Towards a Jordanian Renaissance

O

n May 25, 2016, Jordan celebrated its 70th independence anniversary.

This is an important event for a country that faced many political and economic hardships.

Jordan presents an important model of stability to the countries of the region, which face serious challenges. However, in evaluating the level of progress and development, it is always important for decision makers not to fall in the trap of comparing Jordan to the countries around whose situation is bad to convince themselves that things are on the right track.

Change is a continuous process and development is a progressive issue; people should always seek to imitate successful models.

Many are the challenges that Jordan faces today, internally and externally. 

Internally, Jordan should focus more on building and implementing an effective de-radicalisation strategy, on effecting concrete changes to the socio-economic situation of the rural zones, such as implementing micro-economic projects that can make people feel productive and give them a better chance to participate in building their future.

This might be done through a wide national strategy that aims at a real change of the socio-economic system, one that is capable of putting an end to the economic dependence on the state.

Such measures could prevent any future uprising by frustrated and unemployed youth.

The Independence Day should be the occasion when decision makers start an evaluation process, revise past mistakes and plan for a future of progress, based on enlightenment and positive cultural reform.

Jordan should have developed a plan that makes Amman the place where culture evolves and develops.

A Jordanian Renaissance should be the target for the coming phase.

The movement towards Enlightenment should include all aspects of life.

It should be a cultural movement that includes art and education, and above all, it should consolidate the concepts of pluralism, respect for diversity and for the rule of law.

By attaining this, Jordan can start its real Renaissance and play a major role in rebuilding the cultural scene of this region.

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