Jordan: A shining state with perseverance and human dignity

On the doorsteps of the second century, Jordan had been finishing building a substantive body of government that is sophisticated, detailed and ready to launch the country into a new and, expectedly, more prosperous future. It is well-known that Jordan has been investing in its youthful population since its creation in 1921. Hence, the human resources available in the country are enormous. Their contribution to humanity and civilisation in the diaspora is highly cherished by their new communities wherever they choose to reside in the world. Such resources, moreover, manifest themselves in the vast number of local Jordanian NGOs and volunteers covering all walks of life in a small country like Jordan. It is also worth noting that Jordan is among the top-tier countries in utilising modern communication technologies and social media, with very minute restrictions, if any at all.

After 100 years, Jordanians’ love and admiration for the Hashemite family have passed the test of time. His Majesty King Abdullah, like his Hashemite predecessors, has been very close to his citizens, mindful of their concerns, trying to chart a prosperous future for the country against all odds. Maintaining the humane element of the relationship between the state and society is a remarkable feat of the Hashemite ruling. King Abdullah is embracing this relationship through thick and thin. To divulge into some history of the Hashemite dynasty, one needs to state that they were the rulers of Hijaz and the custodians of the Islamic most holy shrines, Mecca and Medina. The Hashemites’ interest in shaking off and uprise against the Ottoman heavy-handed ruling and making the Arab nation in control of its destiny was the primary reason behind the Great Arab revolt. In an unfortunate turn of events, the British Empire deceptively manipulated this revolt and negated their promises to the Hashemites. The great Hashemite yearnings and hopes were confined to the small state of Jordan, a land considered by the colonising power as an impoverished land that cannot develop. How wrong they were! Jordan straddles many ancient civilisations, and the people of Jordan are the sons and daughters of these civilisations.

Despite the country’s size, Jordan is considered one of significant states in the Middle East. The country’s location has, inevitably, placed it in proximity to major regional conflicts. Against all the wisdom and good offices of the late King Hussein and King Abdullah, world politics wreaked havoc with the Jordanian economy, lifestyle and could have been its very existence. Managing threats and foiling terror are some of the unfortunate new normal for the Jordanian government. A geopolitical peril that we Jordanians have to endure with heavy consequences on our social fabric and well-being. The swelling refugee population is a dire concern for Jordan. However, emanating from our beliefs and human values, embraced by all Jordanians and charted by our beloved King, Jordan has never closed its borders in the face of those who need shelter and a safe place. We never defaulted on those who need to heal their wounds and the vulnerable for security or fiscal claims. Let us also remember that the Jordanian army has been on peace missions in major conflict areas worldwide. These values are deeply embedded in the Jordanian system and government practices.

The political stability of Jordan is of major significance and consequences on the Middle East region and beyond. We thank God for the political stability of Jordan against all odds. In 1994, Jordan had signed a peace treaty with Israel to pave the way for an amicable relationship with Israel. Jordanians to this date are still waiting for the fruition of this treaty. This fruition is residing behind the ever-receding horizon! Since Prime Minister Netanyahu took office, Israel has never been able to bridle its lust for land or mongering with the affairs of its neighbours in an attempt to destabilise or weaken them. This is enormously regrettable and still a significant source of unease and threat for Jordan. Israel seems to be presently involved in major plots and conspiracies to play with the political landscape of Jordan. Only time will prove that Jordan will endure Israel’s unwise and rogue conduct under Netanyahu. Choosing this time of worldwide hardship could not have been more manipulative and wicked.

Jordanians’ experimentation with democratisation has been going on since 1928. The late King Hussein restituted the current phase of parliamentary life in 1989. This was labelled by the think tank Freedom House as “the Arab world’s most promising experiment in political liberalisation and reform”. To this end, Jordan has been instrumental in ratifying the main international treaties, which entails that our justice system conforms to international standards. Unlike many regimes in the world, Jordan has never been brutal towards the opposition. The Hashemite monarchy has always been tolerant and engaged with the opposition.  In many cases, the government was able to sway opposition to be part of the regime.

The legitimacy of the monarchy has never been in doubt. Jordanians seem to find much comfort in the concept of enlightened monarchy, which may exceed the vague notion of democracy. Our aware population can, under His Majesty King Abdullah, play an active role in the country’s development process, not just directly by being part of the infrastructure or the projects but also indirectly by knowing what is wrong, questioning it, and being part of the rectification process. A form of active citizenship, engaging in discussion and deliberation with fellow citizens for the greater benefit of the society.

True. Economic development skills have not been our best virtue. It seems that our subsequent governments have been enduring the pressure of providing services for the geometrically growing population. At the same time trying to survive the harsh political reality of the region. It is worth noting that the governments were successful at offering decent utilities and services for the citizens of Jordan despite the meager resources available to expend. However, this has created a mindset or a yardstick to measure governments’ performance with KPIs unrelated to economic development. Worst still, it seems that the governments have overlooked organisational development and innovation skills. However, King Abdullah has been aware of the organisational development flaws, and the Royal Court seems to be currently involved with the necessary remedies to that. As a citizen, I see the King’s demand on having an inclusive government capable of understanding the citizens’ needs and expectations. I also see the direct involvement of the parliament, both the Senate and the representatives, in trying to have hands-on experience with economic development and inclusive government requirements.

It is vital to understand that in Jordan we do not have a system of stratified social class. Despite the rich and poor presence, there are no barriers between them based on wealth, income, geographic location, or any other factor. Moreover, it is crucial to understand that we do not have a system of plutocracy or oligarchy in Jordan. The King preserves the constitution and maintains the separation of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.