Over the last few years, there has been an ongoing escalation of diplomatic and political tension between Jordan and Israel that does not reflect the existing peace treaty, nor the level of security cooperation that exists between the two parts. From disagreements at UNESCO to the recent issues around Israel’s planned annexation of the West Bank ,which Jordan is opposing aggressively, the increased tension begs the question whether Jordan and Israel are on the path to direct confrontation.

It is important to be realistic given these are two countries sharing security concerns and a long border, particularly in the context of Jordan’s investment in the political, social and demographic issues of the West Bank. Given both countries are taking a “no compromise” approach, a political deadlock was inevitable, but there are alternative options which do not lead to confrontation, but also create opportunities for both states to capitalise on.

The challenges in the Middle East continue as the region appears to be facing a new wave of destabilisation from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the West Bank.

The Lebanese political crisis appears to be deepening as the economic crisis grips tighter. This is leading to the reemergence of questions about the concept of the finely balanced political equilibrium of the state and whether it remains fit for purpose in the new regional and global landscape. There are suggestions that there is a need for new political actors and potential structure to meet the challenges presented by the post-COVID environment. 

La Giordania continua ad affrontare sfide interne e regionali e, con l'avvicinarsi dell'annessione della Cisgiordania e della Valle del Giordano annunciata dal governo israeliano, ciò aggiunge ulteriori sfide ai problemi che la Giordania deve affrontare. Nonostante ciò, è fondamentale iniziare una considerazione realistica su come contenere e gestire questo problema, se dovesse diventare una realtà nel prossimo futuro.

This summer Jordan will have parliamentary elections. While an election will automatically trigger the current parliament to be dissolved, the government should resign now and let a strong new government go into the elections. Regardless of whether this new government will just go to the election or be in for a longer term, Jordan needs a new style of politics and the change needs to be now.

In less than three months, the current Parliament will complete its last legislative term, and this might pave the way for a government change. This comes at a time where the economic crisis is impacting harder and frustration spreads among the people. The government must act to counter the discontent spreading amongst the population. But rebuilding trust and credibility is not easy, as it requires deft political skills from people who can recognise and deal with the delicacy of the situation.

There is no doubt that a significant shift in the conduct of international politics is taking place. International relations are increasingly based on economic interest, and less on ideological alliances and values. This is having global impacts, but for a country like Jordan, who is totally dependent on its allies, it requires an urgent revision of its position and approach that is currently based on the underlying value of its perceived political alliances, which have clearly shifted.

“Bisogna lavorare insieme. Tutti. Stati, istituzioni, religioni, culture. Lavorare insieme per lo sviluppo integrale di ogni uomo e di tutto l’uomo”. Lo afferma padre Rifat Bader, 48 anni, sacerdote cattolico di nazionalità giordana, direttore del Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Giordania. Padre Rifat nei giorni scorsi era a Cagliari per partecipare all’incontro “Percorsi, popoli e religioni a confronto” svoltosi alla Mediateca del Mediterraneo.