A dictator in trouble

"Jordan’s foreign allies have provided the king valuable cover, including Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s most generous financial benefactor, and the United States, which provides political and military support. An invitation to Jordan to join a regional grouping of Arab states — also extended to Morocco — is seen as another attempt to strengthen a friendly monarchy in a turbulent times.   The authorities have also undermined the opposition by exploiting Jordan’s deep schism, between so-called East Bank Jordanians and citizens of Palestinian origin, over fears that the Palestinians are trying to take over the country."