Jordan keeps quiet under Iranian missile fire and this may be why

Jordan, a close U.S. ally, is now paying the price for its ties with Washington, which stations American forces on its territory as well as at other locations across the Middle East. In recent months — and again this week — the kingdom has come under Iranian missile and drone attacks, yet unlike some other countries, it has generally chosen to remain silent. It certainly has not responded militarily on its own. Iran’s repeated attacks have compounded Jordan’s other, more familiar problems, chief among them a weakening economy. Despite the risk of further strikes, Jordanian officials have made clear that they remain committed to preserving close ties with Washington after decades of seeking deeper security relations with U.S. officials and positioning the kingdom as a reliable Western partner in a conflict-ridden region.