Another Middle East Domino (Jordan)

[jtbell]

King Abdullah II of Jordan has dismissed his government and appointed a new prime minister with orders to implement political reform:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/01/jordan.government/index.html?hpt=C1

 

[Astronuc]

Pre-emptive reform?

Apparently the spark in Tunisia was a Wikileaks posting about the opulent lifestyle of wealthy Tunisians and government officials. The populace got a bit upset.

Tunisia inspired Egypt, and perhaps other governments are hoping their populations don't follow suit.

 

[al loomis]

he does this quite often. it will defuse any rebellious activity, for awhile.

jordan is half refugees, from palestine, and more recently iraq. your initial assumption would be 'very unstable.' but the king plays an active role, and by assiduous courting of economic support from the usa and israel has managed to create a higher standard of living than most arab societies. there are health and education services, and an efficient and modern army. jordan is likely to be stable for the foreseeable future.

 

[mugaliens]

he does this quite often. it will defuse any rebellious activity, for awhile.

jordan is half refugees, from palestine, and more recently iraq. your initial assumption would be 'very unstable.' but the king plays an active role, and by assiduous courting of economic support from the usa and israel has managed to create a higher standard of living than most arab societies. there are health and education services, and an efficient and modern army. jordan is likely to be stable for the foreseeable future.

Despite the fact that he's King, vs Mubarek's mere presidency, I seriously doubt he or his father managed to "skim" anywhere near the same $67 Billion off the Jordanian citizens as Mubarek did off the Egyptian citizens. I'd be surprised if it topped $1 Billion during the same 30 years Mubarek has been in power.