Jordan revolution begins as protestors take to the streets

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/21/jordon-c...

In May, the state security court banned news media from covering corruption allegations involving the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company and several national figures.

This ruling coincided with what many described as a "government-backed media campaign" against news websites, whose criticism of government policies and increasing influence among Jordanians seemed to have become intolerable among thin-skinned, high-ranking officials.

The law makes it a punishable offense to post anything to a website, blog, chat, or otherwise publish via digital means anything that will "inspire lack of confidence" in Jordan, it's economy, or the King. It is so vaguely worded that people have been imprisoned on it from posting political activism to simply swearing at the King.

The thing about Jordan is that it's suffering from a combination of factors that make it seem like paradise. Western Media is heavily relied on to make that things are nice, the King is considered to be a "kindred soul who once acted on Star Trek" (when he was considered to be the black sheep prince and not even a remote candidate for the throne). Jordan is a very important strategic ally for the USA in the region, and only the second country Middle East nation to acknowledge Israel - perhaps even more important than Egypt because it plays host to a 60% Palestinian population.

In Jordan, the average monthly income is about 350 USD. Gas is $4.50 a gallon though, and anything other than traditional falafel (some sort of vegetable burger) or shawarmah (gyros) is much more expensive than in the States. Sales tax has been raised to 28% on any electronics or telecommunication, cars are taxed at 80%, income tax is at 16% and general sales tax another 16%. Does that change the public perception?