The 2011 Jordanian protests began in the wake of unrest in Tunisia and Egypt, when starting in January several thousand Jordanians staged weekly demonstrations and marches in Amman and other cities throughout Jordan to protest government corruption, rising prices, rampant poverty, and high unemployment.[1] In response, King Abdallah replaced his prime minister and formed a National Dialogue Commission with a reform mandate. The King told the new prime minister to "take quick, concrete and practical steps to launch a genuine political reform process", "to strengthen democracy," and provide Jordanians with the "dignified life they deserve."[2] The King called for an "immediate revision" of laws governing politics and public freedoms.[3] Initial reports say that this effort has started well, but much work remains to be done