Jordan FOREIGN POLICY
View of Amman, Jordan's capital
Jordan's foreign policy has been a function mainly of its
response to developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Its
generally moderate and carefully measured response has been based
on its appraisal that effective Arab unity is a precondition for
substantive peace negotiations with Israel. The persistence of
intra-Arab differences over the form and substance of pan-Arab
cooperation has constrained Jordan to steer a flexible and prudent
course. In addition, the scarcity of domestic resources and the
consequent heavy dependence on outside powers for economic and
military support have contributed to Jordan's caution in foreign
policy. Moreover, the PLO's enhanced stature since the mid-1970s as
a key factor in the processes of Middle East reconciliation and
peace has been a further compelling reason for Jordan's generally
pragmatic responses to an uncertain foreign policy milieu.
Data as of December 1989
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