Just In: Jordan’s King Abdullah II Dismisses Government.
Et tu Jordan? According to a palace statement, in responding to street protests last week, Jordan’s King Abdullah II advised his government that “openness, frankness and dialogue on all issues is the way to strengthen trust between citizens and their national institutions.” Apparently, as the heat rose in the entire region, King Abdullah II decided that a cooling breeze of change was needed. According to AP:
Feb 1, 7:58 AM EST
Jordan’s king sacks Cabinet amid street protests
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan’s Royal Palace says the king has sacked his government in the wake of street protests and has asked an ex-army general to form a new Cabinet. King Abdullah’s move comes after thousands of Jordanians took to the streets – inspired by the regime ouster in Tunisia and the turmoil in Egypt – and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai who is blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slowed political reforms.
The Royal Palace says Rifai’s Cabinet resigned on Tuesday. Abdullah also nominated Marouf al-Bakhit as his prime minister-designate. No other details were immediately available.
