Tag: Jordan

Jordan

The Pervasiveness of anti-Semitism in Jordanian Media

Michael Sharnoff

Published in Foreign Policy Research Institute.

The Kingdom of Jordan relies on American support to prevent terrorist infiltration from Islamic State and other Salafi-Jihadist threats; alleviate the economic burden strained by a massive influx of Syrian refugees; and achieve a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The U.S. perceives Jordan as a strategic partner—an island of stability in an unstable region. In 2016, Jordan received $1.4 billion in economic and military assistance from the United States. This aid is part of a three-year memorandum of understanding whereby Washington will allocate $1 billion in aid to Jordan annually, up from $660 million in recent years. As a result of Jordan’s unique geostrategic position, the U.S. has refrained from publicly critiquing its human rights abuses.

Continue reading “The Pervasiveness of anti-Semitism in Jordanian Media” →

Jordan

Refugees and the Arab Spring in Jordan

Michael Sharnoff

Published in Sharnoff’s Global Views.

While Jordan appears stable and has consistently overcome challenges to the throne since independence in 1946, Arab Spring protests and the influx of more than half a million Syrian refugees pose new concerns for the Hashemite Kingdom. Continue reading “Refugees and the Arab Spring in Jordan” →

Jordan

Anticipate Greater Jordanian Role in West Bank

Michael Sharnoff

JORDAN-PALESTINIAN-DIPLOMACY

Published in Your Middle East.

The recent resignation announcement by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah – who had served just two weeks – struck a humiliating blow to President Mahmoud Abbas and raises serious questions about the competence of governance and the future of the Palestinian question. No one has been tapped to replace Hamdallah, although it is likely to be one of the two Deputy Prime Ministers Ziad Abu Amr or Mohammed Mustafa. Continue reading “Anticipate Greater Jordanian Role in West Bank” →

Palestinians

Will Jordan and Egypt Play a Greater Role in Palestinian Affairs in 2013?

Michael Sharnoff

 

jp2Published in Sharnoff’s Global Views on Dec. 31, 2012.

Since the 1993 Oslo Accords, a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians has remained elusive. The politically correct paradigm proffered by the international community including Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the United States has been two states, two peoples: an independent Palestinian state including the West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel. Continue reading “Will Jordan and Egypt Play a Greater Role in Palestinian Affairs in 2013?” →

Jordan

October 1-8, 2012 Links

Michael Sharnoff

Jordan, a nation which lacks natural resources and is heavily dependent on foreign assistance, is a strong US ally. While King Abdullah has prevented “Arab Spring” uprisings like in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Syria, he faces unprecedented challenges. A growing number of Jordanians are advocating that Jordan transform from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. A few have faced criminal charges for directly criticizing the King. Continue reading “October 1-8, 2012 Links” →

Syria

Expect More Violence, Not Democracy Transition, In Post-Assad Syria

Michael Sharnoff
(Photo: Paul Grover)

When I wrote in a previous post that Assad may deploy chemical weapons against the Syrian opposition in revenge for the July 18 bombing in Damascus, it is equally important to emphasize this type of violence could also occur in a post-Assad Syria. Continue reading “Expect More Violence, Not Democracy Transition, In Post-Assad Syria” →

Jordan

Jordanians and Palestinians at a New Crossroad

Michael Sharnoff

Published in the Huffington Post on Apr. 18, 2012.

In the past decade, the Jordanian government has initiated a controversial policy of rescinding the citizenship of thousands of Palestinians. On April 12, Jordan announced it will also invalidate the passports of Palestinians affiliated with the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization. This harsh action has had little public outcry or opposition. There has been little if any threatening reaction from Palestinians and these reports have gone largely unnoticed in Western media. Continue reading “Jordanians and Palestinians at a New Crossroad” →

Jordan

King Abdullah’s Growing Anxiety Over the Two-State Solution

Michael Sharnoff

Published in the Huffington Post on Feb. 15, 2012.

Jordan’s struggle with its political identity is not something new, but the social media, the Arab Spring and stalled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations has revived concerns about Jordan’s future. Jordan ruled the West Bank — territory which the international community now regards as Palestinian — from 1949 to 1967. However, after the 1967 War, the West Bank was referred to in the international press as “occupied Jordan” in the late 60s, 70s, and 80s. This description persisted even in the early 90’s after King Hussein formally renounced ties to this landlocked territory in 1988. Continue reading “King Abdullah’s Growing Anxiety Over the Two-State Solution” →