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            Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood Raises Its Political Profile

   by Elizabeth Arrott

   Jordan's monarchy largely stifles vigorous political dialogue, but the
   Muslim Brotherhood, banned for decades in neighboring countries, has
   long had a prominent voice in the kingdom. As Jordanians demand greater
   representation in their kingdom, the Brotherhood appears poised to step
   up even more.
   Jordanians' demands for change have been growing stronger, fueled by
   economic hardship and boiling over at times into a direct challenge to
   the monarch. But the Muslim Brotherhood, the most organized political
   force in the kingdom, says it wants no part of regime change.
   "So we are a peaceful movement and what we are asking for are reforms
   under the auspices of the monarchy," said Nimer al-Assaf, a top
   official in the Brotherhood's political wing.
   Since its founding in the 1940's, Jordan's branch of the movement has
   played it safe, working with the government as it slowly built a
   following. But with the Arab Spring and the civil war next door in
   Syria, momentum has increased.
   Political analyst Oraib al-Rantawi observes, "They spent more than one
   year-and-a-half waiting for what will happen in Syria because they feel
   if Muslim Brothers there reach power, this will empower them by
   default."
   Even as the ranks of Syrians taking shelter in Jordan swell, the
   Brotherhood, while keeping an eye on the conflict, said it isn't taking
   an active part. Al-Assaf said they don't send jihadis to fight, though
   he argued it is their right.
   Al-Rantawi asserted that any encouragement is short-sighted, with
   hardened fighters likely to return and, as in Saudi Arabia, turn on
   those who supported them.
   "They keep on following the same track and expect to reach a different
   result, for [them] to go somewhere else. This is really a stupid game
   being repeated time after time," said al-Rantawi.
   The ultimate goals of the Brotherhood here are unclear. It holds views
   in keeping with hardline Islamists - refusing dialogue with the United
   States and Israel, despite Jordan's peace treaty with the Jewish state.
   Nimer al-Assaf said this would change should they come to play a
   leading political role. "Things become different. You have to deal with
   the world, whether you like them or not."
   The promise of talks with Israel, though, is no guarantee of a smooth
   future.
   "Maybe [we] will have a referendum through the Jordanian people and
   they can decide about the treaty," said al-Assaf.
   With most Jordanians of Palestinian origin, some change would seem
   inevitable.
   Opponents of the Brotherhood see the rise of Islamists in Jordan and
   across the region as a hijacking of the aspirations of the Arab
   uprisings. Al-Rantawi faults wealthy, conservative Saudi Arabia and
   Qatar.
   "From my point of view they are part of the counterrevolution of the
   Arab Spring," said al-Rantawi.
   The Muslim Brotherhood dismisses the notion of conspiracy, linking its
   rise to the expression of popular will.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/jordans_muslim_brotherhood_raises_its
   _political_profile/1559754.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/jordans_muslim_brotherhood_raises_its_political_profile/1559754.html