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Internal Tensions in Jordan Reflect Unrest among Bedouin Tribes

(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Pinhas Inbari - The recent tensions between Jordan's King Abdullah and his half-brother, Prince Hamzah, reflect divisions among the Bedouin tribes. The southern tribes in the provinces of Karak, Ma'an, and Tafileh, which provide soldiers to the Jordanian Army's infantry, have been restive for several years, with riots targeting government installations, police stations, and official vehicles. The tribes in the center and north of the country do not exhibit this unrest. The Jordanian Army tries to mix tribe members within its military units to avoid a concentration of one tribe. However, the tribes located near Amman tend to staff the intelligence units, while tribes of the north are seen in the specialized units and the Air Force. The northern tribes have grievances over the treatment of Princess Basmah, the wife of Prince Hamzah, who belongs to the Bani Ahmad tribe of the north.
2021-04-22 00:00:00
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