By Amer Al Sabaileh
• The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection - Thomas Paine
Recently, we are hearing a lot of criticisms from abroad directed at the head of the Jordanian political system. Leaving aside for one instant the rights and wrongs of this particular criticism, the question took me back to the roots which determined my choice to be an independent political analyst with reform on his mind.
I still remember one of the main concerns I tackled in my Master’s thesis: the problem of how Western studies never see us as capable people who are able to develop and change ourselves independently. The continuous lessons we receive in civilization, and the criticism and pressure applied is part and parcel of the white Eurocentric superiority complex that believes the “third world people” contributed nothing to the advancement of civilization. We will always need the superior virtues possessed by the so-called “first world”. I remember clearly William Easterly’s book with the provocative title “The White Man’s Burden” linked to Kipling’s full imperial flight. It emphasizes the parallel vision between colonial enterprise of the former Western powers and the de facto relationship of today’s donor countries. These are defined in terms of substantially the same powers, namely the West (i.e. not the East) and the aid recipients (the rest) to illustrate how the west can impose its vision and its will on “the Rest.”
Returning to the present, Jordan is suffering from the pressure that some donors are putting on us. It is all too clear the mechanism of linking support and aid to the imposition of political or strategic decisions. However, Jordan is a very particular country and illusive to the casual external observer. I sometimes wonder if some foreign bystanders who have suddenly become experts in Jordanian issues have ever studied the history or psychology of the Jordanian people to understand fully their particularity. To be quite honest, from what I’ve read recently, the accurate knowledge of certain journalists is dubious. Therefore, it is time for these reporters to stop giving us lessons or outlining the mistakes we should rectify.
Criticizing our country in such a destructive way contradicts their proclaimed good intentions. Portraying an awful image of our country -which has always strived towards achieving simplicity, hopes and dreams of a better future, is none other than a crime. Furthermore, the easy option of highlighting the dark side of each story whilst forgetting all the achievements obtained by Jordanians is nothing less than a cheap attempt to make news at the expense of an entire population.
It would be well to remember the achievements Jordan has made in recent years and even now, when criticisms are raining in from every side. The role that Jordan has assumed in peacekeeping in the area is reiterated in the King’s initiatives to mediate today in a period of escalating conflicts. Where western policies are destined to fail, a stable regime with an agenda designed to satisfy individual national interests whilst defining common regional interests could be far more effective. The role that Jordan has played in initiating debate on democratic reform in the region is being continued by the efforts of the King, despite the criticisms leveled on his close advisors. We are also witnessing efforts to resolve pressing problems such as the foundation of a Palestinian state and an attempt to investigate social and economic conditions in our country as a precursor for social reforms. And we shouldn’t forget the successful infrastructure projects that all Jordanians should be proud of.
Although I have always been a chief critic of corruption, I cannot accept that the blame for this should be placed entirely at the feet of King Abdullah as some of the critics are insinuating. These critics who paint the picture of a dark corrupt era are ambushing any attempt at correct governance in linking the present times to corruption and incapacity to govern the country. However, if we examine the precedents we quickly realize that King Hussein’s era was no less corrupted, but many of the officials from that time are strangely presenting themselves as being reformists and fighters of corruption today. Privatization was not an initiative of our present King but we still remember that it is linked to Prime Minister Kabraiti in 1996. There are also many other scandals whose precedents are unquestionable.
One example is the scandalous Wadi Araba Peace Treaty that Jordan signed. Although it is criticized and condemned today, it is not an outcome of King Abdullah’s era and could never have been his doing if we consider that the King has been the leader who has most openly criticized Israel on frequent occasions. On the contrary, a rather anomalous situation has been brought to bear with the fact that the architect of Wadi Araba is actually becoming Prime Minister and a beloved ally to the Muslim Brotherhood, in one of the most contradictory scenes ever. Is it possible that people forget all this just because he doesn’t belong to King Abdullah’s era? Is this the criteria on which to make a choice? Surely the criteria for any solution should be based on building new capacity with a new national strategy to encourage new young leaders who can handle the responsibility of serving their country well.
The contradictions and confusing scenarios could cause negative consequences that would affect each one of us. Therefore, Jordan should be assured that their rights and national interests will not be harmed by any future relations with Hamas or the Qataris as it is possible that these new relationships might trigger many questions and worries.
Today we need to restore confidence in our leadership as we are at a watershed on the path to reform. If we manage to and maintain a state of calm and determination, then positive moves forward will be guaranteed. Let’s not forget that the chance we have today may never come tomorrow so let’s seize it now as we all believe in trying to make our homeland - Jordan - a better one.
Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
http://amersabaileh.blogspot.com
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