<P>Created as a mechanism for maintaining British influence through a local patron, Jordan's future never looked certain. Nevertheless, under the leadership of the Hashemite monarchy led by Abdullah and then his grandson Hussein, the Kingdom of Jordan became a permanent feature on the map of the modern Middle East. </P>
<P>Under the rule of King Abdullah II, Jordan has remained an influential regional player in the Middle East Peace Process, its strategic position on the borders of Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq ensuring that it cannot be overlooked in the regional and international politics.</P>
<P>Updated and expanded to include recent developments in Jordan and the Middle East, the new edition includes coverage and discussion of:</P>
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<LI>the reign of King Abdullah II</LI>
<LI>the involvement of the US in the Iraq war and the effect on this on Jordan's alignment with the West </LI>
<LI>the country's recent economic growth, with an emphasis on economic liberalisation, privatisation, promotion of tourism and encouragement of foreign investment</LI>
<LI>the position of Jordan as a point of continuity in an increasingly unstable Middle East.</LI>
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<P>This volume, intended for both academic and general readers, offers an overview of the history, politics and economics of this fascinating country and its role in a region disfigured by the Arab-Israeli conflict.</P>