Sun Sep 15 14:12:26 UTC 2024: ## Jordan Appoints New Prime Minister Amidst Political Turmoil
**AMMAN, Jordan -** King Abdullah II of Jordan has appointed Jafar Hassan as the country’s new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Bisher al-Khasawneh after last week’s parliamentary elections. The elections saw a surge in support for the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, fueled by public frustration over economic woes and Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Hassan, a technocrat and former planning minister currently serving as the king’s head of office, will lead the caretaker government until a new cabinet is formed. Under Jordan’s constitution, the king appoints the prime minister, with the parliament playing a limited role.
The IAF emerged as the top party in the elections, winning 31 out of the 138 seats in parliament, marking its largest representation since 1989. The party’s success is attributed to widespread public discontent stemming from the economic situation and the war in Gaza.
Jordan’s relationship with Israel, marked by a peace treaty signed in 1994, has become increasingly strained in the wake of the Gaza conflict. The kingdom has attempted to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel while also condemning its actions in Gaza. This stance has angered a significant portion of Jordan’s population, many of whom are descendants of Palestinians displaced during the Nakba and the 1967 war.
The war in Gaza has also taken a toll on Jordan’s tourism industry, a crucial sector for the country’s economy. Additionally, Jordan heavily relies on foreign aid, particularly from the United States and the International Monetary Fund.
The new prime minister faces a challenging task as he attempts to navigate the country’s political and economic challenges amid regional turmoil. The upcoming formation of a new cabinet will be closely watched as Jordan seeks to address the concerns of its citizens and find a path forward in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
First Piper 