Jordan's Perspective and Challenges Amid a Changing Middle East: An On-Site Interview

The Middle East continues to experience persistent turmoil due to numerous variables. Amidst these changes, the responses of various countries in the region differ greatly. Considering the long historical background and the complex circumstances, it is challenging to summarize the situation succinctly. In particular, we examined the situation in Jordan, a geopolitically significant transportation hub, through on-site interviews.

John Kim

Member of the Middle East and Arab Studies Association

What is the situation in Jordan, and how have Jordanians and Palestinians in Jordan reacted as the Israel-Hamas war continues, now approaching a year?

Over the past year, responses in Jordan have varied depending on the timeline.When Hamas launched its attack on Israel in October last year, much of the Arab world celebrated with cheers, congratulations, and support. This reaction may seem incomprehensible to those unfamiliar with the historical conflicts between nations and peoples, especially given the thousands of casualties and hundreds of hostages involved in the attack. At the start of the war, Arab nations, including Jordan, showed clear emotional solidarity with Hamas. This was particularly true in Jordan, which shares strong emotional ties to Palestine due to its proximity and the high population of Palestinians living there.

The rapid spread of information and the formation of such solidarity were largely facilitated by the development of social media. Independent of major media outlets, platforms like Telegram were used extensively to disseminate propaganda, news, and updates. Similarly, news of Israel’s retaliation and occupation also spread quickly through social media, prompting individuals to create posters and videos to launch social media campaigns.

As a result, Palestinians and Arabs in Jordan began gathering at prominent landmarks in the capital, Amman, such as major mosques and markets. Some even protested in front of the U.S. embassy. They also initiated boycotts of companies seen as indirectly or directly supporting Israel. Businesses like McDonald’s and Starbucks faced significant declines in customers, while local alternatives to Coca-Cola and Fanta gained popularity. Recently, Carrefour, a major supermarket chain, exited the market and was replaced by an Arab-owned mart.

However, as time has passed, awareness and emotions have naturally dulled. For Jordanians and their government, this war is not directly their issue. The government has managed public sentiment carefully, ensuring that protests did not escalate into unrest. While the Jordanian government and people share a common Arab sentiment against Israel, they neither like nor respect Palestinians due to historical tensions, such as the “Black September” conflict between the Jordanian government and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). To this day, Palestinians in Jordan, despite being more numerous than Jordanians, face social discrimination and lack equal status.

Initially, during the early stages of the war, Arab nations appeared united in their stance. Now, however, most people seem to have settled for maintaining symbolic boycotts as their way of easing their conscience. Currently, only Palestinians with family or relatives in Gaza remain deeply invested in the war, while the rest of the population continues with their daily lives.

Why is there such indifference now?

The primary reason is economic survival. Issues of nationalism, pan-Arabism, and religion are no longer the top priority. Over the past decades, and especially in recent years, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, such as ISIS, has caused divisions in how Islam is viewed and structured within the Arab world. Most Muslims in the Arab world do not recognize ISIS as representing Islam, revealing distrust and aversion to fundamentalist movements and organizations.

Another factor is the fatigue caused by the influx of Arab refugees into Jordan. The challenges and inconveniences brought by these refugees have fostered a sense of selfishness among Jordanians. Jordan, one of the more stable countries in the Middle East, has historically played the role of host to refugees from war-torn Arab nations. This has fostered a sense of superiority and condescension among some Jordanians toward other nationalities, making them less willing to invest their interest and energy unless directly affected.

What are the real concerns of people living in Jordan?

From a spiritual perspective, Jordan's attitude toward neighboring nations and peoples reflects a lack of compassion. They neither mourn with those who mourn nor rejoice with those who rejoice. This indifference, or lack of love, is a spiritual reality overshadowing the region.

The spiritual lethargy extends to the churches and ministry workers in Jordan, influenced by long-term exposure to Arab refugees. While many refugees suffer from trials, wounds, and broken spirits, there is a growing complacency among those who serve them. Despite the ongoing war and suffering in neighboring countries, many Jordanians remain at peace and disengaged.

Currently, the fall of the Syrian regime has raised the possibility of refugees returning to Syria. This is a critical time for churches and ministry workers serving Syrian refugees. Jordan, often called the heart of the Arab world, has the role of providing new life and hope to these refugees, symbolized by the life-giving oxygen and blood of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As many refugees prepare to return home, this is an opportunity to equip them with the gospel so they can bring life and hope to their nations.

It is essential to repent of the complacency brought about by familiarity and to dedicate ourselves to serving these refugees before they leave. This mindset should extend not only to Syrian refugees but also to Palestinian refugees, Iraqi refugees, Egyptian laborers, and impoverished Jordanians.

In a rapidly changing Middle East, unexpected events continue to unfold. We must remain vigilant and repent of our spiritual slumber. Recognizing God’s providence in all things, we must prepare for the promised revival in the Middle East and Arab world.

Prayer Points for Jordan

1. That Jordan, as the heart of the Arab world, will fulfill its role in serving the many Arab nations.

2. That more workers will come to reap the harvest, experiencing the joy of sowing and reaping in this critical time.

3. That Jordan will rise as a preparatory force for the return of Christ, building the King’s highway in anticipation of the fulfillment of the prophecy that Israel, Egypt, and Assyria will be a blessing to the world.

May God fulfill this vision, the UP12 vision, and bring revival to the Middle East and Arab world. Please pray with us!