If there was any question that Saudi Arabia is the anchor of peace and stability in the Gulf, it was certainly dispelled with the announcement of a $1 billion grant to Jordan as it faces an economic crisis fostered by the general state of the world economy and the rise in oil prices. Both Saudi Arabia and Jordan have been relatively untouched by the unfolding events of the Arab spring, and clearly economically strong governments that meet the needs of their people are likely to lead the way into the future for the Middle East. Jordan's King Abdullah has not only voiced his support for a majority parliamentary government but has ordered that the Jordanian constitution be amended to institute reforms to that end. Once that is accomplished, it will mark one of the most significant political reforms in the Middle East to come about absent the public protests that forced change in Tunisia and Egypt. Unlike in nearby Syria, the Jordanian king's announcement of coming reform holds water with the public that believes the king will follow through. That has been the major reason that only a handful of public demonstrations occurred in Amman in the wake of the turmoil that swept the region earlier this year. Certainly, there are powerful historical and cultural ties between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. But being the economic powerhouse that it is, it is likely that Saudi Arabia will do its best to maintain peace in the region. Even with the end of the Cold War about two decades ago, the concept of regional spheres of influence continues to be quite valid. And when it comes to the Middle East, specifically the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia is at the crux of influence. Saudi Arabia has sent $1.5 billion of aid to Jordan over the past two months. That is a lot of money, but if it maintains the evolving government of King Abdallah of Jordan firmly in power, it will, no doubt, prove to be money wellspent. __
