Just as it takes its name from the river that flows from the Sea of Galilee along its western perimeter, Jordan has been largely defined by events beyond its own borders. Today’s state, like its neighbours, was forged from the colonial spoils of the First World War in 1922, with its ports having staged some of the most iconic battles of the allied powers’ Middle East campaign. The awesome terrain that inspired the poetics and passion of the Arab Revolts has since been eclipsed by more compelling regional dramas. Within two years of Jordan receiving formal independence from Britain in 1946, the country was swept to the frontline of the Arab-Israeli wars after Israel unilaterally proclaimed statehood in 1948. The first armed confrontation ended with Jordan taking control of what is today the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, but Israel later seized this territory in the 1967 Six-Day War (and continues to occupy it today). The conflict soon spilled over into Jordan itself, as activity by Palestinian paramilitary groups with bases in the country (including the Palestine Liberation Organization) provoked hostility from the government, sparking a bloody internal war in 1970 known as ‘Black September’.
Although these events led to the expulsion of armed freedom fighters to Lebanon, Jordan has remained a sponsor of the Palestinian cause. The country is home to around two million Palestinian refugees, most of whom are now recognized as full citizens. Jordan’s Hashemite monarchy also retains official custody of Muslim and Christian sites in the much-contested Old City of Jerusalem, its policy being that this must form the capital of any future Palestinian state.
