Commentaries

The United States is no longer an alliance-based state foreign policy, but one that operates by virtue of a network of transient instruments employed in a bid to achieve its objectives, and jettisoned once obsolete. Washington, as expressed in the political and media discourse from certain corners, does not see its allies as “allies,” but as “means” to construct its…

The visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani to Beirut in October 2025 marked a pivotal political moment in the trajectory of relations between the two countries. It was not a conventional diplomatic visit; rather, it represented the first practical test of the evolving relationship between the “new Syria” and Lebanon after two decades of transformation and discontinuity. The visit…

Student activism among Jordanian universities represents an important field for understanding social and cultural change among youth. It is a measure of students’ concern for, and response to, intellectual, cultural, national, and pan-Arab issues. Their concern has traditionally been shaped by official and institutional limits—either in the form of student unions, clubs, politically-oriented blocs, registered groups, or activities tolerated by…

Israel is accelerating its reshaping of Jerusalem’s reality through an integrated urban-security approach, targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque as the center of transformation. In recent times, Jerusalem has witnessed a marked escalation in Israeli policies aimed at reshaping its geographical and religious landscape. Public provocations are being carried out within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in cooperation with the Israeli police. These provocations…

The recent press conference held in Amman, which brought together Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the U.S. Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, conveyed a significant message concerning the shifting dynamics in the region. It underscored Jordan’s deep concern over the painful developments in As Suwayda specifically, and in Syria more broadly—events that Amman views…

This material was published in the third issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). NoteThe views and opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of neither PSI nor the Editors. This issue of the Jordanian Politics & Society magazine is released as the dust momentarily settles…

The Syrian landscape is witnessing a major shift following the announcement on 13 April 2025 of the dissolution of the Eighth Brigade and its complete absorption, both in personnel and equipment, into the Syrian Ministry of Defence. The brigade had been the most prominent armed formation in Daraa Governorate and, since the fall of Assad’s regime, had posed a persistent…

The pursuit of climate justice in the MENA region is a multi-dimensional challenge that requires an integrated approach, encompassing governance reform, sustainable economic diversification, gender inclusion, and strategic regional collaboration. As climate change continues to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities—such as resource scarcity, agricultural decline, and socio-political instability—there is a pressing need for localized, inclusive, and resilient strategies to address the unique…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). The past year, since October 7, 2023, has been catastrophic for the Palestinians.  It also poses significant challenges for Jordan. The country has always been concerned that if a two-state solution is not reached to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel might attempt to solve…

By Mohammad Abu Rumman According to announcements from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and American political sources, Netanyahu has received an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Washington next week (February 4). This makes him the first Middle Eastern leader to meet with Trump, especially following Trump’s controversial statements regarding the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Jordan’s primary concern regarding…