Introduction

Jordan is a remarkably resilient state, both economically and politically. Created out of conflict in a harsh arid environment, with its access to the sea cut off by the new state of Israel, the future of the country seemed highly uncertain in 1948. Yet forty years after, the achievements of the Kingdom have been remarkable. An oasis of political stability, King Hussein is the longest serving ruler in the Middle East, as well as in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The King, despite the small size of his realm, has managed to acquire the status of an international statesman, respected both in the West and by Arab leaders. Jordan plays a key role in Arab diplomacy, and is the only country to enjoy good relations with all Arab regimes, irrespective of their political colour. Amman was the sole Arab capital that could have hosted the crucial November 1987 Arab summit, and the King’s mediation efforts bore fruit in mending the fences between Egypt and the majority of other Arab states.