What would you do for an offer of 30 years of free oil?
If you’re the Kingdom of Jordan, the answer apparently is not “allow Shi’ite pilgrims into your country,” as the Jordanian government has announced it has spurned an offer from Iran for exactly that.
Iranian Ambassador to Jordan Dr. Mostafa Mosleh-Zadeh initially presented the deal as 30 years of oil in return for Jordanian goods, but it was later revealed that Iran was seeking access for Shi’ite pilgrims to be allowed to visit the country for pilgrimages to certain religiously significant sites.
Jordan is currently facing major anti-monarch protests, in part a response to the government ending subsidies on fuel because they could no longer afford them. Iran’s offer would have seemingly allowed them to backtrack, but Jordanian officials say they didn’t want to risk the damage to their relationship with other Arab nations in the region that would presumably come from dealing with Iran.
Though this could be seen primarily as pandering to Jordan’s overwhelming Sunni majority, allowing Shi’ite pilgrims into the nation might also threaten an increase in sectarian violence, as Sunni Islamist factions have recently showed an eagerness to attack Shi’ite pilgrims when the opportunity presents itself.
A crafty tactic for Jordan to get cheap/free oil from the Saudi buddies, America's and Isael's allies. Only a moron would believe that Iran would offer oil for "tourism". Surprised to see this on this site.
You use speculation with 'crafty tactic for Jordan to get cheap/free oil from the Saudi buddies'. Why don't you take Mr Ditz at his word? They call it the Islamic Republic of Iran. They are a theocracy. They are also trying to break the US/AIPAC/Israeli driven blockage so they are reaching out for friends.
Jason Ditz cites the Jerusalem Post – good to know that Antiwar resorts to such a low during their fund drive. May explain why NED recipient Trita Parsi has appeared on the site at this time.
This is an inherent problem with Arabs – Be it Jordan or the Kingdom . They never miss … to miss an opportunity . But again ; why should they ? They have the support of the west and can freely do whatever they are told to do . Too bad the Arab Spring didn't get rid of all those Monarchs .
Jordan another puppet regime.
Stereotypical and racist dribble. (Inherent problem with Arabs). The Arab Spring is a democracy movement that does not always get instant results. We might turn it around and say that wanting instant results is a inherent problem with Westerners, especially many Americans.
It shouldn't even have reached the point of outright bribery in the first place. I know there's conflict in the area, but to disallow innocent tourists from visiting is just too much.