Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh
We stand on the precipice of an era ominously titled “Displacement and Resettlement” — the penultimate chapter in what skeptics dub the “conspiracy of the century.” In the shadows of Israel’s unhindered maneuvering, one can’t help but wonder: What era is this? Are we relegated to being mere spectators of an unrelenting tragedy, bound by the chains of helplessness and subservience?
Our current reality paints a dire picture — a trifecta of functional, incapable, and cowardly states relinquishing legitimacy. These states seem to exist in a vacuum, voiceless and impotent. A disconcerting acquiescence to Zionism has become the norm, as if time itself has frozen, enabling the support of regimes complicit in Israel’s merciless onslaughts of massacres and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians.
Delving into the revelations of British writer and journalist Gordon Thomas in his 1998 tome “Gideon Spies,” a stark truth emerges: “Israel would not have achieved its victories without the solidarity of Arab leaders with it.” This sobering reality persists today as Israel, keenly aware of the lack of a unified Arab response, revels in what might be its golden age — unscathed and unchallenged. The world watches as America, prioritizing Israel above all else, treats the region as a mere marketplace for its capricious desires, disregarding the dignity and interests of Arab nations and their leaders.
The recent diplomatic foray by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during the Gaza war epitomizes this stark reality. Choosing the stick over the carrot, Blinken outlined a future vision emphasizing the liquidation of the Palestinian issue, the displacement of Gazans, and economic incentives for accepting resettlement. This unprecedented clarity unveils a foreboding trajectory that prompts urgent questions about the future of the region.
The prevailing scene is far from normal, signaling that the region teeters on the brink of its most perilous stage in history. Demographic shifts loom, threatening to redraw the political map. The process of subjugating Palestinians and Jordanians aligns with a nefarious plan unfolding in secrecy. A new political and demographic map is taking shape, demanding heightened vigilance to avert disastrous consequences.
Echoing Frederick Taylor’s words after World War II — “Borders were fixed, and peoples were displaced” — today’s Gaza may soon become tomorrow’s West Bank. Israel’s meticulous planning, including the preparation of new maps and a return to historical real estate restrictions, hints at a blueprint for displacing the West Bank’s population toward Jordan.
The echoes of historical events from 1947-1948 resound when the Haganah’s Plan Dalet aimed to forcefully seize Palestinian territory. Today, the danger lies in the potential realization of a politically and demographically altered region, with Jordan bearing the brunt of Israel’s expansionist agenda.
Labeling discussions about such issues as conspiracy theorizing neglects the skepticism essential in times of uncertainty. Reflecting on the aftermath of World War II and diplomatic discussions at Dumbarton Oaks in 1944, parallels to the current situation emerge. While the strongholds of kings and the stern official Jordanian stance may endure, the looming danger cannot be ignored.
Jordan’s benevolent tradition of providing refuge to refugees has reached its limit. Impending demands from the United States and Israel may exceed Jordan’s capacity, risking political, social, and security repercussions.
As the region simmers on a hot plate, Jordan must navigate carefully amid international and regional variables. The fear of encirclement and political, economic, and security blackmail necessitates a cautious approach. The region faces an uncertain future, and Jordan, navigating these treacherous waters, must prioritize its interests, avoiding entanglements that could compromise its stability.
In a world where loyalty and love seem reserved for the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, Jordan’s path forward demands strategic foresight, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to its own destiny. The tempest of geopolitical transformations requires measured responses to safeguard the region from descending into the abyss of unforeseen consequences. It is a call to confront the gathering storm.
Eng. Al Batayneh was a member of the Jordanian Parliament.
