The King in a Confused Washington

King Abdullah II’s current visit to Washington begins a cooperation between the two countries, and reaches a peak as Jordan joins other Arab nations in a Washington-led international coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Discussion between the king and high ranking members of the U.S. administration and political elite in Washington tend to be dominated by the peace process between the Palestinians and Israel, or American aid to Jordan. During this visit, however, issues relating to the war on terrorism and the situations in Syria and Iraq jump to the forefront.

Such is the context in which defensive aid to Jordan was discussed: Reinforcing Jordan’s ability to confront the challenges stemming from the situation to its north and east, and participating in the international coalition against terrorism. Despite the magnitude of challenges Jordan faces, and the deteriorating situation of the region around the country, at the end of the day, the king alone among leaders in the region is able to sit and think quietly about what can be done to get out of this dark tunnel. That is to say, that internal stability gives him an opportunity like this not afforded to leaders elsewhere in the region, drowned out by the sounds of explosions around them.

This is precisely what has given Jordan and the king greater significance in American thinking on the region. The political elite in the Arab region had believed, and still does, that Arab leaders visit Washington to give instructions on what America should do in their countries, and what will serve American interests. The truth is that those who have followed U.S. policy in the Middle East for the last few years realize that the Obama administration does not have what it tells its Arab guests it has. That basically goes for any policy, whether in Iraq or Syria.

Until 2010, the Obama administration had a clear road map, the crowning achievement being the withdrawal from Iraq, but the dramatic developments in Iraq, then Syria and then Egypt, made the administration seem like a driver who had lost his way, stopping at every station, hoping to find someone who could point him in the right direction. Because of that, Washington today is not in a position to dictate policies to friends and allies because as I said, Washington doesn’t really know what it can do.

The allies of Washington now have a rare opportunity to play a part in forming America’s strategy toward the region, and to lend greater skill to the equilibrium. Perhaps, they can help stop the bloodshed and prevent further suffering on the part of the Arab people.

By virtue of its close relationship with Washington, as well as the credibility of its policies in the war on terror and in seeking political solutions for regional crises, Jordan is more qualified than the other nations in the region to have an effect on the direction America takes. I believe that the discussions led by the king there will take this stance, exchanging opinions in order to form a joint approach to the issues in the region.

When the king visits Washington, he usually brings a new line summarizing his vision. I believe that this time, the new line pertains to Syria. The United States’ ability to get past the insurmountable situation in the Middle East depends, to a great extent, on its readiness to cooperate with its partners in the region and listen to their advice. The U.S. record will not allow for anything else.