Protests held in Amman,
Jordan, Feb. 4 demanding political and economic reforms as the shockwaves from the people’s uprising in Egypt spread. Demonstrators from leftist groups and the Muslim
Brotherhood marched from the prime minister’s office to the Egyptian embassy.
The protests were sparked by high
prices and a troubled education system and came after King Abdullah II of
Jordan dismissed his prime minister. The king appointed Maruf Bakhit as the
replacement and ordered him to carry out reforms. Opposition groups have opposed
this, stating that Bakhit is not a real reformer. The Muslim Brotherhood has
stated that it wants the royal appointment system to be revised. Other
opposition members are angered by the appointment of Bakhit because the 2007
government he headed was accused of vote-rigging.
The uprisings in North Africa and
the Middle East have clearly frightened nearby governments, resulting in
efforts to appease the people and showing the power of the masses.
