Amman

Jordan’s born a large portion of the strain of refugees fleeing violence-torn Syria. As the fighting continues in its 14th month and beyond, the United Nations is trying to raise money to help pay the costs of caring for the refugees, but little funding has been forthcoming.

Jordan’s King Abdullah has managed to mostly fend off demands for internal change inspired by popular uprisings in neighboring Arab states. But that may not work for much longer. Jordan is facing financial crisis.

More than 110,000 Syrians have fled to Jordan in recent months. About 50,000 Libyans and Yemenis are getting medical treatment. Meanwhile, Jordanians are bracing for the waves of Gulf Arabs tourists expected this summer.

The hotel where I’m staying in Amman is teeming with Libyans seeking medical care in Jordanian hospitals. A friend here tells me that’s the case with most hotels. These are a couple of guys I met in the lobby yesterday.

For seven weeks demonstrators in the Jordanian capital of Amman have taken to the streets after Friday prayers to call for government reforms. Now, those demonstrations have turned violent for the first time. The World’s Matthew Bell reports from Amman.