The status of the Hashemite monarchy in Jordan has not been subject to question since the establishment of the kingdom. While at the outset of the Arab Spring there were calls to reduce the King’s authority and establish a constitutional monarchy, King Abdullah II wisely deflected the trend by adopting some of the demands – mainly by changing the electoral system. However, the past two years have seen increased criticism both of the King’s approach to the kingdom’s fundamental problems, and of the personal conduct of the King and Queen Rania. Rumors and reports in non-Jordanian media that an underground organization has formed against the King and includes some of his close associates were verified when the King publicly confirmed this.

In early May, the Jordanian press published a letter from the King to Ahmad Husni, appointed as the new director of the General Intelligence Service, which has a key part in Jordan’s internal and external security. The king took pride in the security services that, he said, had managed to uncover “desperate attempts” against the nation, and especially recently, indicating that a number of people were exploiting the difficult conditions that Jordan faced. According to the king, this is a complex and challenging period for the region in which Jordan itself must contend with regional instability and a tense international climate. Along with the head of General Intelligence, other officials in the palace were also replaced.

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