Helping Jordan help others

Despite the tough regional situation, the economic crisis, the lack of resources and the influx of refugees, Jordan has managed to stabilise its economic and monetary situation.

According to figures presented by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and members of his ministerial team at a meeting with newspaper chief editors on Monday, Jordan’s economy seems to be on the right track despite, most importantly, insufficient international assistance to the Kingdom to deal with the presence of around 1.5 million Syrians who took refuge in Jordan.

According to the prime minister, the direct cost of hosting the refugees is around $2.8 billion; the international community contributes around 38 per cent of the amount. The remainder 62 per cent is shouldered by Jordan, whose budget is already under immense pressure because of the lack of resources and the rise in energy costs.

Of course, there are other indirect costs for hosting the refugees, which include the social and security impact that has to be given careful consideration.

Some countries that had a role in inflaming the situation in Syria did nothing to help Jordan cope with this situation, nor are they offering the refugees any tangible help.

While friends and allies from around the world continue to extend a hand to the Kingdom and the refugees, fully aware of the grave humanitarian situation of the people who escaped a devastating war in their country, some countries in the region are doing little.

The assistance offered to Jordan is much appreciated, but the international community has to be made aware of the magnitude of the problem and the need to sustain Jordan’s role as a force of moderation and stability, as an oasis of peace and security that is sheltering refugees, not only from Syria but also from scores of other countries.

Jordan exerts efforts not only to meet the requirements of the emerging situation but also to satisfy its people who have, over the past decades, received wave after wave of refugees.

Amid the concerns, the country has to forge ahead with plans to build a better future for its people, improve services, give citizens, especially the young ones, hope for a better future, especially at times like these when radical groups in the region take advantage of the dire economic situation to recruit youngsters and wreak havoc on the regional and international stability.

The Kingdom has been and will remain an oasis of stability in the Middle East, through the efforts of its people and the support of its allies and friends who will not let it down.

This trait has to be supported through whatever means.