Jordan Facilities

As of mid-September 2002, Jordan and the United States were reportedly negotiating an agreement to allow US forces use this Jordan to defend Israel from Iraqi missiles. The US forces would operate covertly from Jordan's eastern desert to Iraqi missile batteries in western Iraq that Saddam Hussein could launch on Israel.

Relations between the U.S. and Jordan have been close for four decades. A primary objective of U.S. policy, particularly since the end of the Gulf war, has been the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East. Jordan's constructive participation in the Madrid peace process is key in achieving peace.

U.S. policy seeks to reinforce Jordan's commitment to peace, stability, and moderation. The peace process and Jordan's opposition to terrorism parallel and indirectly assist wider U.S. interests. Accordingly, through economic and military assistance and through close political cooperation, the United States has helped Jordan maintain its stability and prosperity.

Since 1952, the United States has provided Jordan with economic assistance totaling more than $2 billion, including funds for development projects, health care, support for macroeconomic policy shifts toward a more completely free market system, and both grant and loan acquisition of U.S. agricultural commodities. These programs have been successful and have contributed to Jordanian stability while strengthening the bilateral relationship. U.S. military assistance--provision of materiel and training--is designed to meet Jordan's legitimate defense needs, including preservation of border integrity and regional stability.