ABSTRACT
In recent years the sharp divisions between the three national groups have begun to decrease; the ‘normativity of the factual’ is starting to make itself felt in Jordan also, and within the artificial borders the beginnings of a genuine feeling of solidarity are noticeable. The fact that Arabs are cultivating and building on Israeli-owned land in Jordan shows that the fear of Israel is decreasing and the view gaining prevalence is that the status quo will be maintained. All Jordan’s political problems are overshadowed by the conflict with the United Arab Republic. Jordan regards itself as a small state which wants to preserve its independence but which is threatened with being swallowed by a bigger neighbour. A direct consequence of the conflict with the United Arab Republic which came very close to the dividing line between peace and war, was a rapprochement between Jordan and Iraq.
