New US Ambassador’s Movements in Jordan Spark Parliamentary Concern
The recent activities of James Holtsnider, the new United States ambassador to Jordan, have become a contentious issue in the country’s political circles and have elicited reactions from Jordan’s parliament.
According to reports, Hussein Al-Amoush, a member of the Jordanian parliament, has formally questioned Ayman Safadi, the country’s Foreign Minister, about the extent of the ambassador’s movements and activities. The parliamentarian requested clarification on whether these activities are conducted with the awareness and coordination of Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, and on what basis the US ambassador freely moves across different regions of the country.
Media reports indicate that the US ambassador has made prominent appearances at tribal and local social events in Jordan. In recent weeks, he visited the city of Al-Ramtha to attend a mourning ceremony and has also engaged with the Bani Hassan tribe in Zarqa.
It is also reported that Holtsnider has visited the Abu Hazim tribe in Salt, the Kharisha tribe in Al-Muwaqar, and several areas in Ma’an and Petra; a matter that some observers believe has heightened political and social sensitivities within Jordan.
The new US ambassador previously served in the United States Navy and has experience working with American missions in Iraq and Afghanistan; a background that has drawn increased attention and concern from some political circles in Jordan regarding his role and the objectives behind his movements.
