Dear Prof. Cole. I read your blog nearly daily and am often amazed at your insightful analysis, especially regarding this part of the world. However, as a foreigner living in Jordan for almost 7 years, I would hesitate to call the government here "fragile". Yes, people have been protesting for quite some time now, but the Arab Spring type protests have not captured the imagination of most. Even the recent fuel subsidy protests have died down, although perhaps they'll reemerge on Friday. And while it's true that maybe "some" of the protesters want the treaty with Israel ended, this is not an issue that will be a tipping point for the average Jordanian. People are upset and concerned with the rising fuel prices, but most people I know rather prefer the relative stability afforded them here, especially when compared to what is going on with their neighbors in Syria.
Right. No journalist has ever visited a hostile state his or her home country was at war with. Or, "journalist," as you say.
Dear Prof. Cole. I read your blog nearly daily and am often amazed at your insightful analysis, especially regarding this part of the world. However, as a foreigner living in Jordan for almost 7 years, I would hesitate to call the government here "fragile". Yes, people have been protesting for quite some time now, but the Arab Spring type protests have not captured the imagination of most. Even the recent fuel subsidy protests have died down, although perhaps they'll reemerge on Friday. And while it's true that maybe "some" of the protesters want the treaty with Israel ended, this is not an issue that will be a tipping point for the average Jordanian. People are upset and concerned with the rising fuel prices, but most people I know rather prefer the relative stability afforded them here, especially when compared to what is going on with their neighbors in Syria.