Evolution not Revolution To Spark Jordan Reform
NASEEM TARAWNAH: The issues bringing Jordanians onto the streets are of Jordanian origin and will be solved by Jordanians. Fundamental change is not on the agenda.
Pilgrims to Jesus’ Baptism Site Welcomed by Land Mines
JONATHAN COOK: Visitors to Qasr al Yahud, in the Jordan Valley, received an unusual welcome: They had to pass through a fenced-off corridor warning of landmines.
Soccer: A Potential Flashpoint for Jordanian Society
JAMES M. DORSEY: Mounting tension in Jordan is unlikely to produce the same result as protests in Tunisia, but promises to make soccer an increasing flashpoint…
Will the Fallen Tunisian ‘Domino’ Touch Jordan?
NASEEM TAWRANAH: Events in Tunisia have been followed by the Jordanian people and authorities. It’s unlikely, though, events will follow a similar pattern in the Kingdom.
Qatar Gains Upper Hand in Battle for FIFA
JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar is flexing its muscle, rejecting calls by Sepp Blatter to move the tournament to winter or co-host it with other Gulf states.
Protests & Cessation Threats Set Stage for Change
JAMES M. DORSEY: A wave of protests across the Arab world sets the stage for the redrawing of the political map of the Mideast and North Africa.
Daunting: The Many Challenges Facing Arab Youth
AHMED AL OMRAN: Identity, lack of economic opportunity, freedom of expression – these are just some of the issues facing young people throughout the Arab World.
‘Sense of violence’ pervades Jordanian society. Why?
NASEEM TARAWNAH: There have been many small, low-level outbreaks of violence in Jordan over the past year. Taken together these point to a troubled society.
Top 10 Middle East Challenges for U.S. Policy, 2011
JUAN COLE: The Obama administration has been successful in tightening the financial noose on Iran during 2010, but Iran could fight back like a cornered rat…
An Iraqi Christmas In Amman
NASEEM TARAWNAH: The photo is a reminder of the difficulties of this region. Of conflict. Of safe havens. Of wars. Of truce. Stripped of politics, it is free…
Jordan Swings Open its Doors on a 5-Star Jail
NASEEM TARAWNAH: A new ‘five star jail’ has just opened in Jordan for the rich and those formerly of public office… Could it be the beginning of a regional franchise?
Questions Raised by IAF’s Jordanian Fatwa
NASEEM TARAWNAH: A recently issued fatwa from the Islamic Action Front in Jordan poses interesting questions about the internal turmoil within the Muslim Brotherhood
Time to face the big Jordanian issue – Identity
NASEEM TARAWNAH: As a people, we need to find ways of putting aside the rage and the blame. History has shown us little good ever comes from either.
Urgent: Fresh Arab Approach towards Iran, Palestine
OSAMA AL SHARIF: Focus on Iran or Afghanistan should not be at the expense of the Palestine Question, which remains crucial to peoples of the region.
Facebook, Twitter Driving Change in the MidEast
ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: No longer is our best hope for change governments. If change happens, it’s going to be social media fuelling the transformation.
Praying for Rain in Jordan, Forecast Not Good…
NASEEM TARAWNAH: There’s one overriding topic of conversation in Jordan these days – rain or rather its absence. Each day without rain and the prayers are becoming more desperate.
Wikileaks, Jordan and the ‘Tentacles of Iran’
NASEEM TARAWNAH: One particular cable is a rather clear reflection of its stance and growing concerns regarding Iran – “Beware the Iranian Tentacles … and Cut Them Off,” reads the summary…
Publish it Not – Israel and the Sultans of Spin
JONATHAN COOK: Most freelancers forced into this position would either have learned to tailor their reporting to what was expected by the news desks or have headed off to another conflict zone. I stayed…
The next battleground: Water more important than oil for Middle East peace
People often associate the Middle East with oil. But in the region’s cities, villages and farms, access to a different resource is becoming rather problematic: water. Finding a solution here may also reveal another – the path to peace.
