A long list of backward forces

The most common expression used these days in Jordanian politics is "the backward forces". This expression is used to describe those in Parliament who hinder the proposed reforms and drag the whole democratic process backwards. The latest person who used this expression was MP Samir Al Arabi on Sunday, where he described the majority of MPs as "backward forces" at the backdrop of the ratified laws. Everyone criticise the backward forces. King Abdullah II ordered the intelligence to stop intervening into students' protests and he criticised the failure of the official media. He also lashed out at the backward forces, which slowed down the reforms. He called more than once to eliminate corruption and chase corrupt politicians. He also mentioned the fact that some families' rights were violated when their nationality was withdrawn. He said: "Jordan is for all its citizens. No one can violate the citizens' constitutional rights. I call for an investigation into these cases." The current government, as well as the precedents ones, always repeats that the backward forces hinder its steps towards reform and accuses these “forces” of preventing economics reform policies to come to life. The parties accused those backward forces of having a strong hand in undermining reform. Moreover, unions announced that there are backward forces which do not desire a comprehensive political and economical reform in Jordan. So far, those backward forces have not been identified, despite that their agendas are clear. The most dangerous type of backward forces is the one which ignites sedition among Jordanians. Backward forces have been present in all official and popular institutions and the Parliament. They draft laws that limit freedom and violate human rights. Not only this, but they also attack human beings for being human, suppress their freedom of speech. Some of these forces proudly announce that they cooperate with criminals. They exist in the government and are only keen on serving their own interests. They exist in unions and syndicates and some of civil society institutions. They dread the reforms as they fear it will oust them and their dreams.   The backward forces control the media means in order to serve their agendas. The backward forces will remain the first force to prevent the new reforms to be put into practice. These forces are not imaginary, they are true people who lead institutions, take decisions and block the way to freedom. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.