Columnists in Jordan have been actively analyzing the repercussions of regional escalation on the national economy, amid a complex interplay between politics and economics. This comes as warnings grow over a potential setback in growth indicators, alongside calls for a more realistic evaluation of government performance and its projects.

In this context, writer Fahd Al-Khaitan believes the Jordanian economy is once again facing a difficult test due to external political factors, stressing that “the political conditions surrounding Jordan have always been the primary obstacle to economic growth.” At the same time, he does not absolve successive governments, noting that “wrong decisions or hesitation in adopting appropriate policies at the right time” have also contributed to complicating the economic landscape.

Al-Khaitan points to recently emerging positive indicators, as the economy recorded a growth rate of 3 percent. He emphasizes that “what matters is not the figure itself, but the sectors driving this growth,” explaining that “agriculture and industry have led the economy,” which he views as evidence of “Jordan regaining its productive and export capabilities and building a more resilient economic base less vulnerable to regional shocks.”

He also highlights the growing role of the private sector, alongside “a 25 percent surge in investment, the highest since 2017,” noting that these gains were achieved despite an unstable regional environment. However, he warns of risks in the coming period, stating that “international economic institutions have begun issuing serious warnings about a global economic downturn due to the energy crisis.” He adds that continued high oil prices could make “maintaining current growth rates highly uncertain,” concluding that “political conditions in the region ultimately undermine the economy.”

By contrast, writer Maher Abu Tair approaches the issue from a different angle, criticizing what he describes as “political opportunism” in raising questions about the fate of major government projects during wartime. He states that “some are hoping the war expands so they can question the government about the whereabouts of major projects,” arguing that such narratives “ignore the fact that the impact extends to all countries, both rich and poor.”

Abu Tair emphasizes that the situation is not unique to Jordan but reflects a broader global pattern, noting that “information from various countries indicates that economic plans are being suspended or postponed pending clarity.” He adds that “the realistic priority should be to end the war first, followed by restoring Jordan’s ability to resume its plans.”

He warns of direct economic repercussions, pointing out that “the impact of the war will extend to the state budget, with expectations of a higher deficit,” amid already high public debt. At the same time, he underscores the importance of stability, stating that “the priority is to maintain Jordan’s security and ensure this period passes with the least possible burden on citizens.” He also calls for moderating internal discourse, stressing that “the country cannot afford the luxury of political infighting amid an open-ended crisis.”

On the political front, writer Hamada Faraaneh reviews the context of Jordanian-American relations, recalling Jordan’s firm rejection of what was known as the “Deal of the Century.” He notes that Amman “led a broad diplomatic effort to reject the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” through a series of Arab, Islamic, and international meetings.

Faraaneh explains that Jordan rejected the US plan for two main reasons: first, because it “does not meet Palestinian rights,” and second, because it “conflicts with Jordan’s national interests,” particularly regarding refugees and Jerusalem. He reiterates Jordan’s commitment to the two-state solution and its rejection of “the alternative homeland and resettlement.”

In a parallel context, writer Hashem Aql presents a legislative economic perspective, highlighting the “Gas Law 2026” as a tool for addressing crises. He describes it as “an economic shield designed to protect the domestic front from external shocks.” He affirms that shifting toward natural gas could “reduce production costs by up to 50 percent” and provide greater price stability compared to volatile oil markets.

He also underscores the importance of Jordan’s move toward green hydrogen, noting that it “places the Kingdom at the center of the global energy landscape,” while strengthening energy security through “diversification of sources and strategic storage.” On the social level, he points out that expanding gas networks to households “will ease financial pressures on families and reshape consumption patterns.”

Between warnings of the war’s repercussions, calls for realism, and reliance on structural reforms, opinion articles in Jordan reflect a state of cautious concern. While writers agree on the difficulty of the current phase, they differ in assessing priorities, between those focusing on external risks, those calling for internal reforms, and others who see crises as an opportunity to rebuild the economy on more resilient foundations.