Jordanian diplomacy will take a more independent path

Significance

The territory was returned to Jordan the previous day, ending a 25-year arrangement agreed when the countries signed a 1994 peace treaty. The king declared that Jordan was restoring full sovereignty over the land. That marks yet another assertive move by King Abdullah towards Jordan’s neighbours in the past six months and suggests he is coming under considerable domestic pressure both to resist external policy impositions and to secure further financial support from a more diverse range of sources.

Impacts

• King Abdullah will take a more vocal stand against the US administration’s forthcoming Israel-Palestinian peace plan.
• Direct criticism of Israel will increase where opportunities arise in international forums.
• Relations with Qatar will be strengthened in return for financial support.
• The king may take further measures in the security sphere to consolidate his grip on power domestically.