(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Oded Eran - The demonstration on Friday (Oct. 5) in Amman was the biggest demonstration in Jordan since the Arab uprising began. Yet the organizers, mostly the Islamic Action Front, which encompasses the Muslim Brotherhood and some 70 opposition groups, mobilized only 10,000 participants, and a counter, pro-government demonstration was cancelled. The opposition's major demands include: a constitutional monarchy, a parliament elected in a fully democratic system, a genuine campaign against corruption, independence of the judicial system, and end of the involvement of the security agencies in political and civilian affairs. In the long run the regime will continue to face a growing opposition, especially if the uprisings succeed elsewhere in the region and there is no significant improvement in the economic situation. The writer served as Israel's ambassador to Jordan (1997-2000) and as director of the Institute for National Security Studies (2008-2011).
2012-10-11 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive