May
16
2013
The following appeared in Jordan Times.
By Daoud Kuttab
Whether the Jordanian government likes it or not, the Jordanian-Palestinian agreement and the mood of the people regarding Jerusalem require it to take a new look at the situation in the holy city.
Forty-six years ago Israel occupied Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank. Since then much has happened on the issue of Palestinian nationalism, the PLO and the emergence of the need for an independent Palestinian state. But while it is accepted that Palestinian statehood will take place on Palestinian soil (and not in Jordan as right-wing Israelis at one time wanted), the final status of Jerusalem has remained in doubt. Israel insists in no uncertain terms that the unified city of Jerusalem will continue to be part of Israel while Palestinians talk about East Jerusalem being the capital, and therefore part and parcel, of the independent state of Palestine. Continue Reading »
Apr
25
2013
The following appeared in Jordan times
By Daoud Kuttab
After months of consultations a new/old government has finally received the vote of confidence.
The 82 for, 66 against vote from Parliament gives Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour’s second government the confidence to carry out its programme, which includes removing subsidies on electricity tariffs and dealing with the explosive Syrian file.
However, the most important reform issue, the Elections Law, has failed to garner much interest in the new Parliament’s first months, which clearly indicates that we will not see a new law during this Parliament’s term.
One more immediate question, however, is whether parliamentarians will be able to hold Cabinet posts. The issue was deferred during the discussions Ensour held with MPs, despite the premier’s public promises that parliamentarians will become ministers within this year. Continue Reading »
Apr
04
2013
By Daoud Kuttab
The agreement signed between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah regarding Jerusalem came at a highly sensitive time.
Jerusalem’s holy places, and especially Al Aqsa Mosque, have been under an escalating threat from radical forces, some of whom are nowsenior members of the Knesset and government ministers in Israel.
Ever since the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem, the large compound comprising Al Aqsa Mosque was the target of radical Jewish zealots who wish to rebuild the Jewish temple on what they consider to be its site. Jews claim that the ancient temple was built on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son.
For years, this messianic Jewish passion was neutralized by a Jewish religious edict. Because Jews believe that the area of Al Aqsa Mosque most probably lies on top of the ruins of the Jewish temple, devout Jews were forbidden to set foot in the mosque so as not to “defile” it.
A sign to this effect was placed at the entrance of Bab Al Magharbeh, the only one that Al Aqsa guards are not protecting and which Jews often use to enter. Continue Reading »
Mar
28
2013
Following appeared in The Jordan Times
by Daoud Kuttab
One of the most important decisions regarding the future of Jordan is being taken with most of the country in total darkness.
The Washington Post reported last week that within the next month, the Jordanian government will decide which of two consortiums will be building Jordan’s and the Arab region’s first totally independent nuclear plant. Ever since the 16th Parliament voted against the establishment of a nuclear plant in the country, the public has been passive about the issue.
A Google search as well as a search in the widest selling Arabic newspaper, Al Rai, failed to reveal any discussions or statements in 2013 by the head of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), Khaled Toukan. The only exception was a meeting he had with Hamzah Mansour, of the Islamic Action Front, reported only on a local news website. Continue Reading »
Mar
14
2013
By Rana F. Sweis
Published March 6, 2013
AMMAN — As the sun rises over the Jordanian capital, the problems of the day start to stream in to Radio Fann. In the studio, producers scramble to keep up with calls and e-mails from listeners complaining about issues like water shortages and bureaucratic failures.
In a country where the news media are traditionally hemmed in by authoritarian legislation and self-censorship, such call-in shows are now able to address political topics and human rights issues that were unmentionable in public before the Arab Spring
Hani al Badri, 45, is host of Wasat al-Balad, a two-and-a-half-hour live broadcast for people who find nowhere else to turn. The producers not only field their calls; they ring government officials on-air to try to resolve the issues raised.AMMAN — As the sun rises over the Jordanian capital, the problems of the day start to stream in to Radio Fann. In the studio, producers scramble to keep up with calls and e-mails from listeners complaining about issues like water shortages and bureaucratic failures. Continue Reading »
Feb
19
2013
By Daoud Kuttab
Palestine was very much present in the latest elections of the 17th Jordanian parliament. But it wasn’t the way you think.
 In Jordan, Palestine from a political point of view is a consensus issue. Very few people differ on the need to end the Israeli occupation and setting up a Palestinian state. But when it comes to demographics within Jordan, the word “Palestinian” has a much different connotation. The Palestinian role in Jordan’s elections has much more to do with representation than political platforms. Continue Reading »
Feb
14
2013
By Daoud Kuttab
February 13th has been declared by the United Nations Education and Science Organisation (UNESCO) as World Radio Day. In addition to traditional public statements and protocol activities there are some concrete things that can be done to help make the world a better place to live in with help of radio.
Radio is a fabulous media, an instrument that allows people to communicate. It allows people to communicate without paying for it. Not every one can afford to buy a newspaper or even have it accessible in their village. Not only is radio free (except for the battery costs) and accessible, the information transmittedby radio can be understood by all citizens rich or poor,learned or ignorant, Even those who are unable to read and write (including those with seeing incapabilities and persons who are illiterate can enjoy radio. Continue Reading »
Feb
05
2013
By Daoud Kuttab
After months of discussions and debates, the parliamentary election season in Jordan is finally upon us, and it exposes numerous flaws and weaknesses.
Jordanians spent the better part of 2012 arguing about the best elections law for the country. In the aftermath of the Jordanian Arab Spring, many wanted an elections law that can usher in a new, more robust, representative parliamentary government. From the look of things, the 17th Parliament of Jordan will most likely resemble the 16th or the ones before it. Continue Reading »
Jan
31
2013
Following appeared in Jordan Times
By Daoud Kuttab
“The people have spoken, the voters have decided and I bow to the will of citizens and accept the election result.”
This sentence or a variation of it is often spoken to the press by candidates who lose elections, often after having made a congratulatory phone call to the winning candidates.
For the most part, however, accepting results and taking responsibility for what happened on election day did not happen after the elections for the 17th Parliament in Jordan. Most losing candidates spent their time making accusations or complaining of voting irregularities. Many encouraged their supporters to take to the streets and riot, often causing damage to public and private property, while the Independent Elections Commission had stated clearly that those losing have a chance to go to court to contest the results. Continue Reading »
Jan
31
2013
Following appeared in Jordan times.
By Daoud Kuttab
Even before a single vote was counted and results announced, it was clear who were the main winners and losers. And for the most part, they were not the candidates.
The biggest winner in the Jordanian legislative elections was the state. It bargained on the public and the international community ignoring the absence of the Islamists in the elections.
Conversely, the Islamic Action Front and some of the small secular parties that joined the boycotters are the biggest losers. By calling for a boycott without being able to make it the main story of the elections, the Islamists overreached and failed. Continue Reading »
