Donald Trump’s proposal to ‘clean out’ Gaza by pressuring Jordan to accept more Palestinian refugees raises significant alarms for Jordan’s stability and U.S. interests. Historically resistant to absorbing Palestinian populations, Jordan faces potential destabilization due to increased tensions from hostilities in Gaza and the West Bank. The Kingdom’s monarch, Abdullah II, has made clear that accepting such refugees is a red line, emphasizing the need to prioritize Jordanian stability in the face of external pressures.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about “cleaning out” Gaza have prompted significant concern, especially in Jordan. During a January 25 call with Jordanian King Abdullah II, Trump urged Jordan to accept more Palestinian refugees, posing a potential risk of ethnic cleansing in the region. This proposal, although not unprecedented, comes amidst heightened instability in the Middle East and could exacerbate Jordan’s internal tensions, endangering U.S. interests.
Jordan has a long-standing resistance to accepting Palestinian refugees, viewing it as a crucial red line. The King’s steadfast stance was reiterated by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who emphasized, “Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians.” As tensions grow due to Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza, any pressure on Jordan to absorb more Palestinian refugees could jeopardize regional stability.
The ramifications of Trump’s approach could be echoed in Jordan’s historical experiences with Palestinian displacements. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, Jordan has seen waves of refugees, leading to a protracted and complex demographic landscape. These displacements often resulted in long-term settlement, altering the social fabric of the kingdom and leading to past violent conflicts, notably the Black September incident in 1970.
This history underscores Jordan’s caution in handling Palestinian refugee influxes. The rising popularity of Hamas within Jordan complicates the situation further, as any perceived leniency towards US pressures may ignite public unrest. For Jordan, managing these dynamics is not merely political; it is vital for the monarchy’s survival and the nation’s cohesion.
Jordan has consistently rebuffed pressure from previous U.S. administrations regarding Palestinian refugee integration. Notably, the impasse between the Trump administration and Jordan deepened following the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Jordan values its stability and alliance with the U.S. but continues to maintain its national interests amid external pressures.
Should Trump’s administration pursue policies leading to forced Palestinian displacements, the consequences could extend beyond Jordan. Such actions would jeopardize U.S. interests by threatening Jordan’s internal security and destabilizing the region. Furthermore, they could erode vital U.S.-Jordan partnerships crucial for counterterrorism operations and regional diplomacy.
Trump’s push for more Palestinian refugees in Jordan poses a stark risk of unruly consequences, particularly given the Kingdom’s crucial role in maintaining regional stability. If Jordan’s stability is under threat, its ability to host U.S. military operations and its diplomatic influence could diminish, leading to broader regional tensions and potential security crises. Therefore, it is imperative for the U.S. to recalibrate its approach towards Jordan to reinforce stability in the region.
Jordan’s stability plays an essential role in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. With a significant Palestinian population, the nation has historically hosted waves of refugees during conflicts. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and shifts in U.S. policy under different administrations highlight the delicate balance Jordan must maintain to ensure its security and remain a key U.S. ally in regional affairs. The increasing acceptance of extreme political ideologies within Israel complicates this balance, raising concerns about Jordan’s future if external pressures escalate further.
In conclusion, the implications of Trump’s suggestions for additional Palestinian refugee resettlement in Jordan raise significant concerns for regional stability. The Jordanian leadership is faced with the delicate task of navigating pressures from both the U.S. and Israel while safeguarding the internal cohesion of the nation. As Jordan continues to grapple with its unique demographic challenges, it remains imperative for U.S. policymakers to prioritize support for the Kingdom to prevent destabilization and uphold regional peace.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
