American-Jordanian Meeting - 2012, Amman, Jordan

[Jordan (Cloud Strife)]

A Volkswagen Tuareg from the palace fleet arrived at the U.S. Embassy to pick up Ambassador Jones. The King decided to meet with the ambassador at one of his residences outside the city proper. The meeting began briskly over a light lunch.

"Ambassador, we appreciate your prompt arrival," began the King. "We have concerns a plenty but let us focus on Syria for the moment.

"My goal is regional stability; if we have another two decades of peace, my people will enjoy the fruits of a fully diversified economy. As we develop our uranium, potash and oil shale exports through our state-led industries, the funds from such efforts will be funneled into strengthening our infrastructure. Good roads, a developed rail system, irrigation system and communications infrastructure will ensure our global competitiveness in the years to come.

"We believe that Jordan speaks for the Arab World in that we have no desire live through another period of 'migration'. We will urge our neighbors to head off a potential humanitarian crisis by acting decisively in regards to Syria. We already have close to 200,000 Syrian nationals seeking refuge in camps in Jordan and amongst Syria's other neighbors; it would be a strain on our resources, resources already stretched thin by aid to the citizens of Palestine, for this situation to grow larger.

"While we appreciate the efforts by the United States, Great Britain and France in the UN Security Council to find a peaceful solution, we urge the powers of the west to engage Syria's neighbors in finding a solution. Should this situation continue down the path it is currently treading upon, our friends the Turkish will surely send soldiers over the border to rectify the situation.

"Let me emphasize that failing negotiations, military intervention to secure borders may be the only option for Syria's neighbors should the civil war continue.

"The United States is an ally of most states within this region; many of my colleagues are waiting upon some signal from Washington before deciding upon their actions. So, I pose the question to you; will the United States sanction actions beyond the scope of negotiations should the civil war in Syria continue past this year?"

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

"I obviously cannot promise grand military action, Your Majesty. My country has just ended one war and is on the verge of ending another; it would be very difficult for my nation to immediately run into another armed conflict. Beyond further sanctions, the United States cannot take any military action against Syria alone. Should the United Nation or NATO request action in maintaining the peace, the United States will contribute. However, alone there is not much that I can say.

I would consider your nation to be strongly in favor of military action in Syria to help to maintain the peace. Precisely what type of intervention are you meaning or considering?"

[Jordan (Cloud Strife)]

"Sending in the troops, of course. Should the Free Syrian Army or Assad continue cause Syria to degenerate into a new Somalia, the refugees from such a crisis would overwhelm my kingdom. Preventive police action is an option that we shall maintain to ensure that the Jordanian north is secure. The framework would not necessarily require American boots on the ground, an Arab League resolution would be enough and Jordanian forces can be joined by our Saudi and Gulf State allies.

"That being said I do believe that Assad and the Free Syrian Army can be brought to the table. If Assad is serious about his 'reforms', the price of allowing him to remain in office could be shifting Syria into our camp? In the unlikely event that the Russians present Assad with a poison pill option to preserve their position in Syria, our bloc can offer Assad support with the caveat that he must adopt representative reforms and reconcile with his opposition.

"I am sure that our dear friends and allies the Turks could be have their anger mollified if Assad were to recognize Hatay Province as part of Turkey. In one stroke Syria could be brought into the 'family' and much bloodshed could be avoided."

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

"I am in much agreement with all that you have said. A diplomatic move is definitely needed, but not without backing by an Arab League resolution to contain the uprising within Syria and to demand real democratic reform. I believe it would be in all of our interests to call a conference between the Arab League, Turkey, the Syrian government, the Free Syrian Army, your nation, and mine. Together we can attempt to urge true reform and draw Syria into our fold--which would be in the interests of their people, ushering in peace and democracy, trade and prosperity.

We of course would need to brief the Turks before such a conference, and would of course require significant amounts of monitors in Syria to ensure that reforms take place. We would require that election take place within five years of the reforms--to elect a new leader, or to re-elect Assad.

Naturally, I would like to state that I trust that both your nation and the Arab League take charge of the situation--as, with your nations being of the region, you obviously have the best knowledge of the situation. The United States will be support of your resolutions as I understand them."

[Jordan (Cloud Strife)]

"I thank you for your words, they will allow us some leeway to tone down rhetoric and drill down to the essentials required for peace in Syria. The Arab League, or rather the majority bloc within the Arab League, is committed to moving both the FSA and Assad's forces away from the brink. We will continue to keep Washington posted on all developments in our region.

"I'd like to move to the subject of defense preparedness; while Jordan has undertaken a good many domestic military programs, we still are looking forward to cooperation with the United States in the area of defense sales. Last year we signed an agreement with our good friends the Germans for four patrol vessels to serve in anti-piracy patrols. While it is not our intention to project power on the waves, we would like to inquire if the United States would be willing to provide not only naval vessels but aircraft and ground equipment to speed along our modernization efforts. We are particularly interested in reconnaissance and AWACS aircraft, planes such as the F-15SE Silent Eagle and perhaps a frigate or two to teach those Somali pirates that they had better relearn the lifestyle of fisherman. We of course can provide our own monies to go towards the purchase of such hardware but it is our hope that US military aid can be accorded to our country.

"Given the current instability in Syria we may be looking at the possibility of a regional conflict. Should the FSA or Assad fail to come to the table I fear that refugees may overwhelm the ability of my kingdom to provide support. In such a circumstance I would be forced to order my forces to first secure the border and then to create a buffer region in southern Syria. Let me stress once more that my kingdom is already dealing with the problem created by Palestinians trying to escape poverty in the West Bank, we cannot hope to ensure a fair standard of living for a million more refugees.

"I hope to turn Jordan into a deterrent against instability in the Middle East. We have a long history of playing the role of peacemakers in the Middle East. After all, it was my august father who signed the first voluntary peace treaty with the State of Israel. I hope to follow in his footsteps by advocating for peaceful coexistence between the states of our region."

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

"As a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States, Jordan has very high priority in military sales, and my government would surely be willing to provide some amount of subsidizing of costs--up to, say, 35%, in order to aid your nation in its protection against Syria. However, I must say that such subsidies will only be available for the current fiscal year, simply due to budgetary restrictions. While I am unsure of the need of Jordan to purchase large naval vessels, even for international missions, the purchase of new ground or aerial equipment is surely agreeable in some capacity, especially due to the increased threat of the Syrian conflict.

Please be very quick to report any changes of the situation in the Arab League, concerning the Syrian situation, to my office so that I may relay it to my government."