Though the naming of a new “reform” government and a meeting with King Abdullah seems to have placated some of the Islamist protesters in Jordan, many of the more committed pro-democracy activists are continuing to take to the streets of Amman to air grievances.
King Abdullah had sought to quiet the protests earlier this week by firing the entire cabinet and replacing it with a new prime minister, albeit one with a history as a less-than-successful reformer.
This seems to have skirted the major issue for most of the protesters, however, which was that the Jordanian voters are not allowed to elect any of their Senators or any members of the cabinet – all are appointed by the king.
And though King Abdullah has promised “quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms,” few expect serious changes in the system, which will, for now, keep many of them in the streets.