I love it how veteran American journalists are now re-discovering #Jordan after a decades-long absence and writing as if it is still 1980, 1991 or 1999.
#الأردن #الامير_حمزه
#الأردن #الامير_حمزه
It highlights a deep lack of understanding of how the #Jordan has evolved under the reign of King Abdullah.
No, East Bank tribes are no longer a monolith and neither are its leaders. A new political-economic elite have risen. Even balance of power in old institutions has shifted
No, East Bank tribes are no longer a monolith and neither are its leaders. A new political-economic elite have risen. Even balance of power in old institutions has shifted
People seem to also missing the point that the #Jordan opposition has been politically decimated or coopted.
There are no real political actors on the ground. Even social actors such as tribes have been divided (many say, on purpose by the state).
There are no real political actors on the ground. Even social actors such as tribes have been divided (many say, on purpose by the state).
The fact of the matter is there is no trust in institutions, the state, the government, parliament, political parties or even social groups. Resentment and envy are high. Everyone thinks practically everyone else is corrupt.
This is the true lurking danger in #Jordan
This is the true lurking danger in #Jordan
As a journalist, checking in with your elite friends, wealthy figures and allies of the late King Hussein is fine. Going to your now-retired security sources is fine.
But acting like they are representative of #Jordan-ian society today is a grave mistake.
But acting like they are representative of #Jordan-ian society today is a grave mistake.
Exhibit 1: acting like tribe/minority background of senior officials is somehow an indicator of the person's background, allegiance, popularity and actions.
Nope, the political-economic elite are often removed from their roots, living in #Amman bubbles. Many face ire from family
Nope, the political-economic elite are often removed from their roots, living in #Amman bubbles. Many face ire from family
over policies they support or carry out.
"You've forgotten us" or "you've forgotten where you come from" is a common phrase people say to relatives who are ministers/MPs/officials.
They point to poverty, unemployment and lack of services in home villages as proof
#Jordan
"You've forgotten us" or "you've forgotten where you come from" is a common phrase people say to relatives who are ministers/MPs/officials.
They point to poverty, unemployment and lack of services in home villages as proof
#Jordan
Exhibit 2: East Bank tribes all feel one way, and current events will affect their behavior.
Hate to break it to you, but some tribes are suspicious of others. Tribal leadership has been changed by hand-selected alternatives by the state. Often, you have rival sheikhs....
Hate to break it to you, but some tribes are suspicious of others. Tribal leadership has been changed by hand-selected alternatives by the state. Often, you have rival sheikhs....
In fact, if you listen closely to some of the tribal criticism in #Jordan, it is not just that tribes have been marginalized, it's been "the *real* tribal leaders" have been marginalized and replaced with yes-men, which they claim has allowed mismanagement and corruption to grow.
Exhibit 3: Palestinian-Tribal balance can push #Jordan into chaos and instability at any moment.
This narrative is often pushed to as an excuse not to enact long-delayed political reform.
Fact is, families have inter-married, and most agree on: two-state solution, support for..
This narrative is often pushed to as an excuse not to enact long-delayed political reform.
Fact is, families have inter-married, and most agree on: two-state solution, support for..
the Hashemite royal family. Both "sides" are frustrated with corruption, economic malaise. Protestors of both origin have been cracked down on.
Difference is, *some* tribal #Jordan-ians can rely on help of family to get them out of trouble. Some. Not many.
Difference is, *some* tribal #Jordan-ians can rely on help of family to get them out of trouble. Some. Not many.
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