slamic Action Front who are the main opposition to the Jordan government. Many of these protesters are appealing to King Abdullah who has the power to elect his own cabinet and prime minister. He has promised some changes, but it is unlikely that he will go so far as to expel the Prime Minister. Some of this, however, is not the government's fault, as Jordan’s economy continues to suffer with a two billion deficit and 6.1% inflation rate. In addition, unemployment is recorded at 12%. Even so, the population has risen up because of the rising taxes that they cannot afford to pay. Samir Rifai resigned in February 2011 due to pressure from the public, which in turn influenced the king to relieve him. He was succeeded by Marouf al-Bakhit who had already been the Prime Minister from 2005 to 2007 but resigned due to pressure from the public. This second time as Prime Minister did not last long, and he resigned again in October 2011 because of a parliamentary vote for him to be fired as he was not causing reforms fast enough. He was succeeded by Awn Khasawneh who was formerly a judge in the international court of Justice. Jordan’s efforts to control the Arab spring are continually deteriorating as Awn Khasawneh also resigned in April 2012 marking the third resignation of a Prime Minister in the last 18 months. The next Prime Minister will be Fayez al-Tarawneh who was in power in 1998. All of these resignations will put pressure on the King to speed up the reforms and respond to the protesters who have been unsatisfied
