Jordan’s powerful tribes on collision course with monarchy over alleged royal plot

It all began with cake. This isn’t the sort of thing we’re used to in Jordan.” The assault on Fayez’s house was part of a synchronized government operation, with teams blitzing across different parts of the kingdom in blacked-out SUVs to capture some 18 associates of Prince Hamzah, who officials said were all part of a foreign-backed plot to “destabilize Jordan’s security and stability.” One strike force overran the home of Yasser Majali, the former crown prince’s head of office, near the city of Karak, about 55 miles south of Amman. The government insists the plot has been “contained,” with King Abdullah and other royal family members displaying a united front Sunday during Jordan’s centennial celebration. That faith took another hit Monday, when Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh said the accused would have their cases referred to the public prosecutor as part of a state security trial — except for Prince Hamzah, who, according to the king’s edict, would be dealt with “within the framework” of the ruling Hashemite family. “If there’s a trial, then it should be applied to everyone.” The apparent feud between Prince Hamzah and his half brother is emblematic of what the tribes say is the erosion of their role during the current king’s reign.