Rabat, Aug. 13 -- In recent weeks, talks over the future of the UN-led initiative in Western Sahara have centered on the challenge of replacing Horst Kohler, the UN special envoy who unexpectedly resigned in May for "personal reasons."

Almost four months since the German diplomat vacated a post where he helped rekindle hopes of a much-awaited historic diplomatic breakthrough, the nagging question among Western Sahara observers or commentators has revolved around the typical "What's next?" or "What now?"

Mixed messages

This was both a rhetorical question and a genuine interrogation, one that seemed to expect an answer that at once evoked uncertainty and reservation.

In both instances there seemed to be a niggling suggestion that the su...