DOCSLIB.ORG

Development of the Road Network in the City of Salt in 2004 and 2016 Using GIS

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Modern Applied Science; Vol. 13, No. 10; 2019 ISSN 1913-1844 E-ISSN 1913-1852 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Development of the Road Network in the City of Salt in 2004 and 2016 Using GIS Dr. Deaa Al-Deen Amjad Qtaishat1, Dr. Abd Al Azez Hdoush2 & Eng. Loiy Qasim Alzu’Bi3 1Faculty member at the Arab University College of Technology, Amman, Jordan 2 Lecturer, Jordan University, Jordan 3 Lecturer, Jerash University, Jordan Correspondence: Dr. Deaa Al-Deen Amjad Qtaishat, Faculty member at the Arab University College of Technology, Amman, Jordan. E-mail: [email protected] Received: August 20, 2019 Accepted: September 18, 2019 Online Published: September 19, 2019 doi:10.5539/mas.v13n10p94 URL: https://doi.org/10.5539/mas.v13n10p94 Abstract The aim of this study is to analyze the structure of the road network in As-Salt City in the period between 2004 and 2016, in order to identify the road employability in terms of the degree of connectivity, rotation, accessibility, and density. The relationship between the social properties and road distribution are also examined through analysis of the network characteristics concerning population distribution. The data used in this study was based on the As-Salt City Municipality Database supported with fieldwork done in 2016. The network analysis approach using GIS was used to calculate the roads employability. The study compares between the results of the analysis using the cognitive model of the road network for the years 2004 and 2016, knowing that the number of nodes in 2004 and 2016 was constant indicating the number of neighborhoods is 20, while the number of links changed from 42 links in 2004 to 50 links in 2016 and the average center of roads was determined, and it was estimated that the average road center is located near the municipality of As-Salt The study indicates that the road network suffers from a low degree of communication and rotation and the standard distance of road sites in the study area. The standard distance for each group was 2338.49 m. There is a disparity in the distribution of road network within As-Salt City, and the proportion of roads lengths dose not suit the population distribution pattern. The neighborhood of Al- Salalem, includes 19.5% of the total number of roads in As-Salt, because the neighborhood of Al-Salalem contains the highest population census and this is accompanied by urban growth, which is necessarily accompanied by the presence of roads. Therefore, it is recommended to have a plan to redistribute the population in the city and to establish new roads to reduce the problems of traffic in the city. Keywords: rotation, road network, GIS, Jordan 1. Introduction Residents benefit from a good transport system because they have easy access to their destinations and to all areas of the city they want to reach. People can easily navigate shopping, entertainment and visits, moving from residential areas to workplaces to shorten distances and time to move. Allocation of high percentages of investment development plans for the transport sector. The transport sector plays an important role in the planning process in general, because it facilitates movement from one place to the other. The quality of roads should be taken into account and congestion areas that obstruct traffic should be taken into consideration. (Al-Tarazi, 2003) Transportation is one of the most important human activities that is closely related to the place. It is reflected in different ways in our lifestyle. Also, human movements are composed of mutual relation between the road network as a place and humans as a user (Nawayseh, 2016). Road network is part of the transportation system which stimulates traffic demand because it is considered as a type of land use (Asadi, 2016), on the other hand, it plays a role in the distribution of land use (Tongfei, 2015), which is confirmed by (Zhong, 2016). Road network is one of the infrastructure services which is an increasing 94 mas.ccsenet.org Modern Applied Science Vol. 13, No. 10; 2019 interest to the local municipality because it is important in the development and sustainability of the economic and social quality of life (Shabat, 2011). Transportation had received an enormous development in the world during the last century, and Jordan was not far from this development. Since the founding of the Jordanian state in 1921, this sector has been given a lot of attention to developing the transport system. Accordingly, a new department was established called the "Ministry of Public Works and Housing” which took it upon themselves to set up a sophisticated network of roads connecting the parts of the Kingdom to each other (Siam, 1993). In 1988, the housing department and the ministry of public works were linked together and became the ministry of public works and housing, in 2001 the Public Transport Authority was established. Sincethe development of the Transport sector, a lot of problems have been arising due to high population growth, poor planning of cities, and lack of a cohesive transport system. This situation has been reflected also on As-Salt City in Al-Balqa district. The urban expansion, high population growth, and mountains nature of the city has worsened the problem, and therefore, there was a need to expand the city boundaries many times by the Municipality to solve the transport problems. Accordingly, new administrative boundaries were added to the municipalities such as Al- Saru, Um Zaitona, Batna, and Kafur Hudo. The recent indications show that the AsSalt city is suffering from high traffic density and weakness of road networks, also there is a weakness in transportation links between the city center and the city intersections. Therefore, traffic problems became a serious issue in the city, which affect directly the viability of the transportation system and increase the costs of transport for goods and people. The objective of this study is to analyze the structure of the road network in As-Salt City, in order to identify the reality of the road network in terms of the degree of connectivity, rotation, accessibility, density, and topography. 2. Literature Review Alloush (2012) discussed the main causes of accidents and traffic jams, and found solutions in order to reduce accidents and their social effects. The study showed the pattern of roads, accidents and weather conditions in the city of Hilla in three main axes. It presented many suggestions, the most important was to establish asset of modern methods and specifications to serve the increasing number of cars and to maintain the old roads and repair the damages frequently to avoid huge damages caused by a long period. Al-Jabere (2010) explained the transportation as a geographic issue which is one of the branches of economic geography. It aims to study the current situation of transportation in Jenin governorate in terms of roads, traffic volume and the factors affecting it, and to find solutions for the traffic problems. The most important result was the increasing value of the road turning point because of the nature and topography of the area, and it discussed the effect of the barrier on roads and traffic. The most important recommendations were encouraging people to use public transportation in order to reduce environmental impact and traffic jam, especially during peak hours. Taran (2015) study the spatial analysis of the road network in Mafraq government using GIS in analyzing the road network. Specifying the network functionality in linking the center of the government on one hand and its urban and service centers on the other. The study evaluates the efficiency of the road network in the governorate by measuring its distribution and continuity. It found that the road network characterized by a low degree of continuity links where the rate of the relation is less than 42%, and the alpha index didn’t exceed 11%. Al-Masri (2009) Analyzed the road network in Damascus, its service efficiency and productivity to determine the impact of geographical factors in the development and the extension of the road network using the historical, descriptive, statically and cartographic approaches. Many study and analyze natural, human and economic factors affecting the extension of the road network, the climate is the most important impact factors did not impact mainly on the work of transportation in Damascus. The urban structure in old Damascus and in random neighborhoods prevented the extension of the road network and the use of modern transportation. Most of traffic jam cases occurred at the intersections, several recommendations were reached such as making traffic in the main road permanently functional by establishing two levels of traffic at some intersections which allow the continuity of traffic and reduction of traffic jams. The periodic maintenance of pedestrian sidewalk resolve some problems related to it. Sarker (2013) study the composition of the network in the Kuchbihar city, which is located west of Bengal in India. The objective of the study is to provide an overview of the current road network and to determine the status and spatial variation of roads network development. The study area suffers from low efficiency of the road network which effects the movement of people and goods. Xie and Yetal (2016) analyze the spatial and temporal changes in the city within the major road intersections to compare the relationship between city growth in arid regions in China. The results showed that the main roads 95 mas.ccsenet.org Modern Applied Science Vol. 13, No. 10; 2019 encouraged the expansion of the city especially for the construction of green land areas. The methodology of the study captures images and process them using software’s, by collecting sufficient samples and correcting them in geographical scales, then testing them through surveys including ground control points using GPS and comparing them with the original images.
Recommended publications
  • Jordan – Palestinians – West Bank – Passports – Citizenship – Fatah

    Jordan – Palestinians – West Bank – Passports – Citizenship – Fatah

    Refugee Review Tribunal AUSTRALIA RRT RESEARCH RESPONSE Research Response Number: JOR35401 Country: Jordan Date: 27 October 2009 Keywords: Jordan – Palestinians – West Bank – Passports – Citizenship – Fatah This response was prepared by the Research & Information Services Section of the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RRT within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. This research response may not, under any circumstance, be cited in a decision or any other document. Anyone wishing to use this information may only cite the primary source material contained herein. Questions 1. Please provide background on the issue of Jordanian citizenship for persons of West Bank Palestinian descent. 2. What is the overall situation for Palestinian citizens of Jordan? 3. Have there been any crackdowns upon Fatah members over the last 15 years? 4. What kind of relationship exists between Fatah and the Jordanian authorities? RESPONSE 1. Please provide background on the issue of Jordanian citizenship for persons of West Bank Palestinian descent. Most Palestinians in Jordan hold a Jordanian passport of some type but the status accorded different categories of Palestinians in Jordan varies, as does the manner and terminology through which different sources classify and discuss Palestinians in Jordan. The webpage of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) states that: “All Palestine refugees in Jordan have full Jordanian citizenship with the exception of about 120,000 refugees originally from the Gaza Strip, which up to 1967 was administered by Egypt”; the latter being “eligible for temporary Jordanian passports, which do not entitle them to full citizenship rights such as the right to vote and employment with the government”.
  • ACOR Newsletter Vol. 12.2

    ACOR Newsletter Vol. 12.2

    ACOR Newsletter ^i ^ Vol. 12.2—Winter 2000 Qastal, 1998-2001 On a cold afternoon in early February 2000, Ra'ed Abu Ghazi, a management trainee for the Qastal Erin Addison Conservation and Development Project (QCDP), was walking home from the Umayyad qasr and mosque complex at Qastal (map, p. 9). In the lot between the ancient reservoir and his home, he stopped to speak to some neighbor children playing a game. Then a teapot overturned and the late afternoon sun re- flected off a blue-green, glassy surface. Ra'ed knelt to get a closer look and brushed gently at the loose earth. The area had recently been bulldozed, so the dirt was loose and only about five centimeters deep. As he washed the surface with tea water, a pattern of bril- liant glass tesserae was revealed. Ra'ed had made an exciting discovery at Qastal: a large structure from the late Umayyad period (A.D. 661-750), floored with what experts have called some of the most exquisite mosaics in Jordan (Figs. 1-3). The new structure is only the most recent development in two-and-a-half fascinating years at Qastal. Qastal al-Balqa' is men- tioned in the Diwan of Kuthayyir 'Azza (d. A.H. 105=A.o. 723): "God bless the houses of those living between Muwaqqar and Qastal al-Balqa', where the mihrabs are." Al- though there remain com- plex questions about this reference to "mihrabs" (maharib—apparently plural), the quote at least tells us that Qastal was well enough known to have served as a geo- graphical reference point before A.D.
  • List of Capital Projects for the Years 2019 - 2021 ( in Jds ) Chapter Estimated Indicative Indicative Status NO

    List of Capital Projects for the Years 2019 - 2021 ( in Jds ) Chapter Estimated Indicative Indicative Status NO

    List of Capital Projects for the Years 2019 - 2021 ( In JDs ) Chapter Estimated Indicative Indicative Status NO. Project 2019 2020 2021 0301 Prime Ministry 13,625,000 9,875,000 8,870,000 1 Supporting Radio and Television Corporation Projects Continuous 8,515,000 7,650,000 7,250,000 2 Support the Royal Film Commission projects Continuous 3,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 3 Media and Communication Continuous 300,000 300,000 300,000 4 Developing model service centers (middle/nourth/south) New 205,000 90,000 70,000 5 Develop service centers affiliated with the government departments as per New 475,000 415,000 50,000 priorities 6 Implementing service recipients satisfaction surveys (mystery shopper) New 200,000 200,000 100,000 7 Training and enabling front offices personnel New 20,000 40,000 20,000 8 Maintaining, sustaining and developing New 100,000 80,000 40,000 9 Enhancing governance practice in the publuc sector New 10,000 20,000 10,000 10 Optimizing the government structure and optimal benefiting of human New 300,000 70,000 20,000 resources 11 Institutionalization of optimal organization and impact measurement in the New 0 10,000 10,000 public sector 0601 Civil Service Bureau 485,000 445,000 395,000 12 Completing the Human Resources Administration Information System Committed 275,000 275,000 250,000 Project/ Stage 2 13 Ideal Employee Award Continuous 15,000 15,000 15,000 14 Automation and E-services Committed 160,000 125,000 100,000 15 Building a system for receiving job applications for higher category and Continuous 15,000 10,000 10,000 administrative jobs.
  • Entrepreneurship in Jordan: the Eco-System of the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (Sesos)

    Entrepreneurship in Jordan: the Eco-System of the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (Sesos)

    Entrepreneurship in Jordan: the Eco-system of the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs) Amani Jarrar ( [email protected] ) Philadelphia University, Department of Development Studies Research Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Eco-system, Jordan Posted Date: March 22nd, 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-334076/v1 License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License Page 1/50 Abstract This study aims at assessing the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs) in Jordan with an updated eco-system reecting the better resourced Social Entrepreneurship eco-system characterized with comprehensive information; covering the stakeholders’ identication data, ongoing projects and initiatives, work scope, and their targeted groups, accurate data based on a well-developed survey and analysis of the survey data by our experts. This study also aims at assessing the SESOs capacity by coincide their desired needs and their actual needs, and limit the social innovation concept variation among the different institutions in the ecosystem. This study provides a survey analysis for the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs), and an attempt to identify their characteristics and roles in Jordan by adopting the qualitative and quantitative analysis approach as its methodology. Results show that (57.89%) of the SESO’s in Jordan have dedicated programs that focus on women's inclusion, and that (68.42%) are hiring more than 50% in their staff. Besides that, results also show that (59.65%) of the SESO’s in Jordan did not dedicate programs for people with disability (PWD); which is a high portion in neglecting this segment of people.
  • Amman, Jordan

    Amman, Jordan

    MINISTRY OF WATER AND IRRIGATION WATER YEAR BOOK “Our Water situation forms a strategic challenge that cannot be ignored.” His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein “I assure you that the young people of my generation do not lack the will to take action. On the contrary, they are the most aware of the challenges facing their homelands.” His Royal Highness Hussein bin Abdullah Imprint Water Yearbook Hydrological year 2016-2017 Amman, June 2018 Publisher Ministry of Water and Irrigation Water Authority of Jordan P.O. Box 2412-5012 Laboratories & Quality Affairs Amman 1118 Jordan P.O. Box 2412 T: +962 6 5652265 / +962 6 5652267 Amman 11183 Jordan F: +962 6 5652287 T: +962 6 5864361/2 I: www.mwi.gov.jo F: +962 6 5825275 I: www.waj.gov.jo Photos © Water Authority of Jordan – Labs & Quality Affairs © Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources Authors Thair Almomani, Safa’a Al Shraydeh, Hilda Shakhatreh, Razan Alroud, Ali Brezat, Adel Obayat, Ala’a Atyeh, Mohammad Almasri, Amani Alta’ani, Hiyam Sa’aydeh, Rania Shaaban, Refaat Bani Khalaf, Lama Saleh, Feda Massadeh, Samah Al-Salhi, Rebecca Bahls, Mohammed Alhyari, Mathias Toll, Klaus Holzner The Water Yearbook is available online through the web portal of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. http://www.mwi.gov.jo Imprint This publication was developed within the German – Jordanian technical cooperation project “Groundwater Resources Management” funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Implemented by: Foreword It is highly evident and well known that water resources in Jordan are very scarce.
  • Seville- the Pearl of Andalusia - Under the Arab-Islamic Rule

    Seville- the Pearl of Andalusia - Under the Arab-Islamic Rule

    Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.43, 2017 Seville- the Pearl of Andalusia - Under the Arab-Islamic Rule Sahar A.M. Al-Majali, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Social & Applied Science, Princess Alia University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, P.O. Box: (144211) Amman (11814) Jordan Abstract Remarkable development was recorded by Seville under the spell of Islamic rule, first under the Umayyad dynasty, then under the Almoravids and thereafter under the Almohad rulers. The Umayyad rulers transformed the city from the Roman-Gothic vestiges into a thriving city pulsating with economic, commercial and cultural activities. Special attention was paid by the Umayyad rulers maintain defence of the city and ensure all-round progress its people. Under the Almoravid rule, Seville seldom witnessed any noticeable development activity. However, the Almohad rulers revived the development dynamics by constructing buildings, improving public infrastructure and facilities for the people. Multifaceted development attained by Seville, especially under the Umayyad rule, earned it the appellation of “Peal of Andalusia”. Keywords : Seville, Andalusia, Umayyad’s, Almoravids, Almohads 1. Introduction I. Subject of the Study: Seville – the Pearl of Andalusia - Under the Arab- Islamic Rule II. Problem of the Study : To analyze the role and contribution of Medieval Arab Islamic rule in influencing various aspects of development of Seville III. Limitations of the Study: This analysis is limited to developments in various fields of Seville under the Medieval Arab Islamic rule, especially under the Umayyad dynasty, Almoravid rulers and the Almohad rules of Seville. IV. Theoretical Framework of the Study : It is a historical topic and no theoretical framework has been developed.
  • This Thesis Has Been Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for a Postgraduate Degree (E.G

    This Thesis Has Been Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for a Postgraduate Degree (E.G

    This thesis has been submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol) at the University of Edinburgh. Please note the following terms and conditions of use: This work is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, which are retained by the thesis author, unless otherwise stated. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. Sarah R. Irving Intellectual networks, language and knowledge under colonialism: the work of Stephan Stephan, Elias Haddad and Tawfiq Canaan in Palestine, 1909-1948 A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures University of Edinburgh 2017 Declaration: This is to certify that that the work contained within has been composed by me and is entirely my own work. No part of this thesis has been submitted for any other degree or professional qualification. Signed: 16th August 2017 2 Intellectual networks, language and knowledge under colonialism: the work of Stephan Stephan, Elias Haddad and Tawfiq Canaan in Palestine, 1909-1948 Table of Contents
  • Results for Middle East Grantees

    Results for Middle East Grantees

    PEACE Funded by the European Union PEACE - Results of the Call for Applications of the 2nd Cohort MIDDLE EAST GRANTEES Target Selected for Student code Nationality Home institution Host university Host level Host field Group (months) 1 PREM_01700 Jordan Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Masarykova Univerzita BA 04.9 Others - Business Studies, Management Science 10 1 PREM_01503 Jordan Al Balqa' Applied University Uppsala University BA 06.5 Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications 10 1 PREM_01682 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel BA 11.3 Informatics, Computer Science 10 1 PREM_00353 Jordan Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Universidade de Santiago de Compostela BA 04.9 Others - Business Studies, Management Science 10 1 PREM_02565 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Masarykova Univerzita BA 04.3 Accountancy, Financial Management 10 1 PREM_00046 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Staffordshire University BA 06.5 Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications 10 1 PREM_02073 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Universidade do Minho BA 11.3 Informatics, Computer Science 10 1 PREM_01231 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Masarykova Univerzita BA 04.9 Others - Business Studies, Management Science 6 1 PREM_02089 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Universidade do Minho BA 11.3 Informatics, Computer Science 6 1 PREM_02218 Jordan Princess Sumaya University for Technology Universidade do Minho BA 04.0 Business Studies, Management Science 6 1 PREM_01725
  • Legacies of the Anglo-Hashemite Relationship in Jordan

    Legacies of the Anglo-Hashemite Relationship in Jordan

    Legacies of the Anglo-Hashemite Relationship in Jordan: How this symbiotic alliance established the legitimacy and political longevity of the regime in the process of state-formation, 1914-1946 An Honors Thesis for the Department of Middle Eastern Studies Julie Murray Tufts University, 2018 Acknowledgements The writing of this thesis was not a unilateral effort, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge those who have helped me along the way. First of all, I would like to thank my advisor, Professor Thomas Abowd, for his encouragement of my academic curiosity this past year, and for all his help in first, making this project a reality, and second, shaping it into (what I hope is) a coherent and meaningful project. His class provided me with a new lens through which to examine political history, and gave me with the impetus to start this paper. I must also acknowledge the role my abroad experience played in shaping this thesis. It was a research project conducted with CET that sparked my interest in political stability in Jordan, so thank you to Ines and Dr. Saif, and of course, my classmates, Lensa, Matthew, and Jackie, for first empowering me to explore this topic. I would also like to thank my parents and my brother, Jonathan, for their continuous support. I feel so lucky to have such a caring family that has given me the opportunity to pursue my passions. Finally, a shout-out to the gals that have been my emotional bedrock and inspiration through this process: Annie, Maya, Miranda, Rachel – I love y’all; thanks for listening to me rant about this all year.
  • Central Region Syrian Refugee Vulnerability

    Central Region Syrian Refugee Vulnerability

    Central Region Syrian Refugee Vulnerability Basic Needs Vulnerability in Amman, Balqa, Madaba and Zarqa Basic Needs Vulnerability Rating (VAF) Ajloun Jarash Mafraq Average Scores Dair Alla Al-Ardha Hashemiyah Bierain Allan Dhlail Ain Albasha Zarqa Zarqa Salt Zarqa Salt Governorate EJC Al Jami'ah Balqa Russeifa Governorate Fuhais Low Moderate High Severe Amman Qasabah Marka Sahab Amman Yargha Azraq Wadi Essier Amman Quaismeh Governorate Azraq Azraq Shoonah Na'oor Dependancy Ratio Rating Coping Strategy Rating Janoobiyah Rajm al-Shami (Composite Indicator) (Composite Indicator) Average Scores Average Scores Muaqqar Hosba'n Um Elbasatien Jrainah Faisaliah Madaba Madaba Governorate m. Legend 85 K Madaba Camp/Refugee location Null B V Low a u Maeen s l n i c e N Moderate r a e b Low Moderate High Severe Low Moderate High Severe e i l d i High t s y Jizah Debt per capita Expenditure per capita Economic State Rating Severe Mlaih (Basic Indicator) (Basic Indicator) (Composite Indicator) 1 - 10 Average Scores Average Scores Average Scores 11 - 50 T o a t s a 51 - 100 s l e c s Areedh a s s 101 - 250 e e d s 251 - 500 501 - 750 Dieban > 750 Sub-district Um Al-Rasas Governorate Karak 0 2 4 8 Low Moderate High Severe Low Moderate High Severe Km. Low Moderate High Severe Production date: 14 May 2015 Feedback: please contact Koen Van Rossum on [email protected] produced by Central Region Syrian Refugee Vulnerability Education Vulnerability in Amman, Balqa, Madaba and Zarqa Ajloun Jarash Mafraq Dair Alla Al-Ardha Hashemiyah Bierain Allan Dhlail Ain
  • Tafila Region Wind Power Projects Cumulative Effects Assessment © International Finance Corporation 2017

    Tafila Region Wind Power Projects Cumulative Effects Assessment © International Finance Corporation 2017

    Tafila Region Wind Power Projects Cumulative Effects Assessment © International Finance Corporation 2017. All rights reserved. 2121 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20433 Internet: www.ifc.org The material in this work is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. IFC encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly, and when the reproduction is for educational and non-commercial purposes, without a fee, subject to such attributions and notices as we may reasonably require. IFC does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the content included in this work, or for the conclusions or judgments described herein, and accepts no responsibility or liability for any omissions or errors (including, without limitation, typographical errors and technical errors) in the content whatsoever or for reliance thereon. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The contents of this work are intended for general informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal, securities, or investment advice, an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, or a solicitation of any type. IFC or its affiliates may have an investment in, provide other advice or services to, or otherwise have a financial interest in, certain of the companies and parties (including named herein.
  • Jordan's National Dish

    Jordan's National Dish

    MIDDLE EAST Briefing Amman/Brussels, 8 October 2003 THE CHALLENGE OF POLITICAL REFORM: JORDANIAN DEMOCRATISATION AND REGIONAL INSTABILITY This briefing is one of a series of occasional ICG briefing papers and reports that will address the issue of political reform in the Middle East and North Africa. The absence of a credible political life in most parts of the region, while not necessarily bound to produce violent conflict, is intimately connected to a host of questions that affect its longer-term stability: Ineffective political representation, popular participation and government responsiveness often translate into inadequate mechanisms to express and channel public discontent, creating the potential for extra- institutional protests. These may, in turn, take on more violent forms, especially at a time when regional developments (in the Israeli-Palestinian theatre and in Iraq) have polarised and radicalised public opinion. In the long run, the lack of genuine public accountability and transparency hampers sound economic development. While transparency and accountability are by no means a guarantee against corruption, their absence virtually ensures it. Also, without public participation, governments are likely to be more receptive to demands for economic reform emanating from the international community than from their own citizens. As a result, policy-makers risk taking insufficient account of the social and political impact of their decisions. Weakened political legitimacy and economic under-development undermine the Arab states’ ability to play an effective part on the regional scene at a time of crisis when their constructive and creative leadership is more necessary than ever. The deficit of democratic representation may be a direct source of conflict, as in the case of Algeria.