Jordanian government sacked amid protests

The king of Jordan today sacked his government in the wake of street protests and asked an ex-army general to form a new Cabinet, the country's Royal Palace said.

King Abdullah's move came after thousands of Jordanians took to the streets - inspired by the regime change in Tunisia and the turmoil in Egypt - and called for the resignation of prime minister Samir Rifai, who is blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slowed political reforms.