BY Amer Al Sabaileh

Recently, the Houthis resumed their attacks on Saudi territories targeting specifically airports and oil facilities. This development coincides with the global energy market going through a phase of instability due to the Ukraine-Russian war and the Saudi government refusing US appeal to increase oil production to counter this instability. A situation which further undermines the Gulf-US relations at a time the Iranian nuclear deal continues to overlook the demands of the Gulf countries.

According to media reports, this escalation is developing at a time the Saudi-based Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is considering to invite the Houthis and other Yemeni actors for consultations in Riyadh in connection to an initiative aimed at supporting UN led peace efforts.

After more than seven years of war, Saudi Arabia must introduce its own solutions independent from any other international initiatives. The risks of escalation is always high especially with the Houthi operations involving highly improved quality of tactics.

Outside the Gulf region, the risks of chaos and instability seem to spread. The West Bank might witness new waves of protests and confrontations in the coming holy month of Ramada, especially with the renewal of confrontation between Hamas and Israel gaining momentum.

These serious risks of chaos in the West Bank represent a new challenge for Jordan, which is experiencing security challenges on its borders with Syria and suffering of post COVID-19 socioeconomic hardships, including unemployment, inflation, social and political frustration. A situation which warrants careful consideration of the domestic issues within the wider context of regional instability towards paving the way for better future. Jordanians, suffering of economic hardships, are in desperate need to witness new approaches to overcome the external and the internal challenges which can secure hope and relief.

Reviewing and revising policies on all levels by the Jordanian relevant authorities within a national security plan that considers all the current socioeconomic challenges and security risks is the right approach that will guarantee safe exit of the Kingdom from the ongoing challenges and risks. This necessitates from Jordan to revise the adopted domestic politics, the process of developing the policies that lead to economic growth, create opportunities and reinforce a national Jordanian identity. A path that will spread much needed hopefulness amongst Jordanians.

Amid the risk of possible regional instability, Jordan should always well invest its strategic geographic location and serve as a central meeting juncture for the region. Massive transport infrastructure, especially railways, renewable energy will always represent massive opportunity for Jordan’s regional role.

Last but not least, it is of strategic importance to reconsider Jordan’s list of priorities through prioritising social security that includes food security, new agricultural technologies and models that can well meet Jordan’s local needs and guarantee domestic stability and avoid the repercussions of further possible regional risks and instabilities.