Arab states believe U.S. aid secure despite defying Trump Jerusalem move
Suleiman Al-Khalidi, John Davison-DECEMBER 22, 2017
AMMAN/CAIRO (Reuters) - Leading Arab allies threatened with cuts in aid by Donald Trump said on Friday they had no choice but to defy the U.S. president over his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and did not believe he would follow through.More than 120 countries, including every Arab nation, voted at the U.N. General Assembly late on Thursday to urge the United States to withdraw its decision, announced earlier this month.
Trump threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that voted in favour of the U.N. resolution, drafted by Egypt and supported by all members of the U.N. Security Council except Washington.
He repeated his threat on Friday, writing on Twitter: “After having foolishly spent $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is time to start rebuilding our country!”
In Egypt and Jordan, among the top recipients of U.S. aid but long the most heavily invested in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Trump’s threats were not taken seriously enough to backtrack on firm opposition to the U.S. move.
“The Americans know more than any one else that a stable Jordan is crucial for U.S. interests in the region,” a government minister who asked not to be named said.
For its cooperation in defence and other fields, Jordan receives some $1.2 billion annually from Washington.
“We do not expect the American administration to touch assistance but if it does this will only add to Jordan’s economic woes,” the minister said.
UNPREDICTABILITY
He repeated his threat on Friday, writing on Twitter: “After having foolishly spent $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is time to start rebuilding our country!”In Egypt and Jordan, among the top recipients of U.S. aid but long the most heavily invested in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Trump’s threats were not taken seriously enough to backtrack on firm opposition to the U.S. move.
“The Americans know more than any one else that a stable Jordan is crucial for U.S. interests in the region,” a government minister who asked not to be named said.
For its cooperation in defence and other fields, Jordan receives some $1.2 billion annually from Washington.
“We do not expect the American administration to touch assistance but if it does this will only add to Jordan’s economic woes,” the minister said.
