Latest posts by Betsy Fisher from February, 2011
Jordan: Show of Solidarity at Libyan Embassy
Cultural website 7iber.com shares multimedia from demonstrations in support of the Libyan people outside Libya's embassy in Amman, Jordan
Jordan: Demands for Response to Libya Answered
Jordanians joined the rest of the world in condemning the heinous acts of Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi against Libyans. On Twitter, their anger mounted as the government continued to remain silent. Their solidarity and calls for a reaction finally paid off, when Jordan issued a statement strongly condemning Libya's attacks on civilians.
Jordan: Societal Criticism through Humor
Participants of the hashtag #Jordanianlies are out to prove the stereotype wrong. #Jordanianlies features statements Jordanians hear that are often untrue. Thus, the hashtag uses humor to point out faults in Jordanian society. While the majority of #Jordanianlies posts center on gender relations, work situations, and everyday life, a few have ventured into political criticism.
Jordan: Tweets for Reform
For the last several weeks, Jordanians have discussed their own government and society in Twitter under the hashtag #ReformJo. The hashtag has provided an opportunity not just to criticize Jordan's government, but to provide suggestions to improve Jordan, from anti-smoking measures to educational reform to amending Jordan's constitution.
Jordan: “Egypt's Revolution. My Revolution.”
Humeid of 360east.com traces his personal political journey from Jordan's 1989 political liberalization project, to his blogging career, to the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. “If I allowed, apathy or hopelessness to creep into my mind over the past 20 years, the courage of the millions of people on the street...
Jordan: What Would You Write to the King?
7iber.com asks Jordanian readers what they would write in a statement to the king, with dozens of responses so far.
Jordan: Celebrating Mubarak's Departure
In the moments following the announcement of Hosni Mubarak's stepdown, Jordanian tweeters reacted in jubilation. Moey tweeted: WE ARE PROUD OF YOU #EGYPT – SERIOUSLY, WTF #MUBARAK – I suggest Mubarak tweets #FML #Jan25 #Feb11 #Amman #JO #Arab Gaith Kawar wrote: Alf mabrouk to my Egyptian brothers… An historic day...
Jordan: Announcement of New Cabinet
A week after being appointed Jordan's next prime minister, Maarouf Bakhit announced his cabinet. Former PM Samir Rifai resigned after protests demanded he step down, citing grievances of increasing prices and the slow pace of political reforms under Rifai. The new cabinet was drawn primarily from former cabinet members, but includes leftist politicians and unionists as well as one former Muslim Brotherhood member. Netizens react to the new appointments.
Jordan: Demonstrations and the Older Generations
Jordanian blogger Naseem Tarawnah examines why older generations, rather than youth, have led Jordan's recent demonstrations. He comments: “Much of the older generation … are a constituency of people who rely on a flawed system. They want to see that system maintained.”
Jordan: Islamists Refuse Offer to Join Government
Following meetings with Jordan's King Abdulla and an invitation to Islamists to join the cabinet of newly appointed Prime Minister Maarouf Bakhit, which the Islamists turned down, Jordanian tweeters are left scratching their heads. The discussions spilled over to Twitter, where the debate continues.
Syria: No-Show for ‘Day of Anger’
Speculation is rampant from international media that Syria may follow in spreading unrest from Tunisia and Egypt. Betsy Fisher takes a look at tweets to see what Syrians are saying.
Jordan: Demonstrations for Egypt, against PM
Two separate demonstrations, held in Amman, Jordan, on Friday, February 4th, ended peacefully. This week saw King Abdullah II dismissing Prime Minister Samir Rifai, in favor of former Prime Minister Maarouf Bakhit. Still Jordanians continued to take to the streets, for reform and in solidarity with Egypt. And in a de ja vu scene, a handful of pro-government protesters clashed with those calling for change.
Jordan: Reactions to a New Prime Minister
Jordan has seen several weeks of peaceful protests asking for a change in government led by Prime Minister Samir Rifai. These protests were aimed at relief from high prices which are increasing due to decreased government subsidies and increased taxes. Given Jordan's high public debt, running at 62.4% of GDP,...
