Jordan has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of planning attacks within the country and has implemented a blanket ban against the group, which could potentially endanger the operations of the Islamic Action Front, its political arm and the largest opposition party in Jordan. This announcement comes after the Islamic Action Front gained representation in Parliament last year by campaigning against the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt, is a Sunni Islamist movement aimed at religious renewal to counter colonialism and Western influences. Although al-Banna did not specify what an Islamic government should entail, his teachings have influenced various political movements that trace their lineage back to the organization. While the Brotherhood has condemned violence, some disaffected members have joined more militant groups, including Al Qaeda.
The ban in Jordan follows a week after security services arrested 16 individuals accused of posing threats to national security, allegedly linked to plans involving weapons and drones. During a press conference, the Jordanian interior minister, Mazin Al Farrayeh, indicated that "elements of the Muslim Brotherhood" were involved in destabilizing activities. The Muslim Brotherhood has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the ban.
This is not the first confrontation between Jordan and the Brotherhood; in 2016, the government closed the group’s headquarters in Amman, and by 2020, legal measures were taken toward disbanding it. However, the Islamic Action Front was permitted to continue its operations. Experts suggest that the ban may be influenced by global reactions against Hamas, which has historical ties to the Brotherhood.
Analysts note that current geopolitical pressures, particularly regarding Gaza, may contribute to Jordan's increased intolerance for political opposition, as significant portions of its population are Palestinian. Local discontent has risen due to government support for Israel during the recent conflict, and there is an ongoing internal rift within the Brotherhood between moderates and more radical elements.
Globally, the Muslim Brotherhood has faced scrutiny, particularly during President Trump’s administration, which contemplated designating it as a terrorist organization. Such a move could have led to extensive travel and economic sanctions against affiliates of the group. The Brotherhood's support has diminished in countries like Egypt and Tunisia, where authoritarian governments have cracked down on its activities.
The impact of Jordan’s ban on the Islamic Action Front remains uncertain. Police have encircled the group's headquarters in Amman, and the party's secretary general, Wael Saqqa, expressed surprise at the police actions but indicated that members complied with authorities. The Islamic Action Front has not provided a comment following the announcement.