How the United States Should Help Protect Jordan from the Chaos Next Door

February 22, 2017


By David Schenker:
RECOMMENDATIONS ON SECURITY

Encourage More Jordanian-Israeli Cooperation: One good news story of 2016 was the signing of a $10-billion, 15-year deal for Israel to provide Jordan with natural gas. Less publicized, but more important, has been the excellent ongoing strategic cooperation between Jordan and Israel. King Abdullah and the government of Israel are committed to military cooperation and intelligence sharing, which greatly benefit both states and Washington. Given the strong bilateral coordination, Washington’s assistance may not be required. Nevertheless, the Trump administration could direct the Defense Department to explore ways of enhancing the already deep relationship, including — but not limited to — permitting and encouraging more transfers of Israeli excess defense articles (EDA) to Jordan….