The announcement of a NATO liaison office opening in Jordan sparked widespread controversy. NATO’s summit in Washington last week revealed that Amman, Jordan, would host the organization’s first liaison office in the Middle East. “The opening of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman is a natural progression of the longstanding relationship between NATO and Jordan,” stated a NATO press release. The announcement lauded Jordan as a “beacon of stability in both regional and global contexts.” However, the reception to this news was far from universally positive.
The immediate aftermath saw a flood of critical comments on social media, particularly from individuals in the Arab world. “Betrayal runs in their veins,” posted a user from Algeria on Facebook, questioning the loyalty of those who align with NATO, which they associate with violence against Muslims. “Jordan has been sold without a shot fired,” remarked another Algerian user. A Tunisian commentator challenged Jordanians directly, asking, “Where are the free people of Jordan? Do they agree with this?”
The announcement also fueled conspiracy theories. Some speculated that NATO’s interest in Jordan was part of a strategy to intervene in regional conflicts, such as those in Gaza or Lebanon, to support Israel. This is not the first time Jordan has faced such criticism. In April, when Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel, Jordan played a crucial role in defending against the attack. Although Jordan maintained it was protecting its airspace, many Jordanians viewed this action as controversial, given the significant Palestinian population in Jordan.
Jordan’s security relationship with NATO and Israel is complex and often underreported within the country. The Jordanian royal family maintains tight control over political dissent, and the country has a long history of cooperation with NATO and the United States on defense and military matters. Despite this, NATO did not respond to inquiries about the timeline for opening the office. However, a recent job posting for a chief for the liaison office indicated an August 25 deadline for applications, suggesting that the office’s opening is imminent.
Jordan’s Security Ties with NATO and Israel: NATO’s Perspective and Strategic Importance
From NATO’s viewpoint, the establishment of a liaison office in Amman is a significant milestone. H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, commented, “It shows NATO is keen to emphasize that the world has changed and it is committed to showing engagement with partners in the Middle East.” Hellyer also pointed out that considering Russian influence in the region, NATO’s move makes strategic sense.
The liaison office is expected to enhance direct cooperation between NATO and Jordan in various areas such as crisis management, cybersecurity, and climate change. While the office is seen as symbolically significant at the moment, experts believe it could expand its influence over time.
Isabelle Werenfels, a senior fellow at the Institute for International and Security Affairs, noted that the new office’s establishment likely accelerated due to recent conflicts but was planned well in advance. “I don’t think that NATO has any appetite to move closer to the Middle East conflict,” she said, emphasizing that the office is more about long-term strategic interests.
The NATO Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) regional center in Kuwait has already set a precedent for regional cooperation. Werenfels highlighted that Jordan’s neutral stance in the Arab world makes it an ideal location for such an office. The key question now is how extensive the office’s role will become and how it will interact with other regional actors, especially those in North Africa.
Despite general public opposition to NATO, elites in the region recognize the benefits of professionalizing their militaries and enhancing security cooperation. A report from May suggested that while Middle Eastern countries do not desire direct military intervention from NATO, they are interested in partnerships that can improve maritime security, arms control, and preparedness for climate change and other crises.
Despite the popular criticism within Jordan, experts believe the new NATO office is unlikely to destabilize the country. Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council pointed out that Jordan has long dealt with various security, economic, and political pressures. “Any increase in any one of those is probably a greater threat than slightly enhanced cooperation with NATO,” he said.
The opening of a NATO liaison office in Jordan represents both a continuation of longstanding alliances and a strategic move in response to changing global dynamics. While it has sparked significant controversy and conspiracy theories, the office’s true impact will likely unfold over time. For now, it symbolizes NATO’s commitment to the Middle East and Jordan’s role as a stable partner in a volatile region.
