So some of the argument here is: “Jordan is Palestine, what’s the problem?” That’s one of the more ignorant things I’ve heard recently. That may be your opinion but it hardly reflects the attitude of those on the ground, both Palestinian and Jordanian, who both want independent states despite your assertion that they are the same. And your suggestions about Bedouins are downright condescending.
But more to the point, I feel an argument surfacing here that taking on millions of immigrants is just the right thing to do and should be good for a country if they know what they are doing, a’la Israel. I’m sure there are many who would say Israel has not done the best in its integration policies, as many of those integrated are then granted lands on disputed territories. And those Arabs “integrated” into Israel are not full citizens, I must point out. Arab-Israelis do not enjoy all the right and privileges that Israeli Jews do. So, your example fails on a few points.
But that misses the entire point, doesn’t it? How can we expect a small developing country to just ingest this massive influx of people without any controls? The US is not doing this. They’ve, until recently, kept the breaks on Iraqi translators that directly assisted the US military and many others — largely political reasons.
In fact, I’d suggest all countries handle refugees in a political fashion, despite the humanitarian need. But in most every case, political points merit that political consideration. Again, the treatment being meted out to Iraqis by Jordan is wrong, but the context of why must be considered. Jordan is in a really tough spot, we used to say between Iraq and a hard spot (Palestine).
I know that many in Jordan would be shocked to know what’s happening at the borders. But then many are shocked at the sheer numbers or Iraqis found in markets of downtown Amman. Would anyone else feel different? While the treatment Omar received is deplorable, I hope he can keep some perspective and realize this is really difficult time for everyone involved. Toes will be stepped on many times on many levels. It just cannot be helped.
