More Jordanians support the fight against Islamic State extremists next door, but are increasingly dissatisfied with their country’s economy and political institutions, according to a poll by the International Republican Institute published Monday, The Associated Press reports:
Eighty percent of those surveyed said they support the anti-IS coalition to some degree, up from 75 percent in 2015. Just over 70 percent approve of Jordan’s involvement in the coalition to a large or moderate degree. Eighty-nine percent said IS a terrorist organization, while 4 percent disagreed and 7 percent did not know – the same result as in 2015.
The survey also showed increased dissatisfaction, largely tied to the economic situation…Economic pessimism is linked to negative views of the country’s political institutions. Eighty-seven percent said the outgoing parliament has not accomplished anything worthwhile and only 29 percent think the legislature is effective.
“This poll reflects unease among Jordanians just prior to King Abdullah dissolving the Parliament last month,” said Scott Mastic, IRI Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa. “The Jordanian people’s lack of confidence in the parliament is something the new government must address in tandem with steps to address the country’s economic difficulties.”
IRI is a core institute of the National Endowment for Democracy.
