Visions of an 'ingrained state'

Those who talk about an "ingrained state" quote Egypt, Turkey, and some Latin American states as an example, but here, in Jordan, and in most states in the Arab region, we can observe many signs which are enough to make us believe that this ingrained state also has arms, representatives and defenders who are no "less ingrained" than the state itself. If not, how  can anyone explain the trend of using thugs against those who belong to the opposition, whether they are protesters, journalists or even parliament members? The idea of being as "ingrained" as the state may make the beneficiaries of this state happy, and they may consider it a positive thing, as this idea reinforces their belief that they are the exclusive representatives of the state, while all their opponents are "enemies" of this state, but they must remember that those who represent the ingrained state in Turkey from members of the Ergenekon organisation, are now prosecuted before the courts, as well as their associates in Egypt, who were involved in the most disgraceful display conducted by an ingrained state, the Battle of the Camel in Tahrir Square. Meanwhile, the ingrained state in Syria is represented by the "Shabbiha" and those who incite and pay for them, and in Jordan, as in most of Arab states, the ingrained state is represented by the thugs who are "doing their work" everywhere in the country, with support from the leading figures of the ruling regime. The "ingrained state" doesn't have a clear definition, but we can use this expression in reference to the coalitions and alliances that are intent on retaining the hegemony of the state for the sole purpose of meeting their own personal interests and benefits. In Jordan, we call them the "counter powers", as they always resist any reforms and try to close the road to democracy. They usually use harsh methods in countering their opponents. Their ends always justify their means to the extent that they have no problem in using criminals, thieves and thugs who are wanted by the judiciary, to do their bidding in halting any democratic change or necessary reforms. The ingrained state could be considered as an "unofficial party", run from hidden rooms, and by people who are beyond accountability. Those people are powerful to a level that qualifies them to be a "state within a state". This state works in parallel with the official state, but occasionally  it works against the state if it feels threatened by changes the state is planning to adopt, as it is very eager to protect its political, economic and social privileges. We have witnessed the victory of the ingrained state in its battle against reforms and democratic change in Jordan. We have seen it ruin the reformation process of any serious meaning. It oppresses the youth and social movements which call for reforms and change, and launches McCarthyist campaigns against the Islamist movements. These campaigns are not intended to criticise these movements, but to remove them completely from the political scene. We have also seen the ingrained state attack journalists in their offices and even beat them physically. We saw it abolish the pro-reforms MPs, even if they are more moderate than what is required.  We have seen it standing in the front line of the battle against reforms and reformers. Through this vision of the ingrained state, we can understand that it stands as a clear evidence of the failure of the official state in building a regime based on citizenship, comprehensive and sustainable development, justice, good governance, freedom, transparency and sovereignty of law. The ingrained state can't survive unless the state itself fails in establishing all previous concepts, which is why the ingrained state doesn't seem powerful except if there is a general failure and in exceptional circumstances. That said, we have to believe that the ingrained state will not survive forever, and its figures will be held accountable regardless of how long they remain in their position. We can take a look at judgements of the icons, politicians and generals of the ingrained state in Turkey, even though some of them have died, but they are still prosecuted for their crimes, and others attend the hearings in wheelchairs. The ingrained state is an illegitimate one, and it will be subject to justice regardless how long it will survive.   The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.