Jordanian Political Opposition A Century 1921–2021

Description

This book presents a historical study of the Jordanian political opposition throughout the first century of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (1921–2021).
It covers the various phases this opposition has traversed—from the era of the Emirate (1921–1946) to the era of the Kingdom (1946–2021)—examining its objectives at each stage of its evolution, its methods of peaceful political engagement, and, under certain circumstances, its resort to violence. It further explores the repression, persecution, pursuit, exile, deportation, imprisonment, detention, and torture faced by the opposition, as well as the denial of employment within state institutions or state-affiliated enterprises. Moreover, during periods of conflict with incumbent governments, the opposition was frequently accused of serving foreign interests or committing national treason; its leaders were subjected to character assassination, the disparagement of their conduct, and threats against their families.
Although this history of political opposition belongs to the past, it remains a vital component of our national narrative—one that must be examined with objectivity, rationality, and a critical perspective. Such an inquiry allows us to understand the evolution of political life in this cherished nation, which shares a border with Palestine and faces the threat of Zionist colonialism more acutely than any other Arab state—even following the 1994 Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. It is the right of the younger generation of Jordanians to learn about this history of political opposition, and to take pride in it as an essential part of their nation’s heritage.