Karak Attack: Jordan is pursuing those behind the gun attack on a funeral at St. George’s Church in Hamoud, Karak, which killed nine people and wounded dozens. King Abdullah has vowed the harshest penalties and chaired a National Security Council meeting; the government has declared three days of mourning. Investigators have not publicly identified the attackers or confirmed their motive. National Unity: The King has also ordered a review of policies to counter extremist ideology, as officials and community leaders urge Jordanians to reject sectarian division. International Support: Malaysia and the United States joined regional and international voices in condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Jordan.
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Karak Attack: The death toll from Friday’s gun attack at a Greek Orthodox church funeral has risen to nine, with dozens injured. Jordan declared three days of mourning. King Abdullah chaired a National Security Council meeting, ordered a firm response and stressed the attack would not divide the country. Authorities describe it as an extremist terrorist operation; the manhunt continues, with no group officially identified. Regional Security: The US has reduced staffing at its embassy in Jordan and several regional missions after an intelligence warning that Iranian plots against Americans abroad had reached advanced stages. Jordan-Saudi Ties: Amman and Riyadh amended their agreement establishing a Supreme Coordination Council, while Jordan also broke ground on a UAE-backed $2.5 billion mining railway project.
Karak Attack: The death toll from Friday’s shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak has risen to eight. Twenty-six people remain hospitalized, one in critical condition. Authorities describe the attack as extremist terrorism, but say no group has claimed responsibility and it is too early to confirm any links. Security Response: King Abdullah visited the wounded and vowed the harshest punishment for those responsible. The government declared three days of mourning, while security forces continue the manhunt. The U.S. Embassy says security has been stepped up at malls, foreign embassies and other sites across Jordan. Regional Solidarity: Governments across the region and beyond condemned the attack and expressed support for Jordan.
Karak Attack: Gunmen opened fire on mourners at a funeral in a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, killing seven and injuring 34, according to the latest statements from Jordanian officials. Interior Minister Mazen Al Faraya called it a terrorist attack by extremists; security forces are searching for the perpetrators. King Abdullah vowed the harshest penalties, and Jordan declared three days of mourning. Prosecutors have also imposed a publication ban on the case. Regional Solidarity: The GCC, Qatar, Oman, the UAE and Spain condemned the attack and voiced support for Jordan. Jordan–Syria Ties: King Abdullah met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Aqaba as the two countries stressed strategic partnership and discussed regional developments.**
Jordan–Syria Ties: King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of Israeli attacks on Syrian territory as Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met his Syrian counterpart in Aqaba. The ministers backed closer strategic coordination and preparations for a joint council meeting next month. Saudi Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, while Safadi and his Saudi counterpart discussed regional security and signed a protocol to strengthen coordination. Regional Tensions: Reports say Washington and Israel are preparing possible strikes on Iran after U.S. midterm elections. The U.S. is also reducing forces at some Middle East bases, including in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait, amid heightened threats. U.S. Aid: Congress is weighing a proposed $2.1 billion increase in aid to Jordan. Investment: Jordan broke ground on a UAE-backed $2.5 billion mining railway project, part of efforts to expand transport and mineral exports.
Regional Security: Jordan condemned the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport, while King Abdullah reiterated Amman’s rejection of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory. Jordan and Saudi Arabia also amended their agreement to strengthen bilateral coordination. US-Iran Tensions: The United States is reducing troop numbers at bases in Jordan and other regional countries as President Trump weighs possible new strikes on Iran. Jordan-Syria Ties: Jordan’s foreign ministers held expanded talks in Aqaba, and the King received Syria’s foreign minister. US Aid: Congress is weighing a proposed $2.1 billion increase in aid to Jordan.
Regional Security: The US is quietly relocating some personnel from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait as President Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran. Washington says the moves reflect growing threats, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Jordan-Saudi Ties: Amman and Riyadh amended their Supreme Coordination Council protocol and discussed regional developments, including Houthi attacks, as Jordan called for stronger coordination. Investment and Trade: Jordan signed a new copper-mining agreement for the south, while Aqaba’s ports reported strong growth in cargo handling and transit trade. A proposed Aqaba–Ma’an railway and dry port is also expected to attract investment. Government Decisions: The Cabinet approved designating Bethany Beyond the Jordan a nature reserve ahead of the 2030 baptism millennium, and approved an extradition agreement with Morocco.
Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Saudi Arabia amended the protocol establishing their Supreme Coordination Council as Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi voiced Amman’s support for Riyadh after Houthi attacks and called for de-escalation. Government Decisions: The Cabinet approved a Morocco extradition agreement and declared the Bethany Beyond the Jordan baptism site a nature reserve ahead of the 2030 anniversary. Infrastructure and Investment: Jordan launched a $2.5 billion, UAE-backed mining railway project, while plans for an Aqaba–Ma’an railway and dry port are expected to support investment. State Appointments: King Abdullah swore in a new Constitutional Court member and new governors.
Government Appointments: King Abdullah swore in Al Rabee as a Constitutional Court member and appointed new governors. Industry and Investment: Cabinet approved a 2026–2036 strategy to build Jordan’s drone industry, while a proposed $2.5 billion UAE-backed mining railway could open new economic opportunities. Ahead of the November 19 Jordan-EU investment conference, financing for the National Water Carrier is also in focus. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan has stepped up coordination with Saudi Arabia to ease regional tensions and reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights and international law. Refugee Support: The World Food Programme provided food aid to about 78,000 refugees in September, but funding shortages have cut monthly assistance to $21 per person.
State Appointments: King Abdullah swore in a new Constitutional Court member and new governors, while the Interior Minister visited northern districts and border areas. Gaza Response: The Jordanian Armed Forces evacuated a 35th group of sick children from Gaza for treatment, underscoring the kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian role. Palestinian Rights: Jordan condemned Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem and renewed its opposition to Israeli measures and settler attacks in the occupied territories. Economy and Security: Jordan ranked third globally in a “sound money” index and highlighted monetary stability amid regional turmoil, while security forces foiled a drug-smuggling attempt along the eastern border. Foreign Relations: King Abdullah’s visit to Australia advanced discussions on defence, trade and climate cooperation.
House Politics: Three MPs— Ibrahem Tarawneh, Mustafa Khasawneh and Suleiman Al-Zaben—are competing for the speakership as parliamentary blocs seek agreement before the House’s November 2 session. Gaza Relief: The Armed Forces evacuated 20 sick children and 20 relatives from Gaza for treatment in Jordan, marking the 35th group brought through the medical corridor. Aqaba & Trade: SOFEX is expected to draw international delegations next week, boosting demand for hotels, transport, restaurants and other local services. Security & Palestine: Jordan said it foiled an infiltration attempt along its northern border. Al-Issawi reiterated that Jerusalem and Palestinian rights remain central to the King’s position, as Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich called for annexing much of Gaza and Lebanese territory.
Border Security: Jordan said it foiled an infiltration attempt along its northern border, amid reports of rising smuggling activity on the Jordan-Israel frontier. Regional Diplomacy: King Abdullah spoke with Iraq’s president as Amman remains engaged with neighboring governments; Jordan also joined 18 countries condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem. Aqaba Rail Link: The Jordanian-Emirati project connecting Aqaba with Ma’an and Al-Shidiya is advancing, with plans to improve mineral exports and port logistics. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan urged faster development of Aqaba’s port infrastructure alongside the railway. Parliamentary Reform: A proposed bill to expand legal options for Christian families is drawing attention as Jordan’s parliament faces calls to approve changes to personal-status laws.
Regional Security: The US Embassy in Amman urged Americans to prepare for flight disruptions and possible escalation as Iran warned it was ready for renewed war with Washington. Diplomacy: Jordan and Saudi Arabia coordinated on de-escalation, while Amman condemned attacks on Palestinians and European diplomats in the West Bank and reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights. Domestic Policy: Jordanian church leaders backed a bill expanding legal options for Christian families, as calls grow for Parliament to approve changes to personal status law. Economy and Infrastructure: Moody’s expects Jordan’s economy to grow about 3% next year, while rising consumer confidence reflects improved indicators. A UAE-backed $2.5 billion railway linking southern mining sites to Aqaba is also moving ahead. Water and Agriculture: Experts warn that excessive groundwater pumping is draining aquifers faster than they can recover, and urge tighter monitoring and support for farmers to shift to less water-intensive crops.
Aqaba and Security: Jordan’s military denied reports that Israel will take part in this month’s SOFEX exhibition, saying 36 countries are expected. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inspected Aqaba’s ports and urged faster expansion. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi spoke with Saudi and Emirati counterparts about regional tensions and efforts to de-escalate. Jordan also condemned settler attacks on European diplomats and Palestinians in the West Bank. Legal Reform: Church leaders backed a bill expanding legal options for Christian families as Parliament faces calls to approve changes to personal-status laws. Border Security: Jordan is stepping up security amid reported growth in drug-smuggling attempts across the Israeli border.
Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Saudi counterpart discussed efforts to ease regional tensions. Jordan also condemned settler attacks on Palestinians and European diplomats, and reaffirmed its support for Palestine at an OIC meeting. Economy and Public Spending: Moody’s sees Jordan’s economy gradually growing to 3%, while ministries cut operational spending by 21.5% in the first nine months, saving JOD 94 million. Security and Partnerships: During King Abdullah’s Australia visit, the two countries pledged closer defence and trade ties. Jordan is also seeking stronger EU involvement in investment. Food Security: Experts warn urban expansion and fragmented land ownership are eating into farmland, and call for stronger protections for high-value agricultural areas. Tourism: The “Urdunna Jannah” program brought about 15,000 visitors to Salt and Balqa through September, supporting local businesses and heritage tourism.
UN Role: Jordan won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29, joining 14 other countries on the body from January. Economic Outlook: Moody’s expects Jordan’s economy to grow about 3% as it shows resilience amid regional tensions; central bank figures also put expatriate remittances at $2.97 billion in the first seven months, up 14.1%. Regional Security: As attacks disrupt Saudi airport operations, a US advisory says Jordan’s airports remain open. Palestine: Amman warned that Israel’s actions in the West Bank risk recreating Gaza by forcing Palestinians from their homes, and joined 18 countries condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem. Diplomacy: King Abdullah’s Australia visit advanced talks on defence, trade and climate cooperation.
Economic Outlook: Moody’s expects Jordan’s growth to rise from 2.7% in 2026 to 3% later this decade, supported by infrastructure projects and stronger trade links. High debt, unemployment and regional instability remain key pressures. Jerusalem: Jordan joined 18 Arab and Muslim countries in condemning Colombia’s embassy opening in Jerusalem, calling it a breach of UN resolutions and urging Colombia to reverse course. Investment Push: Amman is seeking stronger EU participation in its investment summit, while officials point to governance gains as a boost to investor confidence. Regional Ties: King Abdullah’s visits to Malaysia and Australia focused on expanding trade, technology and defence cooperation.
Jerusalem Diplomacy: Jordan joined 18 Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Colombia’s embassy opening in Jerusalem, calling it contrary to UN resolutions and urging Bogotá to reverse the move. Investment Drive: In Brussels, Investment Minister Tarek Abu Ghazaleh sought stronger European participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference, set for Nov. 19 at the Dead Sea. Regional Security: US-backed Israel-Syria security talks last held in Amman remain inconclusive, as Syria demands Israeli forces return to the armistice line while Israel expands its military presence in the Golan. Bilateral Ties: Jordan and Bahrain signed a maritime transport and navigation agreement to deepen cooperation.
Jerusalem: Jordan joined 18 other countries in condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move a breach of UN resolutions and urging Colombia to reverse it. Regional Cooperation: Jordan and Bahrain signed a maritime transport agreement to strengthen trade links, safety and coordination. Jordan’s interior minister also met his Qatari counterpart to discuss cooperation. Australia Ties: King Abdullah’s visit to Australia advanced discussions on defence, security and trade, as both countries seek closer ties. Political Reform: Jordan officially joined a global electoral association, while the prime minister met with the National Charter Party as part of renewed dialogue with political parties. Palestine: King Abdullah called for an end to Israeli measures in the occupied Palestinian territories, warning of their risks to regional stability.
Security Cooperation: Qatar’s interior minister met Jordanian counterpart Mazen al-Faraya in Amman to discuss closer security ties. Jordan also stepped up border security amid reported drug-smuggling attempts from Israel, while the army said it had foiled two major smuggling attempts. Palestine and Jerusalem: Jordan condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. King Abdullah called for a halt to Israeli measures in Palestine, and Jordan warned that Israel was trying to recreate Gaza in the West Bank by pushing Palestinians out. Diplomacy: The King’s Australia visit concluded with pledges to deepen defence and trade ties; talks also covered regional developments and climate cooperation. Domestic Affairs: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met with the National Charter Party as part of a new dialogue with political parties, while Crown Prince Hussein visited the Ministry of Justice. Regional Economy: Jordan is discussing a major electricity link with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Syria, while Risha gas sales have reached 30 billion cubic feet.
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