Jordan

Jordan has taken decisive action to combat the scourge of drug smuggling from Syria into its territory. The country has announced plans to create a security buffer zone along its northern border. Notably, Jordan has been cautious not to directly implicate the Syrian regime, even though it is widely known that President Bashar Assad’s brother oversees the drug production and smuggling operations into Jordan.

Hundreds of politicians and journalists in Jordan have united in opposition to the proposed “Electronic Crimes Law,” signing a petition demanding a meeting with King Abdullah to urge him to withdraw the law before it gains parliamentary approval. The law has raised concerns as it restricts freedom of expression in the media and on social networks, threatening prison sentences and financial fines for violators.

The Jordanian parliament is expected to soon approve the “electronic crimes” law initiated by the government, which imposes prison sentences and fines on those who criticize using the media and social networks. The law aims to reduce popular unrest in the kingdom due to the difficult economic situation, but it has sparked significant anger among the younger generation.