria. Algeria is the one pushing the natives for independence, since the sahara is filled with gold, oil, minarals ect. What algeria really wants is the seaside. When the arabs first took over northern africa, a bunch of them married the berbers, the people in the sahara now arent berbers, nor half or quarter, they are just arabs plain and simple, there more simailer to Soudi then Moroccan cultures, most of the people that live there today are just tribes of family members, not city's, not even a village, in the end Algeria just wants a feude.

[@elrisitas1927]

Liar , there is no one Algerian fighting in there ! It's natives refusing to bend over to the morrocon king !

[@elrisitas1927]

@@cheesecakevanila5624 Liar ! It's natives refusing to bend over to the Moroccan king !

[@Stevewilldoit96]

@@elrisitas1927 -Lying Algerian

[@parcsome]

Thank you for shedding the light about the West Philippine Sea as it's a complex issue with the disputes of EEZ affecting the fishermen of my country, Philippines but also South East Asian Neighbors.

[@abramrexjoaquin7513]

People act like it's just the fishermen's that are affected. What the world sleeps on is the resources under the seabed of that zones which China feverishly needs and claiming as theirs with the usage of military power. The Western Audience (the common folk who digest news) do not see is that WORLD WAR 3 only has one place to start. China, with it's subservient colonies, the whole continent of africa as a few countries has been POLITICALLY BOUGHT by china on loans through infrastructure building, also including with a few Arabic Countries due to the String of Pearls(bought out ports from countries) and Belt and Road Initiative (an initiative to own the old silk road and create military ready infrastructures) through it's neighbors heading west will be called to service under soft and strong powers. And the Western Allies upon which they will put their full military bases in the Philippines and Indonesia. Japan has no military power. Korean's only military are on Border duty which will be broken down by North Koreans that has full allied with China. While Thailand will be an easy block as the country has a big major choke point in it's countries road design. Other countries like cambodia, vietnam and Laos are partial and would drop its hat to ally with China who already has major ties in the Arab World. Indonesia will be allied with ANZUS (Australia New Zealand U.S) treaty but will be forced to submit by their Muslim brothers that are allied with china. You do not understand the GRAVITY of what China is doing in the Western Philippines Sea. No Nukes will be used but a test of Diplomatic and Military concessions. In the 80's to 90's China was called the Sleeping Giant in the east. Do you think it's awake now?s

[@cendahng]

This region is super complicated. In Vietnam we call this sea "East Sea" (Eastern from Vietnam). It seems like every country in this region has their own version lol

[@parcsome]

@@cendahng yeah definitely basing on each exclusive economic zone of the countries surrounding that "South China Sea"

[@martinb74]

Your videos really challenge my thinking. Thank you so much for this content and all you do..it’s all so fascinating.

[@greifmatthias]

Baarle-Hertog & Baarle-Nassau represent 🙌 had some issues during the coronavirus pandemic tho. Shops that were closed on the border were therefore only half accessible. You could buy cookies at the dutch part, but no books because they were on a shelf in Belgium

[@salaheddine3446]

as a long time fan I'm just wondering where did you get your information about morocco from , there's no other people down there just moroccans like me they're governed just like everybody, this is confusing dude you really should go there and see for yourself

[@mohsankhan9149]

Don’t be surprised, he has strong views against non Western countries. Just look how he covered the Afghanistan issue and then turned off the comments section like a coward. His content is filled with propaganda, don’t just believe him just because he can create a nice video.

[@rockchicjaja]

Those strange borders are mind boggling. Thank you for shedding some light and information about the West Philippine Sea. We couldn't wait for your new videos for next year (and I miss Iz' channel too). Happy Holidays to your amazing family, Johnny! Sending air hugs from Manila. ✨

[@TreeCutterDoug]

I'm here on Daily Dose of Internet's suggestion, and I'm not disappointed! Fascinating video on a couple absolute messes. I had to look away from the clips of ISIS destroying monuments, like someone would during a bloody scene in a horror movie... It hurts my heart too much to watch. Looking forward to checking out a few more vids!

[@deloreanclassics]

Great content! Keep it up my G

[@extrachilioilplease]

Love your videos man, hope you can keep doing what you love and making great content!

[@azunixhype9420]

Hi Johnny 👋! Great video like usual, we really appreciate the quality of your content. I wanted to point out a few mistakes in this one. Morocco never recognized Israel in the past, but you said they agreed to recognize them “again”. When Suleyman Shah died, the Ottoman Empire didn’t exist yet, and certainly not at that size. I’m not sure who ruled that area when he died, but it wasn’t the Ottomans. In the clip of the Turkish prime minister praying, you said he was praying to the grave. He is praying *for* the dead guy, not *to* him. I hope this comment was helpful in the least, and once again thank you for the amazing videos

[@aymanekarmadi7352]

His narrative about Morocco is so biased I'm truly choked he didn't even research the history of the land before the Spanish occupation of the Moroccan Sahara... Shame on him

[@azunixhype9420]

@@aymanekarmadi7352 full disclosure, it came off as biased to me as well since there was no strong opposing view, but I don’t know much about the history of the region to comment on that. Would you like to teach me what was left out of this video?

[@aymanekarmadi7352]

@@azunixhype9420 yes with great pleasure my friend So before the French and Spanish came that land where morocco is wasn't just empty there was a sovereign state.. an empire called the cherifien Empire of Morocco its territory was much larger than the one we have today including the Sahara.. Morocco's territory was defined from Tangier til Dakar(now Senegal) and Timbuktu (Mali) and all the people within this territory were subjects of the Soltan/king and payed allegiance to him (we still do it now too) they took Mauritania from us (what we called the province of changuit), Telimçan and Eastern Sahara (Bechar and Tindouf) and gave it to Algeria (witch was then conciderd a province of France as french Algeria) because we helped them fight the French but then after their independence they didn't give us Eastern Sahara back after promising to us to give it back as soon as they get independent.. to make it worse they created the Polisario militia to try and decide the country in half and take our Sahara from us and so they can have a short cut to the Pacific Ocean... Sorry if I made it long but that's really summarised 🤗

[@KelticStingray]

@@aymanekarmadi7352 yes because this definitly reads like some with completely unbiased views

[@aymanekarmadi7352]

@@KelticStingray just look it please It's really easy to get this infos man Not everyone saying they want independence are being oppressed, in this case it's really planted by the colonizers to disrupt a nation they see as a threat to their interests and influence in Africa

[@klaasdeboer8106]

Well, Baarle Nassau where there are encleves in enclaves, the Dutch Belgian bordertown, was weird during covid, there was a shop where half of the shop was closed and the other one open because of differences in restrictions. The border went right through the clothing shop, and the ladies underwear was in Belgium

[@williamgriffin61]

Thanks for making such interesting content . I’m sure many of us truly appreciate it sir .

[@Skillseboy1]

Thank you for this amazing year of your content. It's always been such a pleasure to learn about the topics you address. Happy holidays and see you in 2022!

[@pradeeppawar2502]

Feeling nostalgic when Johnny Harris talk about borders ... Loved your content 👍👍🇮🇳😊

[@amparomalerba8864]

I'm fascinated by all your content Johnny! Thank you!!

[@spacecoastbonsai1421]

What do you use to edit videos? Could you do a video on how to story tell or just your mindset or guidelines when you’re editing a video?

[@responsesMTL]

I feel so lucky to have access to such quality, professional and entertaining content. Thanks Johnny!

[@bluesnote1]

Next, talk about the unique borders and claims to Antarctica. Would love to see a video on that!

[@pradeepkumar-ev6zo]

Your work is really awesome....u don't fail to amaze us good work bro 🙂

[@Jarod-te2bi]

Johnny Harris is a rising Star to journalism to me.

[@ChouaibKADIRI]

So glad that one of my favorite youtubers is actually talking about my country, the Moroccan borders were a political subject for a very long time now and not the government nor the Moroccan people are willing to abandon our Sahara, but over time we've learned that some (country) are investing billions of dollars just for the sake of keeping this situation as complicated as possible. Again i'm so happy to learn that you came to Morocco you're welcome anytime

[@am55775]

It’s nice that you stated this fact ,another important thing to do is viewing how the borders were before colonization which shows the true

[@m00rish37]

@@am55775 yeah most Moroccan Dynasties territories had The sahara in em

[@thefebi8457]

But when Spain left the region, UN promised a referendum and nobody respect that right of Sahara's people, the fact that Sahara Is shown in old maps don't make it Marrocan for the fault, Mexico has lots of maps that show all the sothern of USA as mexican but the situation changed and México respects today's borders not XVIII century border.

[@aymanekarmadi7352]

His narrative about Morocco is so biased I'm truly choked he didn't even research the history of the land before the Spanish occupation of the Moroccan Sahara... Shame on him

[@m00rish37]

@@thefebi8457 POLISARIO and Morocco coudl'nt come to an agreement but we are talking a region thats been ours since the 8th Century

[@austinbalon3124]

Vox had a great series on borders, I bet this Johnny Harris guy would appreciate those videos

[@diw9825]

He is the person who did the border series on Vox.

[@sim7477]

@@diw9825 dude i think thats the joke

[@kingkotes7581]

@@diw9825 r/woosh

[@bobbitran1479]

guess who made those :)))

[@kingkotes7581]

@@bobbitran1479 r/woosh

[@josemariavideos]

Oh man your editing is DOPE level 1000!!!!

[@TPardi911]

Hey Johnny love your stuff man! Wife always gets annoyed with me when I put you on (she does not like history, politics, geography, etc.). One of the strangest borders or problems developing with multiple nations is the evolving situation over the arctic circle and arctic sovereignty. Would be a pretty interesting topic to be covered! Keep it real my guy!

[@africaninsider]

The Turkish grandpa 06:28 was Suleyman Shah , father to Ertugrul and Gundogdu

[@basicindividual6744]

I feel like you should have mentioned the moroccan-spanish border since you did a whole thing on morocco

[@ffffoundit3198]

i feel like he has ill intentions, the whole segment was about morocco as an aggressor & an occupier. very targeted or amplified for the purpose of the video...

[@aymanekarmadi7352]

His narrative about Morocco is so biased I'm truly choked he didn't even research the history of the land before the Spanish occupation of the Moroccan Sahara... Shame on him

[@AdrienFAGOT]

Super interesting, we are often hearing about borders between Belgium and Netherland, or India and Pakistanm but your exemples are original. I'm loving your channel, cotinue like that

[@clintsimmons3122]

Fascinating stuff. Thanks for the video.

[@huanqiyang9673]

I don't remember the last time I learned so much from somewhere since I left school, and can't believe this content is free. Thank you so much Johnny, you are so cool.

[@aimanbelmokhtar9124]

As a Moroccan, I appreciate the interest for the Sahara case but i don’t think you did it justice , there is way more to it than what you presented , and it sound kind of biased. Anyway always happy to see your work

[@edgzta]

Get out of Western SAHARA

[@yassinazour9850]

@@edgzta go read history it belongs to morocco, the only reason westen countries don’t want to recognice it is So that they can have a reason to steal our ressources in the future

[@elbagrau]

@@edgzta Only if you get out of peru.

[@gregholden5172]

@@yassinazour9850 Anybody can read the history buddy. The Sahrawis fought off the Spanish and not Moroccans. It is Morocco who is trying to steal the natural resources off the Sahrawi people. Widespread resistance has existed for decades in the region in opposition to Moroccan imperialist aggression. You don't even mention the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. Too embarrassed? Teach me some history.

[@mxshady7]

@@gregholden5172 green walk - map of Morroco before Spain occupation - Polizario only appeared in 1975 aka when Morocco liberated the Sahara - ask people who live here 3:30 here they are from and who built the whole city

[@patriciaecampbell372]

Super interesting and informative!! This type of history and geography just isn't taught here in the West generally speaking. Thank you!

[@incogb6696]

..

[@vuyolushakhumalo1345]

I look forward to these videos. Every time learn something different

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

Oops every new video is always better than previous Thanks for the adventure that you offer us! Keep going your wonderful effort!!!!!

[@achrafmahfoud7254]

The Sahara has always been moroccan, but due to Spanish and French colonization Morocco was divided into various territories and protectorates (during the latter half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century) and lost many lands such as Bechar and Tindouf which are under Algerian control currently. The wall was originally built to prevent surprise attacks from the Polisario front (Which claim western sahara as an independent country) which resorts to guerilla warfare, in fact it was to defend ourselves and not to divide the land or something. Before the wall was built, many moroccan soldiers lost their lives or were apprehended in the bloody conflict of the Sahara war which lasted more than 16 years. Another thing you clearly don't know is that the majority of the people in the Sahara are Moroccan any less than Moroccans in other parts of the country. I am a huge fan of your work and I've always loved your videos but I can't say that you've done a really good and extensive research on this matter.

[@edgzta]

LIES

[@yassinazour9850]

@@edgzta Wow good argument man

[@elbagrau]

@@edgzta I was almost conviced by your arguments there. Well said.

[@nak1509]

@@edgzta Keep going or is that it?

[@BOUKSIMAYOUB]

you said it all! @JohnnyHarris didn't do his homework.

[@Invisible_mon-db7zv]

great editing btw it gave me tingles

[@dianaroach3093]

Merry Christmas. That was very interesting.

[@TheWxzinus]

Hey Johnny, love the content. Although I found out one minor mistake on the borders of China and Vietnam. Both countries agrees on the middle line of splitting the Tonkin Gulf/Beibu Gulf. So the border should extend from the land.

[@Rightwing17]

Dude how did you get to this point where this is your job? Literally living the dream just learning about the world and teaching people like me, I love that I discovered this channel!

[@zas348]

You should look at the India Bangladesh border if you want to see a really confusing one, the two counties had a exchange of land to make the border simpler but it is still really weird. THERE IS AN ENCLAVE IN AN ENCLAVE IN AN ENCLAVE. On the Bangladeshi side the is a piece of India with an Bangladeshi enclave inside of it, and there was a time when both counties enforced all the enclaves borders with barbed wire and guards. Some of these places we so cut off that they didn't get any signal because both side blocked the transmissions.

[@goldenlion2781]

The exclaves and enclaves got exchanged in 2015.

[@breannetetzlaff9147]

This would make a great series