The Jordanian regime is worried, overly so in my opinion. Since the protest began in Tunisia the Hashemites have been quick off the mark to coopt opposition forces (possibly with some US pressure to contain the unrest sweeping the region).
Firstly, the regime announced that it would subsidise basic food and energy. Secondly, it announced a public sector wage increase of $20 per month. Thirdly, King Abdullah sacked the government; and fourthly we are now hearing that the new PM, Marouf Bakhit, has been in negotiation with the Islamic Action Front and has offered the Islamist movement several positions in the new cabinet. The Islamist, feeling in a rather strong position right now despite having no representation in parliament, rather cleverly refused the offer, saying that ' they would rather be part of the process in an elected government'.
A delegation from the Muslim Brotherhood met with Bakhit on Sunday and according to a statement on the Islamist organisation's website presented the PM with a list of 14 demands, including: a new elections law, amending the Public Gatherings Law, the establishment of a teachers association, more public freedoms, and dissolving the current Parliament and electing a new Lower House under the new law.
Bakhit is still in the process of forming his new Cabinet, the composition of which should give some clues as to how serious the regime is concerning reform.
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