A Future Jordan - نحن الأردن

Jordan's constitutional monarchy on holds

Jordan's constitutional monarchy on holds
JAMAL HALABY
Associated Press
Posted on Fri, Aug. 26, 2005

AMMAN, Jordan - Jordan's reform-minded, U.S.-educated monarch, King Abdullah II, follows two separate lines when discussing the idea of surrendering some powers and moving his kingdom toward a European-style constitutional monarchy. On American talk shows, Abdullah has sounded at ease with fundamental change. But back home, he says the time is not yet ripe as Jordan faces new extremist pressures and attacks.

The 43-year-old monarch enjoys broad support in his country - a rarity among Mideast leaders - and is seen in Washington as a bulwark against terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism, as was his late father, King Hussein.

During a U.S. visit earlier this year, Abdullah told a television interviewer in his British-accented English that he was "absolutely" open to moving Jordan toward a constitutional monarchy. Upon emerging from a White House meeting he was even more specific, saying the "crown can take a step back and the people can take a step forward."

That's the answer when he's abroad. But it's a different story at home, where Abdullah is also battling an underground militancy bent on killing him.

In a June debate in the nation's newspapers over amending Jordan's constitution to accommodate proposed changes in legal code, Abdullah put his foot down. "There's no justification for amending the constitution at this stage. Any talk of constitutional amendment is a red line," the king said.

There is little question that Abdullah rules in a dangerous political neighborhood, where easing political and security controls could be fatal. Last Friday, militants allegedly linked to al-Qaida fired three rockets, one that barely missed U.S. warships anchored in the Red Sea port of Aqaba.

At least one of four other unfired missiles allegedly smuggled in from Iraq are believed to have targeted Abdullah's beachfront palace just west of the port.

A lot would be at stake were a Jordanian monarch to relinquish some powers. Under the Jordanian system, Hashemite rulers have reigned until death, were immune from prosecution, appointed the government leadership, could abolish laws at will, could dismiss the parliament and could rule by decree.

The newspaper debate on the constitution was not about basic reform of the Jordanian system, and government officials quickly suggested that Abdullah had not meant to signal a reversal of his desire to share power. They said he merely sought to put things in order before he steers his nation towards change.

One of the main challenges is Jordan's 30 splintered political parties, some based on tribal affiliations. Abdullah has said he wants those 30 merged into two or three so that lawmakers and, possibly Cabinet officials, could be elected on party banner instead of tribal links. Social, cultural and political legislation inherited from the days of martial law must also be revamped.

Toujan Faisal, a former lawmaker who was jailed for 100 days three years ago for accusing a former Cabinet of financial wrongdoing, said electing prime ministers is a good start for constitutional change.

"It will help consolidate the king's popularity, considering the democratic changes around us and the looming threat of militants in the region," she said.

However, political intrigue in neighboring Iraq and in Israel and the Palestinian territories - plus terror plots against Jordan - may have slowed down domestic reforms. Currently, there are at least 18 trials in the military court involving scores of militants - some linked to al-Qaida - who have plotted to kill Americans, Israelis or other foreigners, topple the king or destabilize his kingdom.

Nevertheless, Abdullah has pledged to press ahead with reforms introduced under his father in 1989. Those included the revival of a multiparty system, banned since a 1956 leftist coup attempt, and the ending of martial law, imposed since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

Since he took the throne in 1999, the king has allowed a relatively freer media, under laws that also advocate more freedom for women. In January, he unveiled plans to form elected councils that will oversee development across the desert kingdom, a move meant to give wider autonomy to outlying communities.

He also has promised a 10-year "national agenda" that the Jordanian government says will overhaul all sectors, including political - a plan that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hailed in a June visit as strengthening "grass-roots democracy here in Jordan."

A new Cabinet of reformists was formed in April and has since allowed public protests banned by its predecessor. Still, critics say the moves have been barely enough.

"The government may have eased off toward certain public activities, but it has failed to make any tangible steps to reflect its good intentions - especially with regards to the elections law," said lawmaker Ali Abu-Sukar.

posted by Ashraf Zeitoon @ 5:30 AM