The June 1967 war had been a…

The June 1967 war had been a watershed in the modern history of Jordan, which had suffered heavy casualties and loss one-third of its most fertile land; its already overburdened economy is now faced with supporting some two hundred thousand new refugees.

Having lost the West Bank, Jordan now faces Israeli troops directly across the Jordan River.

To Jordan's King Hussein, the loss of the West Bank and Jerusalem, devastating as it is, is preferable to the loss of his kingdom.

Following the June war Hussein faces three major problems: how to recover from the economic losses caused by the war, how to live with Israel's occupation of the West Bank and the annexation of East Jerusalem, and how to preserve the Hashemite throne against a considerably augmented and increasingly hostile Palestinian population.

The war has reversed the progress made in Jordan's economy before June 1967, even with financial aid from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Libya.

Within a short period, however, both the United States and Great Britain resume economic and military aid, which helps to restore its economy and to preserve peace.

Despite the fact that the 1967 Arab summit meeting held in Khartoum had passed the "three nos" resolution, King Hussein resumes his secret negotiations with Israel over the disposition of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Relations with Israel are thus inseparably linked to the future of the Palestinians.

Hussein seeks the return of all the lost territory but still privately recognizes Israel and cooperates with it across a wide range of issues.

Even so, he is not prepared to sign a peace treaty with the Jewish state.

The two nations are thus no longer enemies and work together against PLO terrorism, but little progress is made toward a lasting peace.