Is Jordan burning?
In recent years Israel has stood alongside Jordan against a bevy of diplomatic and security challenges – the majority stemming from neighboring Syria – that have jeopardized stability in the kingdom. Initially there was concern that Islamic State would infiltrate Jordan to wage a terror campaign and amass influence. Most currently, concerns have focused on the menace posed by Iran and Hezbollah – who are aspiring to establish a foothold in south Syria, from where to threaten the Hashemite Kingdom, and who view Jordan as a pro-Western, Sunni obstacle on their path to control of the Fertile Crescent.
Over the past several weeks, however, it has emerged that Jordan’s challenge isn’t necessarily external in nature, rather domestic. In that period, the kingdom has seen widespread public protests, perhaps unprecedented in scope, over soaring prices and government tax hikes. At first, the protests didn’t garner much attention. To be sure, Jordan has known public discord over various economic crises in the past, but King Abdullah has always mitigated them and ensured the people’s continued support.
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