Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the retaliatory…

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the retaliatory Persian Gulf War has forced King Hussein to choose between two allies, the United States and Iraq.

The king leans heavily toward Saddam Hussein, who also receives a zealous and vocal groundswell of support from the Jordanian people.

In addition, trade with Iraq represents two-fifths of the kingdom's gross domestic product.

Kuwait's allies immediately cut off all aid to Jordan, impose an air and sea blockade, and condemn King Hussein's actions.

To make matters worse, between two hundred thousand and three hundred thousand refugees from Kuwait are expelled or flee (back) to Jordan.