Jordan’s recent scrutiny highlights its historical and structural issues, including its identity stemming from Mandatory Palestine, the demographic dominance of Palestinian Arabs, and anti-Israel hostility. Economic dependence on Israel exacerbates national sentiments, while harboring terrorists complicates diplomatic ties. King Abdullah faces significant challenges in navigating these realities, with potential backlash looming over his leadership.
Jordan remains a focal point of scrutiny following King Abdullah’s recent visit to Washington. Despite diplomatic appearances, significant challenges lurk beneath the surface. Mainly, Jordan’s identity is rooted in complex historical ties, as it was formed from a sizable portion of British Mandatory Palestine, now often overlooked in the discourse on “occupation.”
Originally named “Trans-Jordan,” the territory reflected its geographical placement, but rebranding to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan masks the reality of the monarchy’s non-indigenous roots. The Hashemites are a minority, while Palestinian Arabs constitute the majority, complicating national unity.
Additionally, Jordan’s historical reluctance to publicize amicable relations with Israel has perpetuated anti-Israel sentiments among its populace. Despite past secret negotiations, hostility towards Israel remains rampant, fueled by figures such as Queen Rania, who vocalize discontent towards the nation. The monarchy’s challenges in modernizing public perception hinder diplomatic progress.
Economic development is another pressing issue, as Jordan’s growth lacks the benefits of a robust Jewish population that helped build Israel’s economy. Basic necessities, like water, are heavily reliant on Israeli resources, yet many Jordanians remain uninformed about this dependency, contributing to a dismissive view of Israel.
Jordan’s political dynamics are further strained by its long-standing border with Israel, exposing it to threats from regional adversaries such as Iran and Syrian rebels. The monarchy’s survival hinges significantly on cooperation with Israeli intelligence and American support, which historically helped King Hussein tackle Palestinian insurgency.
A particularly concerning issue is Jordan’s harboring of convicted terrorist Ahlam al-Tamimi, responsible for the deadly 2001 Sbarro restaurant bombing. Despite international outcry, including a $5 million reward for her capture from the U.S., she remains a symbolic figure celebrated by factions within Jordan, highlighting the nation’s troubling stance on terrorism.
Arnold Roth, whose daughter perished in the Sbarro attack, criticized King Abdullah’s inaction regarding Tamimi’s extradition. Roth emphasized that the king’s failure to confront the issue reflects a broader trend of neglect from U.S. leadership, complicating diplomatic ties further.
Despite potential pressures to extradite Tamimi, the possibility of unrest looms large. The king faces potential backlash—protests and challenges to his authority—if he makes a move against a figure so idolized by segments of Jordanian society. A history of Jordan’s connections with terrorism further underscores the inherent risks in the relationship with Israel.
The ongoing acceptance of animosity towards Israel in Jordanian society has stifled opportunities for real progress in peace-building. Educating citizens about the benefits of collaboration with Israel could pave the way for long-term, mutually beneficial relations. However, deep-seated issues make this prospect seem unlikely given the prevailing attitudes among Jordan’s citizens.
Jordan’s complexities arise from its historical roots, internal demographics, and regional politics. Anti-Israel sentiments perpetuated by leadership and societal views hinder relations with Israel, while economic dependency on Israeli resources complicates perception. The harboring of terrorists like Ahlam al-Tamimi demonstrates a troubling refusal to confront extremism. The monarchy’s future depends on balancing domestic sentiment with necessary diplomatic reform.
Original Source: allisrael.com
