Jordanian stability will outface economic challenges

Significance

Activists had threatened more protests if progress were not achieved by that deadline. There have been no reforms as yet and a new draft income-tax law offered for public consultation is inviting pushback over its similarity to the previous bill, which sparked massive protests in June.

Impacts

• Amman will seek to placate Western and Gulf donors on regional strategic issues.
• The gradual restoration of Jordanian-Syrian relations will facilitate refugee repatriation.
• Jordan will seek to balance US ties with loyalty to the Palestinian cause -- but ultimately prioritise the former.
• The government will further increase Eurobond issuances to finance still-rising debt.