Why Do They Hate Jordan?
Setting aside the political stances and alliances that pull at the region, I don't think anyone can deny what Jordan has achieved as a model of stability and good governance in an area battered by declared wars and undeclared ones alike. This raises questions about the nature of the Kingdom's regional relationships and how it has managed to maintain this stability in a neighborhood torn apart by conflict and, in some surrounding countries, ruled by militias.
Yet certain social media platforms have played an increasingly prominent role in spreading hate speech and circulating rumors against Jordan. It is no secret to observers that a large portion of this content originates from accounts or currents with political and ideological agendas, seeking to distort Jordan's image or diminish its regional role — exploiting the sensitivity of issues tied to the region, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.
In an era of rapid information spread, inaccurate or out-of-context narratives are frequently circulated, contributing to the formation of new negative impressions and deepening old ones that do not reflect the actual political reality or the true nature of Jordan's relationships with its surroundings.
There is no generalized "hatred" of Jordan from all neighboring countries; rather, there are criticisms and tensions that may arise from specific parties or groups, usually driven by political or sectarian agendas. These tensions can be understood through several key dimensions, most notably Jordan's geographical and demographic connection to the Palestinian cause.
The sensitivity in the Jordanian-Palestinian relationship is most evident in what is referred to as the "Jordanian Option" — a set of proposals aimed at involving Jordan in resolving the Palestinian issue at Jordan's expense. This is something the Kingdom categorically rejects, declaring it tantamount to an act of war and a matter of national security — and it is, of course, something the Palestinians themselves reject as well.
Jordan, as is well known, was the third Arab country to sign a formal peace treaty with Israel, in 1994, preceded in this by the Egyptians and the Palestinians themselves.
While Jordanian decision-makers and many Jordanian political currents regard this treaty as a factor of regional stability and a strategic necessity, it is viewed negatively by certain factions and states that consider any form of normalization with Israel a departure from Arab consensus or a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. This perspective becomes a gateway through which sectarian agendas seep in to tarnish Jordan's image.
Jordan's ability to maintain political and security stability in a region full of conflict and chaos — unlike countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Yemen — may be viewed with envy or hostility by groups that seek to spread disorder or destabilize Jordan, which is seen as an "island of stability" in a sea of turmoil, something not all parties welcome.
This stability, considered one of Jordan's strengths, is interpreted by some as serving external interests or highlighting the "failure" of other states — making it a target for negative propaganda.
This, in turn, drives sectarian agendas — sometimes backed by regional powers — to attack Jordan precisely because of its stability and its identity as a "stable Sunni state," which runs counter to the goals of those agendas seeking to spread chaos or divide states along sectarian lines.
Sectarian propaganda sometimes portrays Jordan as a "Western client" due to its relationships and alliances, with the aim of undermining internal and regional confidence. The war in Gaza, for instance, may be used as a pretext to accuse Jordan of lacking commitment to the Palestinian cause — even though the humanitarian aid the Kingdom has provided has been visibly felt on the ground and acknowledged by the people of Gaza themselves. It is simply impossible to deny the existence of facilities such as field bakeries and hospitals, let alone the food and medical supplies, even for those who choose to overlook them.
Despite the enormous regional challenges, Jordan has managed to endure and achieve tangible accomplishments across numerous sectors, becoming a model of good governance and effective management.
Jordanian leadership — headed by King Abdullah II — has played a pivotal role in preserving the Kingdom's stability. Through strategic vision and balanced policies, the leadership has skillfully navigated regional and international pressures.
The Jordanian military and security establishment has also efficiently secured the Kingdom's borders against the spread of armed militias, prevented the infiltration of extremist groups, and largely curbed drug trafficking — in stark contrast to what has occurred in many neighboring countries — thereby ensuring internal security and upholding state sovereignty.
The Jordanian political system relies on a strategy that ensures acceptance and loyalty, anchored primarily in: tribal allegiances that form an important part of the social fabric; Western support (particularly from the United States and Europe) that provides political and economic backing; and ongoing internal reforms aimed at strengthening legitimacy and improving citizens' quality of life.
The Jordanian state has also recognized the importance of protecting its economy, moving toward economic openness by joining the World Trade Organization and signing free trade agreements with countries such as the United States. These steps have bolstered Jordan's economic standing and helped attract foreign investment, supporting growth in industry, trade, and services. Jordan has also adopted economic modernization visions such as "Vision 2033," aimed at developing the business environment and stimulating sustainable growth.
Jordan has continued to prioritize and improve education — the primary driver of development since the state's founding — with a focus today on educational technology. Initiatives such as the "Jordan Education Initiative" (JEI) emphasize integrating technology into the learning process and building local talent. These efforts have yielded positive results, with higher education enrollment rates rising and students achieving recognition in international competitions.
This has helped position Jordan as an emerging regional technology hub, with notable growth in the startup sector and advances in fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Institutions like the "Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers" (JATC) play a role in equipping young people with the necessary skills, as reflected in their students' international awards for innovation.
Jordan regards the rule of law as the foundation of political trust and stability. Government reform strategies include serious efforts to combat corruption, reinforcing citizens' confidence in state institutions and enhancing administrative effectiveness — practices that contribute to sustainable development and guard against the slide into chaos.
Overall, Jordanian leadership has demonstrated a high capacity to adapt to complex regional and international changes while effectively responding to domestic demands. This flexibility in foreign and domestic policy has allowed Jordan to avoid excessive entanglement in regional conflicts and to preserve the independence of its decision-making — strengthening the legitimacy of state institutions and their role as a trusted partner.
Jordan stands as a unique example of resilience and progress in a turbulent region. While it faces criticism from certain quarters in neighboring countries — criticism typically driven by political or sectarian agendas — it has succeeded in cementing its standing as an oasis of stability.
The foundation of this achievement rests on: wise leadership, strong security institutions, open economic strategies, and significant investments in human capital — yielding tangible results in education, technology, and healthcare. Coupled with a commitment to good governance and the rule of law, Jordan has built a distinctive development model that commands international respect, and offers a lesson in how to preserve and advance oneself in the face of formidable challenges.













































