Jordan's Palestinian Challenge: A Political History (1948-1983)

The period between 1948 and 1983 witnessed numerous political challenges for Jordan regarding its relationship with the Palestinian population. This article aims to delve into the historical events and complexities surrounding Jordan's Palestinian challenge during this period. From the establishment of Israel to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, this article explores the political landscape and how it shaped Jordan's stance towards the Palestinian cause.

1948 Arab-Israeli War and the Emergence of Palestinian Refugees

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War marked a turning point in the region's history, leading to the establishment of the State of Israel. This war also generated a significant number of Palestinian refugees who sought shelter in neighboring countries, including Jordan. The influx of refugees presented a massive challenge for Jordan, both politically and socioeconomically. Jordan had to address the needs of the Palestinian refugees while grappling with its own internal dynamics.

Jordanian Annexation of the West Bank

In 1950, Jordan formally annexed the West Bank, which further complicated its relationship with the Palestinian population. Jordan granted citizenship to the Palestinians residing in the annexed territories, but this move faced opposition from Arab states who viewed it as an attempt to undermine the Palestinian cause. The annexation added a new layer of complexity to Jordan's political identity and its position within the broader Arab world.

Jordan's Palestinian Challenge, 1948-1983: A Political History

by Clinton Bailey(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The Black September and King Hussein's Leadership

The events of Black September in 1970 amplified Jordan's Palestinian challenge. The conflict between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Jordanian government led to a series of violent confrontations. King Hussein's firm response to these challenges, including the expulsion of the PLO leadership from Jordan, showcased the monarch's determination to maintain stability within the country. This period had a lasting impact on the Palestinian-Jordanian relationship and shifted the dynamics of power within Jordan.

Arab-Israeli Conflicts and the Camp David Accords

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the Arab-Israeli conflicts continued to influence Jordan's political landscape. The Camp David Accords signed between Egypt and Israel in 1978 further strained the region's dynamics. Jordan faced internal and external pressures to take a clear stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often navigating a delicate balance to protect its national interests while meeting the expectations of its Palestinian population.

The Israeli Invasion of Lebanon and Its Impact

The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 served as another defining moment for Jordan and its engagement with the Palestinian challenge. The invasion further entrenched the Palestinian refugee problem and created new waves of displacement. Jordan, already burdened with hosting a large Palestinian population, faced increased pressure to address both immediate and long-term repercussions stemming from this conflict.

The Road to Peace: The Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty

By the early 1980s, Jordan took a significant step towards resolving its historical differences with Israel. In 1983, the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty was signed, marking the normalization of relations between the two countries. This agreement, however, came with its own set of challenges, particularly concerning the Palestinian question. Jordan's pursuit of peace while advocating for the rights of Palestinians presented a considerable diplomatic challenge.

The period between 1948 and 1983 encompassed a tumultuous political history for Jordan regarding its Palestinian challenge. From the aftermath of the Arab-Israeli War to the signing of the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty, Jordan had to navigate complex political landscapes and make difficult decisions. The Palestinian refugee issue, territorial annexation, and conflicts in the region all influenced Jordan's political trajectory during this time. Through it all, Jordan sought to balance its national interests while maintaining its commitment to the Palestinian cause.

Jordan's Palestinian Challenge, 1948-1983: A Political History

by Clinton Bailey(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1832 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	158 pages

FREE

Two-thirds of all Palestinians are Jordanian citizens living on the East and West Banks; a sizable number also reside and work in various parts of the Arabian Peninsula. With the questions of ultimate sovereignty over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip attracting much international attention since Israel's occupation of these areas in 1967, the solution to the Palestinian question is often seen as entirely dependent on Palestinian relations with Israel, despite the fact that only one-third of the Palestinians live in the occupied territories. In contrast, Palestinian relations with the Arab states, including Jordan, are generally portrayed as a sideshow to the main theater of conflict. This book examines the thirty-five-year struggle between the Hashimite monarchy and the forces of Palestinian nationalism over the future identity, and perhaps location, of those two-thirds of the Palestinian people who have been Jordanian subjects since 1948. Dr. Bailey bases his study on "open" sources: reports appearing in the Arab, Israeli, and world press, in addition to academic studies and published memoirs of persons involved in the events described, providing an accurate portrayal of the significant developments in Jordan's Palestinian challenge over the past thirty-five years.