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Jordan’s security and political cooperation with Russia

Jan 29,2017 - Last updated at Jan 29,2017

Ever since the first day of the double “Russian-Chinese” veto on Syria in 2012, it has been clear that Moscow’s intervention in the Syrian crisis would not be temporary.

Some countries made the mistake of viewing this involvement as a temporary intervention; some compared previous Russian (and formerly USSR) policies in the region to the current events and reached the conclusion that Russia will not be able to impose its continued presence in the region.

Actually any farsighted reading indicates that Syria is a major turning point in the nature of international dealing with crises and will have a major role in the redrafting of international positions.

Jordan is currently compelled to communicate with Moscow. The step used to be classified as a “political choice”, but today it has become an inevitable necessity.

The Jordanian borders might be facing some confrontations resulting from the battles in southern Syria, which means that Jordan should look for military and security collaboration, and communication with the Syrian side, to be ready to face such an eventuality.

Jordan is compelled to weigh its political choices and rebuild its alliances with the national interest in mind.

Rebuilding alliances and considering diversifying choices is no longer prohibited. Actually, it is becoming an urgent need that cannot be overlooked. 

Today, Moscow is the most conspicuous player in the fight against terrorism in the region. 

It is also the linchpin to any regional settlement, not least because it is heavily involved in the peace process.

This means that Moscow has become a compulsory contact for Jordan for security and political reasons.

Recalibrating the Jordanian position vis-à-vis the Syrian crisis should not be limited to slogans but translated into action.

Jordan should find its way out of the grey zone and take the clear position of re-engaging with the Syrian government.

This was also the message sent by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Mahmoud Freihat in his last BBC interview, where he said that Jordan cannot open the border with Syria, unless it goes back under Syrian government control.

Jordan is obliged to adopt new policies and embrace a contemporary vision, which means that it is forced to make drastic changes in the form and nature of dealing with the regional crises.

Dealing with Moscow is no longer an option; it has become a necessity that cannot be ignored by any of the Middle Eastern countries.

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