How Powerful Is Jordan?
In 2015, a video surfaced of the Islamic State burning a Jordanian pilot alive Since then, Jordan has effectively declared war on the terrorist organization, joining a US-backed anti-ISIS coalition and ramping up airstrikes on ISIS camps in neighboring Syria.
Well, Jordan is a relatively small country in the Middle East At nearly 35 thousand square miles, the country is about the size of the US state of Maine.
Jordan is also home to just above eight million people, considerably less than its populous neighbors, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Although their ruler, King Abdullah the second, has limited power under the country’s constitutional monarchy, he directly or indirectly controls much of the judicial and executive branches, leaving the country far from democratic.
In spite of his sweeping powers, King Abdullah has contributed to Jordan’s relatively stable and well diversified economy.
In the early 2000s, Abdullah spearheaded a series of economic reforms, including expanding international trade and privatizing state-owned enterprises This has resulted in a steadily growing GDP, which today amounts to roughly $36 billion dollars.
Unlike much of the Middle East, Jordan is lacking in lucrative natural resources, like oil and natural gas.
That leaves its economy heavily reliant on imports and remittances.
However, Jordan does produce an array of goods, including potassium fertilizer, tomatoes and knit sweaters.
Tourism has also been one of Jordan’s selling points, as the country is known to be among the safest in the Middle East.
However the industry has taken a plunge in recent years due to political turmoil in the region.
Jordan’s economy also suffers from chronically high rates of poverty, unemployment, public debt and corruption.
As a result, much of the country’s youth grow to be frustrated and disillusioned, and, seeing little opportunity, join radical militant groups.
According to a report by Mercy Corps, ISIS alone has recruited an estimated 25 hundred Jordanians.
Considering their small population and fragile economy, Jordan’s military is actually quite impressive.
The country boasts a military of roughly 175 thousand and a defense budget of one-and-a-half billion dollars, or about four percent of its GDP.
Jordan’s army is reportedly well-trained, professional and modern, and the country enjoys military support from the US, the United Kingdom and France, who likely have an interest in Jordan’s proximity to war-torn regions.
Jordan’s military has relied on subsidies from these alliances for decades The US alone has contributed nearly $16 billion dollars in military and economic aid to Jordan since the 1950s.
Jordan also benefits from its membership in the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Jordan’s relative stability and strong military is likely why countries like the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia have teamed up with the country to fight extremist groups in the region.
Although the country is not without problems, Jordan’s growing economy and efficient military makes it an attractive ally to neighboring countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.
King Abdullah has had a huge role in shaping Jordan into the country it is today.
Well, Jordan is a relatively small country in the Middle East At nearly 35 thousand square miles, the country is about the size of the US state of Maine.
Jordan is also home to just above eight million people, considerably less than its populous neighbors, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Although their ruler, King Abdullah the second, has limited power under the country’s constitutional monarchy, he directly or indirectly controls much of the judicial and executive branches, leaving the country far from democratic.
In spite of his sweeping powers, King Abdullah has contributed to Jordan’s relatively stable and well diversified economy.
In the early 2000s, Abdullah spearheaded a series of economic reforms, including expanding international trade and privatizing state-owned enterprises This has resulted in a steadily growing GDP, which today amounts to roughly $36 billion dollars.
Unlike much of the Middle East, Jordan is lacking in lucrative natural resources, like oil and natural gas.
That leaves its economy heavily reliant on imports and remittances.
However, Jordan does produce an array of goods, including potassium fertilizer, tomatoes and knit sweaters.
Tourism has also been one of Jordan’s selling points, as the country is known to be among the safest in the Middle East.
However the industry has taken a plunge in recent years due to political turmoil in the region.
Jordan’s economy also suffers from chronically high rates of poverty, unemployment, public debt and corruption.
As a result, much of the country’s youth grow to be frustrated and disillusioned, and, seeing little opportunity, join radical militant groups.
According to a report by Mercy Corps, ISIS alone has recruited an estimated 25 hundred Jordanians.
Considering their small population and fragile economy, Jordan’s military is actually quite impressive.
The country boasts a military of roughly 175 thousand and a defense budget of one-and-a-half billion dollars, or about four percent of its GDP.
Jordan’s army is reportedly well-trained, professional and modern, and the country enjoys military support from the US, the United Kingdom and France, who likely have an interest in Jordan’s proximity to war-torn regions.
Jordan’s military has relied on subsidies from these alliances for decades The US alone has contributed nearly $16 billion dollars in military and economic aid to Jordan since the 1950s.
Jordan also benefits from its membership in the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Jordan’s relative stability and strong military is likely why countries like the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia have teamed up with the country to fight extremist groups in the region.
Although the country is not without problems, Jordan’s growing economy and efficient military makes it an attractive ally to neighboring countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.
King Abdullah has had a huge role in shaping Jordan into the country it is today.
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