"Jordan’s King Abdullah II yesterday welcomed constitutional amendments proposed by his hand-picked reform committee, but critics rebuked the changes as insufficient.
The 42 proposed changes to the nearly 60-year-old constitution would still allow Abdullah to retain most of his absolute powers, according to a 15-page document distributed by the royal palace.
Protesters have been taking to the streets in Jordan for seven months to press the government to expand Parliament’s powers. Jordanians are also demanding lower food prices, a greater say in politics, an end to government corruption, and the election of a prime minister.
The committee’s recommended changes do not address protesters’ demands to elect a prime minister, instead keeping the appointment of the post solely with the king.
--more--"
Related: Slow Saturday Special: Jordanian Revolution Rejects U.S. Role
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American Way: Why Barack Obama now has a battle on his hands for the 2012
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For several months Democrats were in denial, writes John Avlon. But now
they're waking up to the fact that this presidential campaign isn't going
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