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| Middle East |
| Jordanian - Iraqi Relations - Current Situation and Recent History |
| 2003-07-07 |
| This is actually 2 articles from NRO on Jordanian - Iraqi relations. Although presented in the reverse order, I recommend the History refresher first, then the current Jordanian situation, regards Iraq. A little History of the Hashemites... Excerpt: "Over the past 20 years, relations between the two countries became exceptionally strong politically, economically and culturally. Iraq became Jordan's number one trading partner, and continues to be. With the international sanctions imposed on Iraq after its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Jordan became Baghdad's sole non-petroleum economic lifeline to the rest of the world. Jordan's sole port, Aqaba on the Red Sea, was transformed a tiny and neglected fishing village during the 1980's into the largest port on the Red Sea, with all Iraq's trade passing through it. Even when Iraq's Persian Gulf port, Mina al-Bakr, reopened in 1994, Aqaba remained the major outlet for Iraqi trade." And now, King Abdullah, caught between an array of forces, must dance as fast as he can... Excerpt: "Transferring Jordan's previous status as a strategic ally of the despotic Saddam Baathist regime that destroyed Iraq and its people, to a readily accepted, natural ally of a new Iraqi democracy will take time. It will be particularly difficult to effect such a change under the current Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu-al Ragheb, or other members of Amman's current political establishment." --and-- "The United States clearly appreciates Jordan's support, despite significant popular opposition and financial losses caused by the war. In May, Washington announced a $700 million aid package, to be followed by $400 million in military assistance, both in addition to $450 million it will continue to receive annually from the U.S. Not only had Abdullah generally, if carefully, supported the U.S. position prior to the outbreak of hostilities, his government had secretly allowed U.S. special forces to enter western Iraq from its territory." Personally, I find myself simutaneously wanting to see Jordan treated as the enemy (due to its murderous radical Pal population and a host of social Sharia / Honor crappola) and hoping that Abdullah is more than just a young guy who rides a Harley. I've seen these "looks Western, maybe we can trust him..." guys up close - and found it skin-deep only. Now riding a Harley is almost enough for me to like the guy, but he is sitting on the obvious Pal homeland, and neither he nor his father has/had the balls to take this problem on. To save their |
| Posted by:PD |