Jordan: Reform before it’s too late

Jordan is experiencing a slow-burning awakening. Inspired by regional revolutions and in the face of deepening political and economic malaise, King Abdullah is confronting unprecedented levels of discontent from both the traditional opposition and his longstanding support base. Despite a promise of rapid reform in early 2011 and subsequent tinkering of the legislative system, the King has nonetheless resisted meaningful change that would loosen his absolute hold on power. In the current regional climate the absence of an orderly reform process risks widening instability.

While Jordanian reform clearly has to be home-grown, Europe should take a more assertive approach. In addition to the historic strength of political ties, the EU is Jordan’s second-largest trading partner and has committed nearly €300 million in direct funding and approximately €1.2 billion in bilateral loans and grants over the next three years. This gives it important influence.

In a new ECFR policy brief senior Middle East policy fellow Julien Barnes-Dacey argues that Europe should use this leverage to press King Abdullah to introduce meaningful reform before it is too late, suggesting specific areas of immediate focus. Europe should reinforce its policy towards Jordan by tying ongoing support to reform that moves the country towards a meaningful parliamentary democracy. Europe’s current policy of offering the King unwarranted praise for a half-hearted reform process will not benefit the monarch, Jordan or Europe.

EEAS: Jordan http://www.eeas.europa.eu/jordan/index_en.htm

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