First published in 1983
Jordan: Crossroads of Middle Eastern Events
examines Jordan’s unique role in the Middle East- Arab- Israeli conflict focusing also on its attempt and partial success, at developing its economy and society in the face of a dearth of natural resources and a large influx of refugees. Woven throughout the narrative is the role of King Hussain, a singular Arab ruler, master player on both the Middle Eastern and world'stages even though his country lacks significant assets or power in either those arenas. Peter Gubser describes Jordan’s people, culture, history, and social structure, then looks at how the country, buffeted in the tumultuous Middle East, hampered by limited internal political development, and strained by its rapid transition from a peasant, Bedouin economy to one dominated by refugee problems, has moved forward to a much sounder economy based on diversification- in agriculture, industry, mineral extraction, and services. The author argues that Jordan once almost entirely depended on the West for economic largess as well as for political support, now has major Arab sources of assistance and is reorienting its foreign policy accordingly. This is a must read for scholars and researchers of Middle East studies, Middle East history and Middle East politics.