Recently Published: Issue 114 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal

As part of the publications of the Middle Eastern Studies Center/Jordan, and in cooperation with the Jordan Foundation for Research and Information, Issue 114 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal, Winter 2026, was published. It addresses various current topics and issues in the Arab world and the Middle East. The Editorial article, "Jordan's Pivotal Role in the Middle East Between the National Vision and the Allies' Orientations," aims to reinforce the Kingdom's political and intellectual approach, as well as the approaches of its institutions and political and social forces, over the past century. This approach has fostered a progressive model for balancing external demands with domestic necessities, preserving fundamental principles and national interests, strengthening stability, and preventing any external attempts to undermine its security and sovereignty. The first study in this issue, titled "UNSC Resolution 2803 on Gaza: Dismantling the Trusteeship, Hegemony, and the Problems of Sovereignty and Occupation," was prepared by Dr. Mohammad Khalil Al-Mousa, a professor of philosophy of law from Jordan, analyzes the shifts in the role of international law and its tools in conflict management, particularly in the context of the Palestinian issue. He examines the problematic nature of the resolution, which reshapes the political and security environment in Gaza by establishing a new framework that subjects the territory to a transitional international administration under the United Nations. This framework grants the "Peace Council" broad powers to manage services and institutions, while the "Stabilization Force" is given an open mandate to use "all necessary measures." This opens the door to a military-style trusteeship model and creates a legal accountability vacuum, potentially fostering impunity. A study titled "The Repercussions of an Israeli-American War Against Iran on the Arab World," prepared by Dr. Qasid Mahmoud of Jordan, an expert in Arab strategic affairs, discussed the ability of Arab governments to contain the negative repercussions of the war, thereby reducing the threat to regional stability and Arab national security. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and a systems analysis methodology to analyze the war environment, the motivations of the warring parties, and trace its repercussions and potential scenarios for addressing them. The study concluded that this war, along with its repercussions, constituted a model for creating a crisis in the Arab world. Several factors contributed to escalating this threat to the region's security and stability. Among the most important of these factors were: 1) the hesitation of Arab governments to take a decisive stance; 2) the violation of the sovereignty of some Arab states or the endangerment of their citizens; 3) the divergence of official positions regarding the war's repercussions and outcomes; and 4) the growing Arab fears of one of the warring parties dominating the region and implementing its plans to redraw the map of the Middle East. Meanwhile, a study titled "The Civilizational Construction of the Arab-Islamic Nation: Foundations and Opportunities," which... Prepared by Dr. Awda Al-Jiyousi from Jordan, a researcher in sustainable development and innovation, this study aims to clarify the extent to which Arab-Islamic thought recognizes the significant opportunities to present a modern and advanced civilization that serves all of humanity. The study employs a descriptive, historical, and comparative methodology to compare the intellectual foundations of both Islamic and Western civilizations. The final study in the Research and Studies section, "Trends in American Positions Regarding the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State," was prepared by Dr. Sawsan Ismail Al-Assaf from Iraq, Professor of Political Science at Nile European University in London, and a researcher affiliated with the Center for Middle East Studies in Jordan. It examines the motivations behind the projects proposed by successive US administrations for establishing a Palestinian state or a two-state solution, and the challenges they faced, whether at the Israeli, Palestinian-Arab, or international levels. The study clarifies how the issue of establishing an independent Palestinian state has been dealt with by Western, American, and Israeli actors until it has been emptied of its substance, and the area of Palestinian land allocated to it has shrunk since the 1947 Partition Plan (Resolution 181). The issue also includes an Analysis section. The report analyzes "Jordanian-Syrian Trade Relations: Opportunities and Challenges." It concludes with a book review of "Jordanian Political Parties: Reality and Aspirations" in the book review section. The Middle Eastern Studies Journal is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that specializes in short-term transformations that long-term studies and research cannot adequately cover. (114) issues have been published up to the winter 2026, and this latest issue is (200) pages long, and its price is (3 JD) inside Jordan, and ($5) outside Jordan.

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