Jordan’s King Abdullah II Faces Tough Decisions Meeting Trump

King Abdullah II of Jordan is preparing to meet former President Trump amidst pressure to accept Palestinians from Gaza, which could threaten his rule given the country’s demographics. This meeting highlights Jordan’s reliance on U.S. aid and Abdullah’s strategic need to protect his nation from regional instability while advocating against controversial U.S. policies.

King Abdullah II of Jordan is navigating a challenging situation as he prepares to meet former President Trump, who has demanded that Jordan accept around 1.9 million Palestinians from Gaza. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of a significant U.S. aid dependency, with Jordan receiving over $1.5 billion annually. However, doing so may contradict domestic political realities as more than half of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian descent.

Historically, King Abdullah has cultivated close relations with U.S. leadership, meeting with each new president to reinforce Jordan’s role as a partner for regional stability. Yet, with Trump’s previous remarks about expelling Palestinians and potentially cutting aid, the king finds himself under pressure. Jordan’s refusal to accede to these demands could jeopardize crucial U.S. funding.

Political analysts note the existential threat Abdullah faces in adopting a stance that might be perceived as complicity in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. As Paul Salem observes, “He cannot survive the idea that he’s colluding on the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.” The implications of this meeting extend beyond aid — they encompass the very stability of his reign.

In addition to concerns about Gaza, King Abdullah is expected to discuss potential Israeli annexations of West Bank territories that could escalate tensions along Jordan’s borders. With about 700,000 Syrian refugees already hosted in Jordan, the ramifications of further regional instability are dire for the king’s government.

Despite his reliance on U.S. aid, Abdullah is in a position to leverage his relationships across Washington, including the Pentagon and Congress, to advocate against Trump’s Gaza plan. Bruce Riedel notes the king’s strategy might involve framing the expulsion plan as counterproductive to U.S. interests in the region.

King Abdullah II faces significant diplomatic challenges in his upcoming discussions with former President Trump, particularly regarding U.S. demands to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. His refusal could jeopardize vital foreign aid and put his monarchy at risk amid domestic pressures. Additionally, the King aims to address potential Israeli annexations that threaten Jordan’s stability while leveraging his U.S. ties for support. Ultimately, the meeting’s outcome will be pivotal for Jordan’s future political landscape.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com