From VOA Learning English,this is IN THE NEWS in Special English.The Muslim Brotherhood is one ofthe largest Islamic groups in the Arab world.For years, the Brotherhood has been bannedin a number of Middle Eastern countries.Yet the group has long had an influential voicein the kingdom of Jordan.It also is considered the most organizedpolitical force in the nation.Jordanians' demands for change have been growing stronger,partly because of economic problems.Their demands have, at times, led to conflictwith the nation's monarch, King Abdullah.The Muslim Brotherhood seems readyfor a more active role in Jordanian politics.But the group says it wants no part in changing the government.Nimer al-Assaf is a top officialin the Brotherhood's political organization."We are a peaceful movement and what we are asking forare reforms under the auspices of the monarchy."The Muslim Brotherhood has been active in Jordan since the 1940s.Since then, the group has worked with the governmentas it slowly built a following.But changes are taking place,partly because of the Arab Springand the civil war in neighboring Syria.Oraib al-Rantawi is with the Al Quds Centerfor Political Studies in Amman.He believes the group has been watchingwhat is happening in Syria."They spent more than one yearand a half waiting for what will happen in Syriabecause they feel if Muslim Brothers there reach power,this will empower them by default."The Brotherhood says it is watching the Syrian conflict,but not taking an active part in it.Nimer al-Assaf says the group's leadersdo not send warriors to fight,although he argues it is their right.It is not clear what the long-term goals ofthe Brotherhood are in Jordan.The group has refused discussionswith the United States and Israel.Yet, the Jordanian government honors a peace treaty with Israel.Mr. Assaf admits this would change should the Brotherhoodbecome a leading political player."Things become different. You have to deal with the world,whether you like them or not."He says any changes might come through a special nationwide vote.Opponents of the Brotherhood see the rise of Islamistsin Jordan and across the Middle East as a hijacking of the hopesand goals of the Arab Spring.Mister al-Rantawi believes that wealthy conservativesin Saudi Arabia and Qatar are to blame.But the group dismisses such criticism,linking its rise to the expression of popular will.In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood came to powerfollowing the ouster of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak.The group's presidential candidate, Mohamed Morsi,took office earlier this year.This week, Egypt revisited protestssimilar to those almost two years ago.Tanks were deployed to the presidential palace in Cairofollowing deadly clashesbetween supporters and opponents of Mr. Morsi.Opposition protesters want the presidentto cancel an order expanding his powers.They also oppose a proposed constitutionthey say was the work of Islamists,without help from those who disagree with Mr. Morsi.A nationwide vote on the constitution is set for December 15th.Go to 51voa.com for more...