Unusual protest in Jordan: Hundreds demand removal of US forces from the country

Hundreds of public figures, legal experts, and political activists in Jordan have signed an open letter calling for the removal of US forces from the kingdom, amid increased Iranian attacks against US forces in Jordan. The signatories warn that the military presence undermines sovereignty and could drag Jordan into a regional conflict.

Hundreds of public figures, legal experts, and political activists in Jordan signed an open letter last week calling for the removal of US forces from the kingdom. The signatories, including 90-year-old political activist Sufian al-Tall, warn that the US military presence undermines Jordanian sovereignty and could drag the country into a regional conflict in which it is not a party. The letter was published amid increased Iranian attacks against US forces and facilities in Jordan, including missile and drone launches in recent weeks and in the early morning hours of Wednesday. Currently, about 4,000 US soldiers are stationed in several bases in Jordan. The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran at the end of February has also damaged Jordan's tourism industry, which accounts for up to 18% of the country's revenue. Despite the escalation, the Jordanian government has shown no signs of changing its alliance with the United States, partly due to its dependence on US aid totaling $1.65 billion last year. The controversy was also evident in a debate in the Jordanian parliament on Monday. However, it is difficult to assess how much the letter reflects the views of the general public, as no opinion polls are conducted on the issue and the cost of critical expression can be heavy. According to observers, most signatories are associated with leftist, pan-Arab, or Islamist camps. Daoud Kuttab, a journalist and commentator, said that no Jordanian media outlet published the text of the letter due to government directives and self-censorship.