Jordan: IAF end elections with surprising results

The Muslim Brotherhood‘s offshoot in Jordan , the Islamic Action Front’s elections ended in a surprising twist. Potential candidate Salem Falahat was narrowly beaten by Zaki Ben Rashed who is sometimes described as a hardliner. Rashed was replaced in May 2009, during efforts to ease the tension between the group and authorities.

Political observers expect the country’s key opposition to clash once again with the government because of Rashed’s tough stance on issues. According to sources ties with the Palestinian resistance Hamas will be severed in an attempt to preserve the group’s unity in Jordan .