Crossing Jordan is not a good idea

With the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarking on his first tour of the Middle East, which includes visits to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is imperative for both America and the region to act quickly, and wisely, to benefit from the alignment of the stars in the last few months.
I am specifically referring to the collapse of the Assad regime in the Syrian Arab Republic and the new, Hezbollah-free government and president in Lebanon, as well as the reforms happening in the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
While it is very easy to be pessimistic, these opportunities do form, when you connect the dots, a unique chance for America and the Middle East to chart a new course for peace and prosperity in the region.
However, comments such as those made recently regarding displacing Palestinians and turning Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” do not help, whether they were meant sincerely as part of a serious plan or part of a negotiation tactic or were mere ideas.
Similarly, the recent apparent faux pas by the new US administration, particularly in its dealings with King Abdullah II of Jordan, risks undermining not only the broader stability of the region but US interests as well.
The administration’s proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt has been met with vehement opposition from the kingdom and the Arab world as a whole. The regional position has been led by Saudi Arabia, which is also spearheading a global coalition to implement the two-state solution and consultations for a response and a possible counteroffer to the US administration.
Egypt has also said it is preparing a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, without the element of forced displacement — naturally, it would be wise for the US to have those discussions.
Despite the White House trying to cool the situation, and Donald Trump himself appearing to endorse King Abdullah in a direct address to the Jordanian people, there is no question that the current US administration has now received much scrutiny as to whether or not the president’s advisers understand the golden rule of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Moreover, there have been indirect insinuations that President Trump has considered withholding aid to Jordan should it refuse to accommodate displaced Gazans. This approach not only undermines the long-standing partnership between the two nations but also disregards the immense sacrifices Jordan has made in the pursuit of regional peace. If anything, Jordan deserves more aid — not less — due to all that it has endured and the burdens it has taken on time after time, whenever a regional conflict erupts.

Such unwise tactics risk alienating a key ally and could have far-reaching repercussions. From spillover risks to a new surge in extremism, crossing Jordan will never be a good idea.

As Rubio embarks on his first Middle East tour, it is imperative to act quickly, and wisely, to benefit from the recent alignment of the stars. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

In light of these developments, it is imperative that the US administration reevaluates its stance toward Jordan and consults its trusted Middle East allies — especially Saudi Arabia. If the solution to the Russia-Ukraine war can be found in Riyadh, then it is obvious that the solution to the conflict in Gaza, which is far closer to home, can be found there too.
Voices within the US political landscape have already highlighted the importance of this alliance. These include Rep. Michael Waltz, the new national security adviser, who has emphasized the critical role Jordan plays in regional security. Other congressmen and representatives, including from the president’s own party, have also dismissed the idea of resettling Gazans.
Meanwhile, one cannot help but raise one’s hat to the wisdom and statesmanship deployed by King Abdullah during his White House meeting with Trump last week. There, despite the severity of the questions raised by the press and the ideas proposed by the new US administration, he kept his emotions under control. He demonstrated the true Jordanian values of standing with those in need by announcing an initiative to welcome 2,000 severely ill Gazan children, while insisting on not saying anything that would jeopardize national or regional stability and remaining diplomatic and respectful to the president of the US, a major ally for Jordan and the region as a whole.
In case the American foreign policy advisers did not realize, Jordan serves as a linchpin in Middle Eastern affairs. Its borders touch many conflict-prone areas, yet the kingdom has managed to maintain a semblance of peace and order within its territory. This is no small feat, given the tumultuous landscape that surrounds it.
Beyond its role in regional politics, Jordan has been an indispensable partner in the global fight against terrorism. The kingdom’s strategic location and intelligence capabilities have made it a front-line ally in combating extremist groups. The US Department of State has highlighted Jordan’s “leadership role in advancing peace and moderation in the region.” This collaboration is not merely a matter of convenience but a testament to Jordan’s unwavering commitment to counterterrorism.
The kingdom also has a long-standing tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing conflict. During the Syrian civil war, Jordan opened its borders to millions of refugees, offering them safety and shelter. Similarly, in the aftermath of the Iraq war, the kingdom welcomed a substantial number of Iraqi refugees, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian principles.
In a region often marred by sectarian strife, Jordan stands out as a beacon of religious tolerance. The kingdom has been a pioneer in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Initiatives such as the Amman Message and the World Interfaith Harmony Week, proposed by King Abdullah and adopted by the UN, underscore Jordan’s commitment to bridging religious divides.
This emphasis on interfaith harmony is not merely symbolic. It reflects Jordan’s broader strategy to combat radicalization and promote a culture of peace. By encouraging mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities, the kingdom aims to build a more cohesive and resilient society.
Despite these invaluable contributions to regional stability and Amman’s steadfast alliance with the US, recent actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns. Naturally, we must not pay too much attention to words and focus more on US actions. This is a lesson we Arabs have learned the hard way from dealing with a number of US presidents, especially Barack Obama.
My point of view is that we must bring the rhetoric down from the boiling point it has already reached and then engage in a more rational discussion. At the end of the day, interests have to align and the US has a lot to gain from working closely with Riyadh, Amman and Cairo.

• Faisal J. Abbas is the editor in chief of Arab News. X: @FaisalJAbbas