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Nathan Jeffay

ByNathan Jeffay, Nathan Jeffay

Analysis

Why settlers want democracy in Jordan

March 10, 2011 12:47
Jordanians protesting against their government this week
1 min read

Much of Israel has watched unrest spreading through the Middle East with considerable concern. But there appears to be excitement stirring on the far-right.

Last Friday in Amman, capital of Jordan, hundreds marched calling for democratic reform. And the growing campaign in Jordan has an unlikely supporter - Dr Aryeh Eldad, an Israeli settler and parliamentarian with the National Union party.

He is running an online pro-democracy petition which he plans to present to Jordan's government and monarch King Abdullah on the country's Independence Day in May.

Improbably, his goal is a democracy that better protects the rights of "disenfranchised Palestinians" who live there.