Jordan's Cautious Support of Syrian Rebels

As Syrian rebels try to close in on Damascus, increasing numbers of jihadists and militants are becoming active in southern Syria near the Jordanian border. Jordan is worried that the presence of these fighters could embolden its own Islamist opposition if Syrian President Bashar al Assad's regime collapses. But the Syrian rebels are not going anywhere, and Amman has an interest in developing constructive relationships with the rebels that are fighting against the al Assad regime.

In the service of these relationships, Amman has decided to allow weapons transferred from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies into Syria in exchange for much-needed economic aid from Gulf Cooperation Council states. At the same time, Jordan is maintaining its relationship with Syria's Alawite forces so that it can play the rebels and the regime forces off of each other. This is a delicate strategy because Jordan's Islamist opposition and inherent economic problems will continue to present challenges as the border with Syria further destabilizes.