Jordan

On May 25, 1946, the Emirate of Transjordan gained its independence from the British mandate under the San Remo Conference. The country was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Abdullah I became its first king. This occasion marked a significant turning point in Jordan's modern history as it established its sovereignty as a nation-state in the Middle East.

The Six-Day War was fought between June 5 and June 10, 1967, by Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. On June 5, Jordan, which controlled East Jerusalem and the West Bank, entered the war. Jordan suffered substantial territorial losses, losing East Jerusalem and the West Bank to Israel, affecting its geopolitical situation dramatically. The war significantly shaped the future political landscape of the Middle East and had lasting repercussions for Jordan.

Black September refers to the conflict that began in September 1970 and lasted until July 1971, between the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with the PLO attempting to seize control of Jordanian state functions. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties and ended when Jordan expelled the PLO leadership from the country, altering the dynamics between Palestinian factions and Jordan.

The Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty was signed on October 26, 1994, making Jordan the second Arab country, after Egypt, to normalize relations with Israel. The treaty resolved territorial disputes and water-sharing issues, and laid the groundwork for economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. This was a major development in Middle Eastern politics and significantly reduced tensions, promoting peace efforts in the region.

On November 9, 2005, a series of coordinated terrorist bomb attacks occurred at three hotels in Amman, Jordan. These attacks were orchestrated by Al-Qaeda and resulted in the deaths of 60 people and injuries to 115 others, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Jordan's history. The bombings targeted Western and Israeli tourists as well as Jordanian celebrations and were condemned internationally, leading to a strong government crackdown on terrorist activities in Jordan.

On January 1, 2014, Jordan became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, contributing to international peace and security decisions. Jordan played an active role in addressing Middle Eastern crises, humanitarian issues, and fostering dialogue during its two-year term. The country's participation helped to elevate its diplomatic standing internationally and demonstrated its commitment to global collaboration.

On December 18, 2016, gunmen associated with ISIS launched an attack in the city of Karak, southern Jordan, resulting in 10 deaths, including a Canadian tourist, and multiple injuries. The operation, which included a shootout at the historic Karak Castle, was a stark reminder of regional instability impacting Jordan. It highlighted the ongoing threats faced by Jordan despite its efforts to maintain security and peace in a turbulent region.

In June 2018, Jordan experienced major protests over proposed austerity measures, including income tax increases, which were part of austerity plans backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The public's dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the government's reforms led to widespread demonstrations. As a result, Prime Minister Hani Mulki resigned, and Omar Razzaz was appointed to replace him, promising to address people's concerns and economic challenges.

Jordan confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 2, 2020. The Jordanian government implemented rigorous measures to combat the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and travel restrictions. Jordan's early and decisive actions were pivotal in managing the initial waves of the pandemic, though the country faced economic repercussions and challenges in maintaining public health and safety. The response was marked by high levels of compliance and public support.

On April 3, 2021, tensions within the Jordanian royal family prompted international attention when former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein was placed under house arrest, accused of conspiring with foreign elements to destabilize the country. The incident led to numerous arrests and highlighted internal divisions but was resolved through mediation within the royal family. The crisis underscored regional and international concerns about Jordan's stability.