From The Jordan Times: Islamists face uphill battle as tribes reject their approach to reform

When clashes broke out during a protest in Mafraq late last month, the incident placed a spotlight not only on the limits of the Islamist movement’s influence outside of Amman but a fear growing among the Kingdom’s tribes.

Rather than divides based on ideology, nationality or geography, observers say tribes face fears of change to a status quo they believe has long favoured certain clans at the expense of others and poses an obstacle to the future of the reform process.

Nearly three weeks since an attack on a peaceful protest in Mafraq, a simple message remains amidst the rubble and spray-painted graffiti at the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in the northern city, according to residents.

“The message behind the attack was simple: Islamists are not welcome in Mafraq,” said Mafraq MP Nawaf Khawaldeh.


For more, please see this: http://jordantimes.com/islamists-face-uphill-battle-as-tribes-reject-their-approach-to-reform