KERAK, Jordan – Security forces armed with assault rifles stormed into the home of one of the most distinguished families of the Jordanian al-Majali tribe here in the clan’s homeland on the Dead Sea. They grabbed Yasser al-Majali, a retired army colonel who worked for the royal family, and dragged him away.
The April 3 arrest of Mr. Majali and other notable tribesmen – in what Jordanian officials characterize as an attempt to stamp out a plot to eventually replace the reigning King Abdullah II with his younger half-brother, Prince Hamzah bin Hussein – sows unrest. in a part of society that is central to stability.
The traditional tribes of Jordan have long provided vital support to the Hashemite rulers of the Middle East, with members filling the ranks of the military, police and intelligence. And some have taken to the streets to disapprove of the treatment of their members.
In a clear sign of rapprochement, the palace released a photo on Sunday showing Prince Hamzah with King Abdullah and other royals taking part in an event to mark the monarchy’s 100th anniversary. But last week’s turmoil could continue to ripple through Jordanian society.
During a demonstration on Saturday in the Shafa Badran district of Amman, the Jordanian capital, members of the Anaizat tribe demanded the release of one of them, a retired lieutenant colonel who served as one of Prince Hamzah’s guards.