Jordanian figures sign joint letter demanding U.S. troop withdrawal
Due to frequent strikes by Iran targeting U.S. military bases on its territory, some Arab nations have begun to develop resistance toward the presence of U.S. forces.
On the 29th, The New York Times reported that hundreds of Jordanian political figures, legal professionals, and social activists signed a joint letter addressed to the Jordanian government, demanding the departure of U.S. troops from Jordan.
The letter stated: “We believe the presence of U.S. forces exposes Jordan to security, political, and economic risks, which is contrary to Jordan’s national interests and increases the likelihood of Jordan being drawn into regional conflicts in which it is not a participant.”
The Jordanian government has not responded to this matter. However, according to The New York Times, approximately 4,000 U.S. soldiers are currently stationed within Jordan. After the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war in late February, Iran immediately launched retaliatory strikes against military sites in Jordan.
Notably, the Jordanian government's stance is highly ambiguous. Despite repeated Iranian attacks on U.S. military installations within Jordan, the Jordanian government has consistently denied the existence of any U.S. military bases on its soil—such as when Foreign Minister Safadi claimed in mid-July, “Jordan does not host any American military bases.”
This apparent denial by the Jordanian government may reflect an unavoidable reality: Jordan cannot afford to offend either Iran or the United States—while heavily dependent on U.S. aid, it must therefore remain caught between two powerful forces, choosing to close its eyes and pretend it sees nothing.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872227413837827/
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