KEY WESTERN BULWARK IN MIDEAST
The gruesome burning death of a Jordanian pilot by Islamic State extremists has delivered a devastating blow to Jordan, a key Western ally and source of moderation in an unstable region.
VOLATILE BORDERS WITH IRAQ AND SYRIA
Jordan borders two of the region’s biggest trouble spots, Iraq and Syria, including areas controlled by Islamic State. It has absorbed millions of Syrian refugees and has worked with the United States to help train pro-Western rebel groups in Syria.
QUIET BUT TIGHT RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL