Clandestine Activities in Mosques Unveiled
In the heart of Amman, Jordan, the bustling King Hussein Mosque stands as the city's most popular place of worship, nestled within the old eastern quarter's souk. However, amidst the city's vibrant atmosphere, tensions ran high during the Gulf War.
On a particularly unsettling day, the author found himself surrounded and threatened near the King Hussein Mosque. Fortunately, an unexpected ally appeared, an old Arab man, dressed not in traditional attire, but like a Wall Street broker. This man, a Palestinian Christian named Jubran N. Esau, had spent 30 years working at the American embassy.
The city was teeming with 400 Western journalists and foreigners, making the risk of danger palpable. Amidst this turbulent atmosphere, the King Abdullah Mosque, located near the author's hotel, broadcasted prayers that called for war against the Infidel and glorified death as martyrdom.
The author's encounter with Mr. Esau was not the only instance of religious tension. The author was once insulted, his Christian faith evident in his lack of a mustache and his stylish suit.
Despite these challenges, Jordan, under the leadership of King Hussein, reaffirmed its neutrality and its intention to defend itself against any invader. However, a vote in the lower house of the Parliament saw support for Saddam Hussein against "the Great Satan."
The Gulf War had a profound impact on Amman, serving as a critical refuge city for Iraqis escaping the conflict aftermath. This influx affected Jordan socially and economically, coming shortly after a period wherein Jordan’s economy had been vulnerable due to its close ties to Iraq, which was heavily sanctioned following the war.
The war also highlighted Jordan’s strategic importance, reflecting its broader balancing act in a turbulent Middle East with shifting alliances and conflicts. Amman’s position and stability made it a focal point during and after the Gulf War.
This snapshot from Amman complements earlier conflicts in the region that affected Jordan, such as Black September in 1970, showing continuity in Amman’s experience as a site deeply impacted by regional wars and population movements.
This article was published on Sunday, January 20, 1991, on page A1, offering a glimpse into Amman's role during the Gulf War and its position in the broader geopolitical shifts in the Middle East.
The author, amidst the influx of 400 Western journalists and foreigners in Amman, found solace in an unlikely ally, Jubran N. Esau, a Palestinian Christian who had adopted a Wall Street broker's lifestyle while working at the American embassy. On a trip to visit family across the country, the author discovered the beauty of Jordan's diverse landscapes, from the bustling city life to the tranquility of its travel destinations, offering a refreshing contrast to the tensions arising from the Gulf War.
