Summary

Rami G. Khouri, Daily Star, Lebanon

Jordan’s public opinion, political leadership and regional and international dynamics today offer very useful insights into the current condition of the Arab world, and should be studied carefully by anyone interested in how things operate in the region and wondering where the Middle East may be heading.

Three particular elements shape this kind of analysis of Jordan, which also applies to most other Arab countries. They are the nature of national political and strategic decision-making, the role of public opinion and the public’s limited involvement in governance, and the socio-economic condition of the country and its reliance on foreign support.

The important point here is not whether the Jordanian decision to join the anti-ISIS fight is sound (I personally believe it is sound, given the real threat ISIS poses to the whole region), but rather the manner in which such fateful national decisions are made in Arab countries without credible popular consultations or participation by Jordanians with their spectrum of views.

It remains tightly managed from above by a determined leadership supported by a capable security and military sector – but also has little if any credible popular participation

– See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Columnist/2015/Feb-07/286711-jordans-strength-is-also-its-weakness.ashx#sthash.DHIWuz6o.dpuf