Jordan
Fundamental information for understanding the state of political reform in Jordan
Prospects for Political Reform
» Jordan Update: The Latest
A must-read post from Marc Lynch on the effects of the Gaza crisis in Jordan. Recently, the Jordanian regime had re-opened formal contacts with Hamas, after nine years of severed ties. The architect of this new policy, Mohammed al-Thabi, head of internal security (mukhabarat), was fired last week, prompting speculation about what signal this sends, in the midst of a domestic situation in Amman, which grows increasingly tense by the day.
Following up on previous post, here’s a brief analysis I’ve written on recent developments with the Islamic Action Front in Jordan.
The Islamic Action Front, the country’s largest opposition party, is devoting much of their attention to developments in Gaza. It recently announced plans to set sail for Gaza to break the blockade. In a country that is nearly 60% Palestinian, the IAF is hoping to capitalize on Jordanian anger over the political and humanitarian situation in Gaza. In less than two weeks, they’ve held three protests, all approved by the government.
» From The POMED Wire
Obama Administration Unsupportive of Middle East Democracy?
[Jan 29] Steven Stanek and Matt Bradley, in an article for The National, comment on the Obama Administration’s committment to democratic reform in the Middle East. …
POMED Notes: “Assessing ‘A New Way Forward’: One Year of the Obama Administration in the Middle East”
[Jan 21] The Project on Middle East Democracy hosted an event to analyze President Obama’s first year in office and present ideas for a more…
more »
The State of Political Reform
Political Parties and Participation
- Islamists in Politics: The Dynamics of Participation
Carnegie Endowment, November 2008 - Shutting out the Critics: Restrictive Laws Used to Repress Civil Society in Jordan
Human Rights Watch, December 2007 - The Muslim Brotherhood in the 2007 Jordanian Parliamentary Elections: A Passing 'Political Setback' or Diminished Popularity?
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, November 2007 - more »
Human Rights
- Torture and Impunity in Jordan's Prisons
Human Rights Watch Report, October 2008 - Double Jeopardy: CIA Renditions to Jordan
Human Rights Watch, April 2008 - Essential Background: Overview of Human Rights Issues in Jordan
Human Rights Watch, World Report, January 2008 - more »
Elections
- Elections in Jordan: Poor Showing for Islamists
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, December 2007 - 2007 Parliamentary Election Observation
Al-Hayat Center for Civil Society Development, November 2007 - Islamists’ Electoral Disaster
The Economist, November 2007 - more »
Press Freedom
- Five Jordanians Sentenced to Three-Month Jail Terms
Committee to Protect Journalists, March 2008 - Comparative Report on the State of the Media in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco
Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and Integrity, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, May 2007 - Attacks on the Press in 2007: Middle East and North Africa
Committee to Protect Journalists, 2007 - more »
Political Institutions
- Incumbent Regimes and the “King’s Dilemma” in the Arab World: Promise and Threat of Managed Reform
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 2007 - Comparative Report on the State of the Judiciary in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco
Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and Integrity, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, May 2007 - Comparative Report on the State of the Parliament in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco
Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and Integrity, May 2007 - more »
U.S. Democracy Promotion Policy
Legislation
- For an overview of U.S. legislation relating to political reform in Egypt, see the Congressional Policy and Foreign Assistance section of the Jordan backgrounder
- H.CON.RES.272: Urging the United States Government to initiate a diplomatic surge to foster security and stability in the Middle East by engaging international stakeholders and governments throughout the region to curtail destabilizing influences, help prevent the spread of violence, address humanitarian concerns, and enhance prospects for security, political, and economic progress in Iraq.
(Summary) - H.RES.57: Commending the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued commitment to holding elections and broadening political participation, and for other purposes. (Summary | Full Text | POMED Analysis)
- H.R.2764: Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.(Summary | Full Text | POMED Analysis)
Congressional Hearings
- Committee Hearing on Censorship in the Arab Media, January 22, 2008
(Rep. Gary Ackerman made opening remarks | POMED Summary)
Assistance Programs
- USAID Democracy and Governance Program
Annual Program Statement 2008 - MEPI Assistance to Jordan: An Overview
USAID Website, December 2007 - MCC Threshold Program, Jordan
Jordan signed a $25 million Millennium Challenge Threshold grant on October 17, 2006
Public Statements
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses Jordan’s internal efforts at democracy (6/19/2005) - Pledging the United States government’s commitment to aiding local democracy moves in the Middle East, Secretary Rice recognizes that democracy cannot come from outside and praises Jordan’s own progress towards democratic freedoms and political reform.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice commends King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan for their dedication to political reform (6/20/2005) - Commenting on Jordan’s move towards greater political participation, Secretary Rice praises Jordan’s efforts to decentralize power.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praises Jordan for its commitment to political reform (10/1/2006) - Acknowledging that each country moves at different speeds towards democracy, Secretary Rice affirmed President Bush’s continued dedication to promoting democracy in the Middle East, regarding it as the best means of regional stability.
