Latest from Dan Wilkofsky
Tribal Justice Persists Alongside Jordan’s Law Courts
Although tribal law was officially abolished in 1976, many Jordanians continue to resort to it when calamity strikes, and the government continues to enforce it. While critics say it undermines Jordan’s written laws and constitution, proponents argue it serves the public good, preventing revenge attacks and further bloodshed.
Engineering a Drought in Jordan
Jordan’s water minister claimed he was preventing a tsunami by draining a dam that supplied vital irrigation for local farmers. Others say it was a cover-up for a far worse problem. Either way, the corruption in the sector is strangling livelihoods and the environment.
Assad Tests the Patience of His Ally Russia
Moscow-based Rami Shaer writes for the ultranationalist Russian broadsheet Zavtra. From there his articles are translated into Arabic and posted on RT, giving them the appearance of an official imprimatur. Strengthening this impression, the author’s criticisms of Damascus match those raised by Russian diplomats and media reports, and dovetail with key features of Russia’s Syria strategy. Shaer’s principal target is Assad’s maximalism.