Jordan's Royal Feud Sends Shockwaves Through Country's Traditional Tribes

KERAK, Jordan Security forces armed with assault rifles burst into the home of one of the most prominent families in Jordanâs al-Majali tribe here in the clanâs homeland by the Dead Sea. They snatched Yasser al-Majali, a retired army colonel working for the royal family, and dragged him away.

The April 3 arrest of Mr. Majali and other notable tribal figures in what Jordanian officials characterize as an effort to stamp out a plot to eventually replace reigning monarch King Abdullah II with his younger half-brother, Prince Hamzah bin Husseinâis sowing unrest in a part of society central to stability.

Jordanâs traditional tribes have long provided crucial support for the Middle Eastern kingdomâs Hashemite rulers, with members filling the ranks of the army, police and intelligence service. And some have taken to the streets decrying the treatment of their members.

In an apparent sign of rapprochement, the palace released a photo Sunday showing Prince Hamzah participating with King Abdullah and other royals in an event marking the monarchyâs 100th anniversary. But the upheaval of the past week could continue to ripple through Jordanian society.

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