Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
Newsletter: China-Middle East Jordan’s king goes to China With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation. Jordan
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington Already a leading recipient of US aid, Jordan has secured fresh funds from the United States as the Iran war tests Amman and Washington's partnerships. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran kills one in Kuwait, targets Egypt for first time By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
State Department: Middle East needs 10-year plan including pressure on Iran, improved US relations with Sunni countries The international community allotted the Iran agreement at least 10 years, a time frame that, according to a State Department official, may be necessary "to stabilize the region and to implement the two-state solution." Palestine
Palestinians smuggle cheaper nicotine fix from Jordan Smugglers are finding a profitable business in moving cigarettes into Palestine from Jordan and competing with locally made tobacco and more expensive imported cigarettes. Palestine
Syrian mortar shells sow fear in Jordan border town Many residents of Ramtha, northern Jordan, are calling for military action to contain the violence in Syria that is spilling over onto their city, where mortars fall on houses and parents are afraid to send their children to school. Palestine
Hoping to counter Iran, former Israeli defense official calls on Riyadh to add 'security annex' to Arab Peace Initiative With Iran getting stronger and more self-confident, Saudi Arabia should add a "security annex" to its original Arab Peace Initiative to establish a defense cooperation framework between Israel and select Arab states. Legacy: Gulf
Will Jordan agree to set up a 'safe zone' on Syrian border? Jordan is considering the option of establishing a safe zone along its border with Syria, amid lack of US support for Turkey’s attempts to do the same on its southern border. Jordan
Not one student in 349 Jordanian schools passed critical exam The high failure rates of the General Secondary Educational Certification Exam, or Tawjihi, raised a debate in Jordan about the efficiency of the Education Ministry, the unqualified teachers and the high number of Syrian children attending Jordanian schools. Jordan
Lobbying 2015: Jordan earns $1 billion bonus for battling IS The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan relies on the US-educated king’s 15-year relationship with top lawmakers and military officials to defend a strategic lynchpin at the heart of the Middle East maelstrom. Jordan
Saving Middle East relics needs less talk, more action International action is required to stop the plundering of Middle Eastern treasures and the devastation of historic sites. Iraq
When children have to provide: Syrian refugees struggle in Jordan A lack of schools and teachers in Jordan along with hurdles preventing Syrian adults from working have led to Syrian refugee children increasingly working illegally to support their families. Jordan
Russia's Middle East gamble Russia's historical links with the Middle East run deep, as even amidst challenges Moscow sees opportunities. Saudi Arabia
IS threat could push Jordan beyond its borders Despite the imminent terrorist threat, some Jordanians reject the necessity to intervene in Syrian and Iraqi territory. Iraq
New report outlines Al-Aqsa Mosque recommendations The International Crisis Group report on Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem tackles this controversial issue for Muslim Palestinians and Israeli Jews, and proposes recommendations to de-escalate the tension between all concerned parties, including Jordan. Palestine