The Revolution that Isn't: Jordan

Something happened when the King of Jordan visited the southern city of Tafila on Monday. Sources disagree about what it was. Some reports describe "clashes" between young people and the King's security detail, others say the King's motorcade was hit by rocks, and Jordanian government officials insist that while people trying to reach the king "were stopped," with nothing untoward happened (Al-Jazeera Arabic; Al-Jazeera English).

In a region rocked by turmoil, Jordan has been relatively quiet. Criticism of the government is allowed, but criticism of the royal family is not--a policy enforced by the mukhabarat (secret police). There have been some significant protests, but so far frustrations have been directed at government ministers and parliament. Activists in Tafila issued a statement after Monday's scuffle, for example, criticizing the security forces for getting in the way, preventing the King from seeing "the reality that Jordan and Jordanians live in." Al-Jazeera also obtained a copy of the statement activists were trying to get to the King himself, which sets forth the people's grievances, including injustice, marginalization, neglect, infringement of rights, and confiscation of property. The statement also expressed the activists' belief that the 2007 and 2010 parliamentary elections were rigged.

King Abdullah, for his part, has promised reforms, specifically aimed a reducing corruption and election fraud. Back in February, he fired the unpopular prime minister. He has recently "promised to relinquish his right to appoint prime ministers and cabinets" (BBC article). Despite the economic problems in Jordan, the royal family remains beloved. But if the new elections the King promises do not produce the uncorrupted results the popular movements want, there could be more violent discontent down the road.