Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood ban a turning point

Arab News

25-04-2025

https://arab.news/zut6j
Jordan's decision to formally ban all activities of the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood marks a watershed moment in the kingdom's modern political history — a decision that could reverberate well beyond its borders.
Announced by Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya on Wednesday, the move came on the heels of a shocking revelation: a foiled plot involving the manufacture of rockets by individuals allegedly linked to the group. This development sent shock waves through Jordan's security apparatus and fundamentally reshaped the national discourse on the role of political Islam within the state.
Since the establishment of the Jordanian state in 1946, the Muslim Brotherhood has played a paradoxical role — at once an integrated actor in Jordan's political development and a perennial source of ideological friction. Its founding in Jordan was marked by a pragmatic collaboration with the Hashemite monarchy, built on mutual concerns about communism and Arab nationalism.
Over the decades, the Brotherhood crafted a unique position within the kingdom's political architecture. Unlike its outlawed counterparts in neighboring states, Jordan's Brotherhood operated with relative openness, participating in parliamentary elections, running charitable institutions and mobilizing support through grassroots networks.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 2000s, the Brotherhood managed to straddle the line between loyalty to the monarchy and advocacy for a distinct sociopolitical agenda rooted in Islamic principles. It garnered support from a wide spectrum of society, particularly among those in the middle and lower classes, who felt marginalized by the economic liberalization policies of successive governments. Its role in advocating for the Palestinian cause — especially during crises such as the ongoing Gaza war — further amplified its resonance with the Jordanian public, culminating in a stronger-than-expected performance in the 2024 legislative elections.
What once served as a pressure valve for societal grievances has, in the eyes of the state, transformed into a potential vector for subversion
Hani Hazaimeh
However, what once served as a pressure valve for societal grievances has, in the eyes of the state, transformed into a potential vector for subversion. The recent discovery of a clandestine rocket-manufacturing operation, allegedly orchestrated by the son of a senior Brotherhood figure, has shattered long-held assumptions about the group's strict adherence to nonviolence. Although the Brotherhood's leadership was quick to disavow any connection to the plot and reiterated its commitment to peaceful activism, the incident has nonetheless cast a dark cloud over the movement's credibility and internal coherence.
In response, the government launched a sweeping crackdown: banning all Brotherhood-related activities, shuttering affiliated offices, freezing financial assets and pursuing legal action against anyone promoting or collaborating with the outlawed group. The tone was unambiguous — Jordan would no longer tolerate political entities that, under the guise of ideological pluralism, harbor or inspire elements posing a threat to national cohesion.
Domestically, the ban has reignited fierce debates. Supporters of the move argue that Jordan's stability must come above all else, particularly in a region plagued by insurgencies and ideological militancy. Critics, however, warn of the dangers of conflating dissent with subversion.
For many Jordanians, especially those disillusioned by stagnant political reforms and economic hardship, the Brotherhood once symbolized an alternative — albeit an imperfect one. Its community-driven initiatives, female-led platforms and focus on social justice filled a void left by traditional political parties. Yet, the exposure of violent plots has irreversibly undermined the group's moral capital, casting doubt on whether it can still claim the mantle of peaceful opposition.
Regionally, Jordan's decision represents more than a domestic policy shift — it is a calculated geopolitical signal. By outlawing the Brotherhood, Amman aligns itself more explicitly with a regional bloc that includes Egypt and the UAE, both of which have adopted aggressive stances against Islamist movements. Jordan's pivot thus underscores its intent to stay firmly within the fold of Western-aligned, security-focused regimes that prioritize order over ideological pluralism.
Regionally, Jordan's decision represents more than a domestic policy shift — it is a calculated geopolitical signal
Hani Hazaimeh
The timing of this crackdown is especially significant. The Middle East remains in flux due to the devastating conflict in Gaza, which has intensified regional polarization and exposed the fragile fault lines running through many Arab societies. With Iran-backed militias expanding their influence in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, and with extremist networks seeking new footholds amid growing public anger, Jordan's leadership is understandably concerned about the risks of internal radicalization. The foiled rocket plot — believed to be targeting security installations — was not just an act of criminal defiance, it was a direct challenge to the state's monopoly on force and legitimacy.
The path forward is fraught with uncertainty. The Brotherhood's ideological imprint will not vanish overnight. While the organization may be structurally dismantled, its supporters are unlikely to simply abandon their beliefs. The risk of splinter groups radicalizing or operating underground is real. To mitigate this, Jordan must walk a careful line: safeguarding national security without extinguishing avenues for legitimate political expression.
This moment also presents an opportunity. The end of the Brotherhood's formal political role could open space for new, reform-minded movements that advocate transparency, inclusivity and constructive engagement. But such developments will only materialize if the state demonstrates a genuine commitment to democratic renewal, economic equity and responsive governance. Simply replacing one set of actors with another will not address the deeper societal grievances that fueled the Brotherhood's rise in the first place.
In essence, Jordan's ban on the Muslim Brotherhood is not merely the closing of a political chapter — it is the culmination of a complex and often uneasy relationship between religion, ideology and statehood. It is also a bold recalibration of the kingdom's political doctrine in response to an evolving regional order marked by ideological polarization and shifting alliances.
Whether this move ushers in a new era of stability or sows the seeds of future discord will depend largely on what the government does next — not just in terms of repression or security, but in its ability to offer a compelling, inclusive vision for the nation's future.
• Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh