Dr. Hamza Alakaleek

Picture a lone oak tree on a windswept hill, roots digging deep as gales rage around it. That's the story of Jordan. Born in the heart of the Middle East's constant drama, it's not some flimsy leaf blown about. Instead, it's like the quiet warrior among nations, always facing tough times head-on without ever backing down. Intrigued by this small kingdom with such a strong core? Then settle in for a tale that will grab your attention. Let's look past the surface chatter and dive into what truly makes this country so resilient.

In the 1950s, the Jordanian state and the Muslim Brotherhood shared a pragmatic accord, allowing the latter to become a legal political force. Their endeavours were largely patriotic, with the Brotherhood's Abdul Rahman Khalifa is seen as part of the establishment, a bulwark against Arab nationalism. Jordan’s commitment to Palestine was absolute, its soil bloodied by martyrs, its defence of the West Bank valiant. Jordanians were early volunteers in the Palestinian revolution, and Jordan deferred peace with Israel Israel until the Palestinians themselves decided.

However, the democratic transition brought a shift. The accord with the Brotherhood frayed, leading to tension. In 1989, their "Return to Islam" slogan was met with King Hussein's wisdom: "I am not for returning to Islam, but rather for progressing towards Islam." Skirmishes persisted, escalating when the Islamic Action Front supported Palestinian political and military factions.

Jordan responded by expelling Hamas leaders, reaffirming the supremacy of its laws.

Extremist elements within the Brotherhood even hinted at violence, but voices of reason emerged, like MP Bassam Al-Amoush’s firm stance against harming Amman. Jordan’s system is paternalistic, not oppressive; justice follows the rule of law, not the ruler's whim. No non-state military organizations are permitted, a cornerstone of national security. The Jordanian state, throughout its history, has embodied the spirit of a benevolent patriarch, embracing its citizens with care and responsibility, rather than a tyrannical overlord wielding instruments of oppression.

In the 1990s, King Hussein addressed Brotherhood complaints of intelligence harassment. He was presented with evidence of their meetings with Iranian officials and the existence of a military wing. This revelation led to a temporary cessation of such activities, with the understanding that national security extends beyond borders. The intelligence agency remains the primary authority on Islamist affairs, ensuring their activities remain political.

Despite tensions, Jordan extended aid even to adversaries. King Hussein secured Mousa Abu Marzouk's release and treatment for Hamas leaders. However, the emergence of Brotherhood-linked armed cells, trained abroad to manufacture rockets, posed a grave threat. No democratic nation would tolerate such a breach of security.

Yet, Jordan never suppressed legal political expression or support for Palestinians, leading boycotts in solidarity with Gaza. Crown Prince Hussein’s aid delivery to Gaza symbolizes this commitment. How was this met? Terrorist attempts to destabilize Jordan, despite offers of millions to ban the Brotherhood, a group Jordan considers part of its national fabric.

Thus, the persistent question remains: why this dramatic shift in the Muslim Brotherhood's stance, from accord and agreement with the Jordanian state to confrontation, disputes, and attempts to militarize their followers? Do they not have representatives (a quarter of the parliament) expressing their views through democratic means? Why this obstinacy and clash with a state that embraced them and allowed them to expand within society, otherwise their fate would have mirrored that of other parties that clashed with the state and lost their influence? And astonishingly, even Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the international terrorist, did not deter their leaders from attending his condolences in Zarqa! Is this the reward for benevolence?

The trajectory of this complex relationship took a perilous turn when members associated with the Muslim Brotherhood began their insidious transformation into clandestine armed cells. These groups sought and received military training in neighbouring countries, acquiring the expertise to manufacture sophisticated weaponry, including rockets, drones, and Katyusha systems. What sovereign, democratic nation in the world would passively countenance such a blatant assault on its national security?

Following this security threat, the Brotherhood framed it as "individual actions" supporting Palestinian resistance. The government, noting surveillance since 2021, this temporal marker underscores a crucial point: we are presented with two distinct interpretations that nonetheless converge on the factual occurrences. The government has laid out its account, and while the Brotherhood has not outright denied the veracity of these events, their interpretation of the underlying "Motives" stands in stark contrast to the official explanation. In essence, both sides largely concur on the "what" but vehemently disagree on the "why.

The emergence of armed cells linked to the Brotherhood marked a dangerous escalation. Jordan, while supporting Palestine, cannot condone threats to its own security. The enduring question is whether the Brotherhood has lost its way, betraying the tolerance it once received.

The matter was, and remains, under the absolute control of the state for a simple reason: the General Intelligence. The Directorate was the sole authority on matters of national political security, particularly concerning the Islamists, and King Hussein insisted that their file remain with the GID, as this agency alone could ensure the movement remained within a purely political framework. This centralized authority and the unwavering commitment of the state to maintaining its monopoly on security are crucial factors in navigating the complex and often volatile regional landscape.

In conclusion, Jordan remains steadfast, resilient against conspiracies, and committed to its security and principles. Its story, a blend of enduring strength and complex alliances, will continue to be told. The delicate balance between national security and internal Inclusivity will shape Jordan’s path forward in a turbulent region.