I thought this piece about Queen Rania to be fairly interesting for several reasons that I’d rather not share out loud for fear of “poisoning the well”, so to speak. I’d rather leave it up to the reader to watch it and express their own views on it, especially Jordanian views, which isn’t something we’ve [...]

AP Photo – Jordanian children wait for their turn to have a ride on a wood traditional swing during the second day of Muslim’s Eid al-Adha, in Amman, Jordan, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. The thing about Eid is that it’s a time when people typically spend two full days visiting each other. In Amman, they [...]

For the second year in a row The Black Iris was nominated and managed to win the Brass Crescent award in the Middle East category. I actually had to look up last year’s post to make sure that I don’t repeat myself, but then I discovered that last year’s post really said everything I wanted [...]

Thought this Abu Mahjoob caricature was pretty uplifting for the (political) season! So Eid Mubarak to you all and I hope you have a great holiday. Stay safe, do something fun, enjoy your family time, and go some place warm!

AP Photo – A Jordanian driver removes the Parliament plates of the car of one of the Jordanian lawmakers at the Jordanian Parliament offices in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009.

It’s the political news of the week, perhaps even the year here in Jordan, and it has come as a surprise to most. HM King Abdullah’s decision to dissolve the Lower House of Parliament and call for early elections is a move that few anticipated. At least in any realistic context. Criticism of the Parliament [...]

A few months back I wrote a post about Royal and Official motorcades in Jordan, which I felt put the average Jordanian driver at risk. I have to admit that since writing the post, these motorcades have toned down their approach. About a month back, a motorcade swerved in sharply from a side street and [...]

I haven’t published a feel-good post in a while and it feels like it’s due. It’s been a hectic week, which I’m sure is true for at least 90% of those of you who are reading this. So that being said, here’s an end-of-the-week pick-me-upper. Or at least, my attempt at one. Lately, I’ve been [...]