News
Country Report: Jordan and the Arab Spring – About the Reforms Announced of the Monarchy and the Prospects for Political Change
In the wake of the Arab Spring protests and calls for reform have occurred in Jordan. Two months after the onset of the protests, King Abdullah II ordered the creation of a reform committee. Over a year on from its establishment, the question arises whether the promises for political reform have translated into substantial reform efforts, or if they are merely cosmetic – serving to consolidate the authoritarian political system in Jordan.
Dr. Martin Beck's interview for “Anstöße” magazine
Dr. Martin Beck gave an interview for the January issue of “Anstöße”, a German magazine by “Evangelische Akademie Hofgeismar” in which he explained the current situation in the Middle East – emphasizing the differences between Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, and Syria. He pointed out that a transition process has started but that it is still doubtful whether stable democracies will arise from it. Economic difficulties could hinder positive development.
LECTURE IN PALESTINE
On March 24th, in the frame of the workshop "Reimagining Regional Security of the Middle East after the Arab Spring" held at Al-Istiqlal University in Jericho, Palestine, Dr. Martin Beck gave a speech on "The Arab Spring: Facilitating the Re-Emergence of a Regional Power in the Middle East?
Book Launching: “Jordan’s New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required.”
On January 25th, 2012, Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organization and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Amman organized an event in order to celebrate the launch of a new book published by the two organizations. The book has the title: “Jordan’s New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required.” and it is giving insights why competition laws are crucial to economic development and countering corruptive practices.
Opportunities, Problems, and Challenges of Oil-Producing Countries: Lessons learned from Rent Theory and Empirical Cases
On 1st of February 2012, Dr. Martin Beck was invited to give a guest lecture entitled “Opportunities, Problems, and Challenges of Oil-Producing Countries: Lessons learned from Rent Theory, and Empirical Cases,” at the Department of Political Science of Salahaddin University Erbil, Iraq/Kurdistan. In his lecture Dr. Beck discussed the problems which are caused by external rents through the production of oil and presented policy recommendations to oil-producing countries.
Announcement: TV-Interview Nidaa Al-Shraideh
On February 14th, 2012 KAS Amman employee Nidaa Al-Shraideh gave an interview about KAS Amman on the public TV-channel Roya TV. During the 20 minute interview she characterized the foundation’s general principles as well as its latest activities and presented a short outlook on upcoming events in 2012. The interview was part of the morning show “Donya ya Donya” and can be watched on the internet at the link below:
Book Launching: "Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required."
On January 25, 2012 Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Amman and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization published a book entitled, "Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required." A ceremony for the book launching was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Amman. Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the media, and the public were in attendance.
PUBLICATION: "Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required"
On January 25, 2012 Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Amman and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization published a book entitled, "Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required." The publication offers many recommendations to updating Jordan’s competition law in order to foster a more fair and open business environment, while enhancing competitive practices. The book is available to download in English and Arabic at the link below:
Dr. Martin Beck on a possible Israeli military strike against Iran
On Februar 10th, Dr. Martin Beck gave an interview with the German newspaper "Südwestpresse" on the danger of an Israeli military strike against Iran.
Lecture at the German Jordanian University
On February 8th, Dr. Martin Beck gave a speech on German Political Culture to students of the German Jordanian University who will go soon for one year to different German universities.
