The Middle East is one of the most war-torn and politically unstable regions in the world. While this is unfortunate, it offers an interesting area to study through the lens of globalization and international relations. Here, globalization refers to the development of interconnected cultural, economic and political systems around the world. Western and Westernized nations are constantly involved in Middle Eastern affairs. This involvement includes monetary, military and advisory assistance to Western allies. To examine this in conjunction with current events and political instability in Jordan, and advise the United States on its response, Robert Satloff and David Schenker wrote “Political Instability in Jordan, Emergency Planning Memorandum Number 19.” Further analysis of US involvement in Jordan is found in the article “Jordan agrees to host US training of Iraqi army after al-Qaida gains” written by a press source associated with Amman. This article examines the Jordanian government's decision to host training for Iraqi soldiers in response to al-Qaeda's aggression. Finally, “As Syrian Refugees Develop Roots, Jordan Grows Wary” by Norimitsu Onishi examines the additional pressure that the war in Syria, and the resulting refugees, place on Jordan. Jordan is currently under pressure from all sides due to terrorist activity in Iraq, the war in Syria and political instability. Overall, these pressures combine to create strong pressure on the Jordanian government, and more specifically on Jordan's King Abdullah II. “Political Instability in Jordan, Emergency Planning Memorandum Number 19,” is an extensive article that describes in depth the current political unrest in Jordan. ....... middle of paper ......These articles have certainly stimulated many questions in my mind. I'm curious about what makes the Middle East so full of political and social unrest. It seems curious that some of the oldest nations are sites of some of the greatest conflicts and frustrations of the present day. I wonder if all nations, including most developed nations, will one day become war-torn and politically unstable in the future. It seems that much of the unrest is caused by cultural differences between people. In America we seem to get along, but the melting pot idea concerns me as it could lead to infighting between cultures in the United States far beyond what we have seen so far. I think the study of the Middle East will ultimately generate more questions than answers, but if nothing else that makes it a boundlessly intriguing area to learn about.