Jordan Deals With Backlash From Iraq, Syria

Last week, the Iraqi Embassy in Amman held an event to remember mass-grave victims allegedly liquidated by the defunct Saddam Hussein regime, and  apparent pro-Saddam protesters who opposed the event were verbally and physically abused by the personal guards of the Iraqi ambassador. A video clip on YouTube showing the fracas has been seen by tens of thousands since. It prompted a public outcry both in the street and in parliament. Hundreds of activists protested in front of the Iraqi Embassy demanding that the ambassador be expelled and the guards arrested.

Protesters were eventually dispersed by anti-riot police, but not before cases of revenge against Iraqi individuals living in Jordan and their personal property were reported. Eventually, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told the deputies that the Iraqi government had formally apologized for the incident and that the Iraqi ambassador was called back to Baghdad.