Abu-Odeh traces the evolution of Transjordanian nationalism over the course of the present century. He explores some of the contradictions in government policy, which indirectly promoted Transjordanian nationalism, even though it has been committed to transcendent Jordanian identity that includes both Transjordanians and Palestinians. He analyzes the varieties of Transjordanian nationalism, providing rich portraits of their social and intellectual roots. He places Transjordanaian nationalism historically in the context of the changing and evolving triangular relationship between Transjordanians, Palestinians, and Israelis. Throughout the book, he draws the readers attention to the experiences and vulnerabilities of the Palestinian-Jordanian population as it confronts Transjordanian nationalismproblems that could easily be intensified with the changing political map in the region. Yet he concludes with a hopeful but realistic vision, which foresees a pluralistic Jordan, based on a Jordanian identity shared by Transjordanians and Palestinian-Jordanians, in the contest of an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement that similarly reflects the principle of sharing.
Adnan Abu-Odeh writes from the unique perspective of a Palestinian-Jordanian, born in Nablus, who has occupied many high positions in the Jordanian government over the decades and who was an active participant in many of the events that he describes. He brings to this work his exceptional skills of subtle observation and insightful analysis, on which students of Jordanian politics and society have come to rely for many years.Herbert Kelman, Harvard University
