Jordan - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

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Jordan

March 17, 2026

Amman 7:36 am

6°C

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US court overturns Trump global tariffs: What it means for MENA

Trump's defining economic policy of his second term has been dealt a key blow, upending a tariff regime that set levies in the Middle East as high as 41% for Syria even as most regional countries were insulated from the fallout.

From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list?

The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jordan, on Dec. 16, 2025.

India’s Modi eyes closer ties with Jordan, Oman during visits

Modi’s two-day visit to Jordan made investments and economic cooperation a central piece of the talks with Amman.

A fan waves a Pride flag before the soccer match between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers at Lumen Field, on June 3, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.

Culture

World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time

Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes.

Latest News

What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction?

An aerial view shows the destruction across Yarmouk camp, Damascus, Syria, on Nov. 8, 2025.

Trump’s plan to label Muslim Brotherhood tightens pressure on group in Egypt, Jordan

KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP via Getty Images

Meet the Silicon Valley-linked AI startup targeting Gulf’s costly inefficiencies

Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, founder of 1001 AI.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties

A general view shows the Samra Waste Water Treatment Plant, Zarqa, Jordan, March 13, 2018.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Abeer Ayyoub

In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine

Hanna Davis

In Beirut, reporting on politics, migration, human rights

Lyse Mauvais

In Amman, reporting on humanitarian crises

Analysis

As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance?

Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Bedouin and tribal fighters deploy at the western entrance of Syria's Druze heartland of Suwayda on July 18, 2025.

Syria, Jordan, US unveil road map to stabilize Suwayda after clashes: What to know

The news comes along with reports that Syria has withdrawn heavy weaponry from the south, seemingly complying with Israel's demands for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.

Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the "Gate of Peace" at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, on Nov. 13, 2019.

As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes?

Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats.

Jordanian King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Amman on Aug. 19, 2025.

Lebanon PM in Jordan as Beirut pushes Hezbollah disarmament, Iran’s influence wanes

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam headed to Jordan following a similar visit by President Joseph Aoun two months ago, as the two countries seek deeper ties.

Jordanian security forces deploy during a demonstration near the US Embassy in the capital Amman in solidarity with the people of Gaza on Dec. 15, 2023.

Jordan to resume conscription in 2026, call up 6,000 men: What to know

In 2026, 6,000 men born in 2007 will be drafted for a three-month training program.

Salah Malkawi/Getty Images

Jordan, UAE military chiefs vow stronger defense ties in Amman meeting

Jordan has moved to increase military cooperation with the UAE in recent years, including via joint exercises as the Hashemite Kingdom works to bolster its defenses.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, and US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack meet in Amman on July 19, 2025.

Kurds, Damascus resume talks as Syria, Jordan FMs meet US envoy in Amman

The meeting aims to address growing unrest and political demands amid Syria’s fragile efforts to rebuild.

Nour Al Hassan, founder and CEO of Tarjama (C), and members of the Tarjama team promoting Arabic.AI, the firm's new platform offering business solutions, 2025.

How an Arabic translation firm from Jordan became a Gulf AI player

Tarjama, now based in Dubai, recently raised $15 million to accelerate the rollout of an Arabic-language AI platform for businesses in the Middle East.

Flags of Jordan and the Muslim Brotherhood are waved with other protest signs denouncing the US-led Middle East economic conference in Bahrain, in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on June 21, 2019.

Jordan summons suspects accused of holding Muslim Brotherhood assets: What to know

The Hashemite Kingdom has taken a number of legal actions against the Islamist organization since banning them in April.

MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Trump tariffs, BRICS threats unlikely to erode Middle East’s trade war edge

The US decision to delay tariff penalties until Aug. 1 doesn't dramatically impact the Middle East, but the coming weeks could still have important ripple effects in the region.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Supporters of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood take part in a protest in the village of Sweimeh.

Jordan targets charities for alleged Muslim Brotherhood ties: What to know

Jordan banned the Muslim Brotherhood in April and arrested some senior members of the related Islamic Action Front last month.

Jordanian fans cheer for their team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between Jordan and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, suburban Manila on August 28, 2023. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) (Photo by TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordan refuses to play Israel in FIBA Basketball World Cup: What to know

Amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, an international backlash is affecting the country’s participation in global sports competitions.