Changing Dynamics in Egypt and Jordan

{
  "authors": [
    "Marwan Muasher"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
  ],
  "collections": [
    "Arab Awakening"
  ],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Middle East",
    "North Africa",
    "Egypt",
    "Jordan"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform"
  ]
}

In The Media

Changing Dynamics in Egypt and Jordan

Important first steps toward political transformation are occurring throughout the Arab world, as evidenced by the trial of deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the amendments proposed for the Jordanian constitution.

By Marwan Muasher

Published on Aug 15, 2011

Source: BBC's Impact

Speaking on BBC’s Impact, Marwan Muasher explained that the trial of deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is a rare and important event in the Arab world. With many political and legal processes still in flux in the region, Marwan Muasher argued that “it is important to come up with a process where the rule of law is supreme.”

Egyptians are eager to move away from the Mubarak regime to a new system, but establishing due process during this transformation is critical. According to Muasher, “it is important not just for Egypt but as a precedent for the rest of the Arab world.”

Turning to Jordan, Muasher added that the recently proposed constitutional amendments represent a vital first step, but “are not the end of the road.” Elected governments are going to take some time to materialize in Jordan. In the meantime, Muasher concluded, the monarchy must engage in serious efforts to restore the credibility gap between itself and the people.

About the Author

Marwan Muasher

Vice President for Studies

Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.

Recent Work

Commentary
Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.
- Marwan Muasher
Other
Unpacking Trump’s National Security Strategy
- +18
  James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …

Political Reform Middle East North Africa Egypt Jordan

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Commentary
Emissary
Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.
Just look at Iraq in 1991.
Marwan Muasher
Commentary
Diwan
Axis of Resistance or Suicide?
As Iran defends its interests in the region and its regime’s survival, it may push Hezbollah into the abyss.
Michael Young
Commentary
Diwan
When Football Is More Than Football
The recent African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco touched on issues that largely transcended the sport.
Issam Kayssi, Yasmine Zarhloule
Article
Can the Gulf Cooperation Council Transcend Its Divisions?
Without structural reform, the organization, which is racked by internal rivalries, risks sliding into irrelevance.
Hesham Alghannam
Commentary
The Middle East’s Promising Gen Z
Fifteen years after the Arab uprisings, a new generation is mobilizing behind an inclusive growth model, and has the technical savvy to lead an economic transformation that works for all.
Jihad Azour

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

people watching smoke rising at sunrise from rooftops

Commentary

Emissary

Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.

Just look at Iraq in 1991.

Marwan Muasher

Commentary

Diwan

Axis of Resistance or Suicide?

As Iran defends its interests in the region and its regime’s survival, it may push Hezbollah into the abyss.

Michael Young

Commentary

Diwan

When Football Is More Than Football

The recent African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco touched on issues that largely transcended the sport.

Issam Kayssi, Yasmine Zarhloule

GCC foreign minister meeting in Kuwait City on June 2, 2025

Article

Can the Gulf Cooperation Council Transcend Its Divisions?

Without structural reform, the organization, which is racked by internal rivalries, risks sliding into irrelevance.

Hesham Alghannam

Commentary

The Middle East’s Promising Gen Z

Fifteen years after the Arab uprisings, a new generation is mobilizing behind an inclusive growth model, and has the technical savvy to lead an economic transformation that works for all.

Jihad Azour