What's happened
On April 24, 2025, Jordan outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, banning all its activities and confiscating its assets. This decision followed the arrest of 16 members accused of plotting attacks involving explosives and drones. The crackdown reflects a broader regional trend against the group, which has faced increasing scrutiny in Jordan.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of the Ban
- Regional Alignment: Jordan's ban aligns it with other Arab states like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which have taken a hard stance against the Brotherhood, viewing it as a threat to their regimes.
- Political Landscape: The Islamic Action Front, the Brotherhood's political wing, remains a significant player in Jordanian politics, having won 31 parliamentary seats. The ban raises questions about its future and the potential for increased political repression.
- Public Sentiment: With a large Palestinian population, Jordan's government faces public discontent over its peace treaty with Israel and its handling of the Gaza conflict. The Brotherhood's popularity may rise as it capitalizes on this unrest.
- Security Concerns: The government's justification for the ban centers on national security, claiming the Brotherhood was involved in planning attacks. This narrative may be used to further suppress dissent and justify crackdowns on civil liberties.
Future Outlook
The crackdown on the Brotherhood could lead to increased tensions within Jordan, as the government attempts to balance security concerns with public dissent. The situation may escalate if the Brotherhood's supporters mobilize in response to the ban, potentially leading to protests and further government repression.
What the papers say
The New Arab reported that Jordan's Interior Minister Mazen Fraya announced the ban following a foiled plot involving the Brotherhood, stating, "Members of the group operate in the dark and engage in activities that could undermine stability and security." The Guardian highlighted that the ban comes after the arrest of 16 members accused of threatening national security, with Fraya asserting that the group had attempted to smuggle documents from its headquarters. Meanwhile, the Times of Israel noted that the government has previously tolerated the Islamic Action Front, raising questions about the implications of this latest crackdown. The New York Times emphasized the historical context of the Brotherhood's operations in Jordan, suggesting that the relationship has fundamentally changed. Al Jazeera pointed out that the ban includes severe restrictions on any engagement with the Brotherhood, indicating a significant shift in the government's approach to political dissent.
How we got here
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has faced decades of repression across the Arab world. In Jordan, it was tolerated until recent years, with a significant crackdown intensifying after a foiled plot involving weapons was reported. The group has historically been the largest opposition force in Jordan.
Go deeper
- What led to the crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood?
- How will this affect Jordan's political landscape?
- What are the implications for civil liberties in Jordan?
Common question
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Why Did Jordan Ban the Muslim Brotherhood?
On April 23, 2025, Jordan's government announced a significant ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, citing national security concerns. This decision raises questions about the implications for Jordan's political landscape and the broader impact on the Muslim Brotherhood's activities in the region. Here are some common questions people have regarding this ban.
More on these topics
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The Society of the Muslim Brothers, better known as the Muslim Brotherhood, is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization founded in Egypt by Islamic scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928.
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Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and Palestine