Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2008

PolicyWatch #1401: Reconsidering Hamas: A View from Amman

Hassan Barari

September 2008

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

This PolicyWatch is the second of a two-part series on Jordan's reengagement with Hamas.

Almost a decade after expelling Hamas from its territory, Jordan is in the process of reassessing its ties with the militant Palestinian group, an organization dedicated to undermining the two-state solution. Although Jordanian officials repeatedly have stated their aversion to dealing with non-state actors, recent discussions with Hamas suggest that Jordanian policy is driven more by pragmatism than principle. Current realities, including the growing strength of Hamas and the waning prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, are propelling Amman to engage in tactical shifts in its foreign policy to protect its national interests. How this will affect the peace process and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas remains to be seen.