Imperial Strategy: King Abdullah and the Zionist Movement

Britain and Jordan: Imperial Strategy, King Abdullah I and the Zionist Movement (Library of Modern Middle East Studies Book 108)

by Tancred Bradshaw

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3881 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The book "Imperial Strategy: King Abdullah and the Zionist Movement" is a detailed study of the relationship between King Abdullah of Jordan and the Zionist movement. The book examines the complex and often contradictory policies of Abdullah towards the Zionists, and argues that his ultimate goal was to maintain his own power and the independence of Jordan.

Abdullah's Early Life and Career

Abdullah was born in Mecca in 1882, the son of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the Grand Sharif of Mecca and Emir of Medina. Abdullah was educated in Istanbul and Damascus, and served in the Ottoman army during World War I. After the war, Abdullah joined his father in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The revolt was successful, and in 1921 Abdullah was proclaimed King of Jordan.

Abdullah's Relationship with the Zionists

Abdullah's relationship with the Zionists was complex and often contradictory. On the one hand, Abdullah was aware of the threat that Zionism posed to the Arab world. He feared that the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine would lead to the displacement of the Palestinian Arabs and the loss of Arab sovereignty in the region. On the other hand, Abdullah also recognized the potential benefits of a relationship with the Zionists. He believed that the Zionists could help him to modernize Jordan and to develop its economy.

The British Mandate and the Balfour Declaration

The British Mandate for Palestine was established in 1922, and it gave the British government the responsibility for administering the territory of Palestine. The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government in 1917, promised to support the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Abdullah was opposed to both the Mandate and the Balfour Declaration, but he was unable to prevent their implementation.

The Arab Revolt of 1936-1939

The Arab Revolt of 1936-1939 was a widespread uprising against British rule and Zionist immigration. Abdullah initially supported the revolt, but he later withdrew his support after the British government promised to establish an independent Arab state in Palestine. The revolt was eventually crushed by the British, but it had a lasting impact on the relationship between the Arabs and the Zionists.

Abdullah's Later Years

Abdullah continued to rule Jordan until his assassination in 1951. During his later years, he became increasingly concerned about the threat posed by the Zionists. He warned that the Zionists were planning to expand their territory into Jordan and to displace the Palestinian Arabs. Abdullah's warnings were ignored by the British government, and in 1948 the Zionists established the state of Israel.

The book "Imperial Strategy: King Abdullah and the Zionist Movement" is a valuable contribution to the historiography of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The book provides a detailed and nuanced analysis of Abdullah's policies towards the Zionists, and it sheds new light on the complex relationship between the two sides.

Britain and Jordan: Imperial Strategy, King Abdullah I and the Zionist Movement (Library of Modern Middle East Studies Book 108)

by Tancred Bradshaw

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3881 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE