Postcard from Aqaba: U.S. Vendors, Embassy Shine.

• Author: Magnuson, Stew

AQABA, Jordan--The first impression most have had of Aqaba comes from the classic film Lawrence of Arabia, set during World War I and the Arab Revolt.

In a surprise attack on the Turkish-held fort at the northern end of the Red Sea, T.E. Lawrence, Auda Abu Tayi and their men dramatically ride their horses and camels in a lightning strike over a desert plain.

But anyone who takes movies for historical fact is, of course, foolish. In reality, the campaign took several days, rugged mountains are to the east of the city and a sharp hill leads down to the fort, which is still standing and a popular stop for tourists.

Today, Aqaba--now in Jordan--is better known as a tourist destination with its resorts, beaches and reefs popular with scuba divers.

It is also the new location for SOFEX, the only trade show in the Middle East devoted to special ops. After years of it being held in Amman, the biennial show went on a four-year hiatus due to first its venue being damaged in a storm, then COVID-19.

During that time, the organizers in the Jordanian government decided to change the setting from the capital city Amman to Aqaba, a four-hour drive to the south.

Whether or not that was a good idea after such a long layoff remains to be seen. Most trade industry shows have returned with bigger crowds than ever, but those who had attended SOFEX in the past told National Defense that there seemed to be remarkably fewer attendees and exhibitors--possibly due to the somewhat remote locale. There were many empty stalls and apparent no-shows in the exhibition hall.

But here's a tip for anyone considering attending SOFEX 2024: take advantage of the distance between Amman and Aqaba and stop to see Petra. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient city is carved in the side of sandstone mountains and is best known as a backdrop for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

After that, spend a few days in Wadi Rum, a protected desert region that doubled as the planet Tatooine in Star Wars, and the backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. Camp out under the Milky Way and enjoy the Bedouin hospitality. That may all sound like hype from a tourist brochure, but take it from someone who has traveled to all corners of the globe, the Jordanians are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people around.

Day one of the conference was held in a five-star hotel near the beach and is called the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference. Most of the...