Jordan's relations with Iraq

Prime Minister Ali Abu-Ragheb's two-day visit to Iraq, the first trip by an Arab head of government in a decade, has surely ushered in a new chapter in bilateral ties. The much-publicized trip comes in tune with the will of the Jordanian street. It also proved that political differences over Arab-Israeli peacemaking, ties with the U.S. and other issues should not stand as an obstacle toward developing strategic socio-economic relations and attempting to boost inter-Arab ties in an era of globalization.

Time once again proved that Jordan and Iraq need each other. Iraq remains Jordan's main trade partner and sole supplier of oil and other crude derivatives, while Jordan, which is one of Baghdad's main overland links with the world, can utilize its extensive network of foreign ties to champion Iraq's cause and demand an end to sanctions that have gravely punished Iraqi citizens instead of the regime.

But this will never mean that Jordan can, or will drop its observance of U.N. resolutions related to Iraq, or will allow other parties to engage in sanctions-busting activities, as international legitimacy remains a pillar of Jordanian foreign policy.

-- The Jordan Times, Amman