Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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In recent days, Jordan has led the way in Arab countries’ rapprochement with Syria. But Amman’s experience shows that, without regional coordination, bilateral normalization can win only limited concessions.
Damascus and Amman began repairing relations last year. But after a decade of war, Syria will be a very different partner than it has been in the past.
As border crossings reopen, Jordanian authorities might have to tolerate a degree of informal petty trade with Syria to revive Ramtha's economy and prevent social unrest.
Gulf-based Salafi financiers have had a diminished role in the Syrian civil war recently, but their influence will linger in the country's religious sphere.
Amman is increasingly pursuing a policy of supporting neither the regime nor the opposition in Syria while quietly working to help resolve the conflict. It has few other options.
Throughout the Middle East, the overthrow of Egypt’s Mohamed Morsi has heightened Islamist-secularist tensions and pushed actors toward zero-sum politics.
A Saudi plan to build a new national army for the Syrian opposition is polarizing the rebels and potentially undermining Riyadh’s objectives in Syria.
Embroiled in the spillover from the Syrian conflict, Jordan faces an enormous challenge. The country must focus on political and economic reforms, and needs outside help, too.
Despite parliamentary elections, the way Jordan is governed is unsustainable in the post–Arab Awakening moment. Jordanians want the king to lead a genuine reform effort.
Islamist parties seem to be evolving rapidly as they learn to navigate through the difficult politics and the uncertain democratic processes of their countries.