jordan pulse -

By Dr. Laith Abdullah Al-Qahawi

The recent crisis in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023, stands as one of the most sensitive and complex periods in the Middle East. The Israeli assault has resulted in significant repercussions for Jordan, a country situated at the heart of the regional conflict. This crisis has reshaped the economic and political landscape of the Kingdom, creating a state of pressure and tension at all levels.

Economic Repercussions

Economically, the crisis has directly impacted vital sectors in Jordan. The commercial and tourism sectors, major sources of national income, have witnessed significant declines amid ongoing tensions. Trade exchanges have slowed, visitor numbers have dropped due to escalating violence, and flights have decreased, leading to substantial losses for the tourism sector. Additionally, Jordan is facing considerable challenges due to the global rise in energy prices.

Political Implications

On the political front, Jordan has seen an increase in public protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people, reflecting Jordanians' concern over the continuing assault and accompanying humanitarian suffering. Scenes of destruction and casualties have fueled popular outrage, prompting the Jordanian government to adopt firmer positions. His Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to resolve the Palestinian issue through violence or forced displacement. He also condemned the use of starvation policies or the closure of humanitarian crossings, describing these actions as war crimes that the international community must confront.

Strategic Challenges

Strategically, Jordan faces complex and multifaceted challenges due to the recent Gaza crisis. This crisis emerges within an already volatile regional context, where political and economic dimensions are increasingly interlinked, requiring a well-planned strategic approach to address rapid and potential future ramifications.

Jordan’s strategic approach involves more than just immediate response; it extends towards long-term planning to enhance national security, economic resilience, and self-reliance. This includes investing in local infrastructure projects, diversifying energy and water sources to reduce dependency on foreign resources, and achieving self-sufficiency where possible. Furthermore, challenges related to food security and climate change necessitate innovative strategies that ensure sustainability and balance national priorities with regional pressures.

Strengthening Regional and International Alliances

A strategic priority is strengthening relations with regional and international allies while maintaining consistent stances on Arab issues, especially the Palestinian cause. This phase requires crafting flexible policies that can adapt to rapid changes, with a focus on enhancing deterrence capabilities, cybersecurity, border protection, and readiness to address potential escalations.

Economic Development and Regional Cooperation

With a forward-looking vision, Jordan needs to take concrete steps to develop its economy by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises and encouraging entrepreneurship as pillars of economic growth. This would help new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and propel development. Furthermore, Jordan should enhance cooperation with neighboring countries in trade and prioritize building international partnerships based on shared interests and mutual cooperation. Strengthening ties with international institutions to secure aid and technical support is also essential for the Kingdom's stability and sustainable development.

A Careful Reading of the Regional Landscape

The strategic perspective demands that Jordan carefully analyze the regional scene, especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Middle East. The Israeli assault on Gaza has added new dimensions to the challenges Jordan faces, imposing immense economic pressures and unprecedented political tensions. Jordan finds itself in a delicate position, requiring cautious and balanced steps to secure its vital interests while maintaining its humanitarian and political commitments to the Palestinian people.

This critical phase calls for a proactive approach, as Jordan takes on the responsibility of safeguarding its vital interests without compromising its humanitarian obligations and unwavering support for the Palestinian people. This reflects a major challenge as Jordan moves forward in an unpredictable regional environment.