When the King places the terrorist attack in Karak at the forefront of the Speech from the Throne with which he opened the third ordinary session of the National Assembly, it means that confronting terrorist groups and their misguided ideology has become a supreme national priority, requiring a new approach across the state's institutions.
اضافة اعلان
In the royal classification, these individuals are not merely terrorists by legal and national definition. They are traitors to their country and their people, and neither they nor their ideology have a place among us.
This national confrontation with terrorism and terrorists joins a set of challenges and threats that together form what can be described as a new royal assessment of the situation for the coming stage. It arises from the unprecedented state of uncertainty in the region and the open conflicts that pose threats to Jordan's national security, and that require prudent and firm management by both the legislative and executive authorities.
More important still are the principles the King set out, which form a strong foundation for rebuilding the home front to face these dangers. The King was clear and direct, as in his speech at the United Nations, in classifying Israeli policies as the greatest threat to the security of the region and its peoples. This is a fundamental shift in Jordanian policy, and a key driver of the state's domestic and foreign approach.
Strengthening the home front calls for restoring the principles of national and responsible pluralism in service of Jordan's interest first. This is what the King said and elaborated on, affirming, to warm applause from those present, that difference of opinion is a strength for us all, as long as Jordan's interest is its aim, and that debate on public affairs is a right for everyone, protected and safeguarded by the Constitution. He also sent a stronger and clearer message to all officials: "This homeland's chest and our hearts are open to every sincere and responsible opinion."
The strength of the home front, by the royal definition, does not stop there. It extends to everyone who holds public responsibility, for the law "knows no name, no office and no influence," and "no one who abuses their position is immune, whoever they may be."
The King offered a major dose of royal support to the responsible national opposition, and to political and media pluralism at home. This should not be misunderstood or used in ways that contradict its national meaning. For this reason, the King returned to remind us of a fundamental principle: "the etiquette of disagreement." He had previously reaffirmed the constitutional and legal controls more than once.
The responsibility here falls on the shoulders of MPs, the government, political parties, the media and all who work in public affairs, to manage the national debate about our various issues in a way that serves people's interests and strengthens trust in institutions, rather than nihilistic rhetoric that diminishes the state and its institutions, or that merely beautifies their image at the expense of the truth.
In this sense, we can truly confront the hate speech that has exhausted our societies and deepened their divisions, and that has become a global problem threatening all of humanity.
The speech also shows how deeply the King is preoccupied with the lives and future of Jordanians. Health, education and work, along with development, remain at the forefront of his constant concerns. Yet the issue of water security takes an absolute priority for His Majesty more than ever before, as a pressing national need and a major affirmation of self-reliance, in light of the strategic deterioration in Jordanian-Israeli relations and the dangers facing external sources in southern Syria that threaten our water rights.
The Speech from the Throne is the honest expression of what the King thinks as a Jordanian, what he aspires to achieve for our country, and what he hopes for from the constitutional authorities and everyone concerned with public affairs, in opposition and in government, at a delicate moment in our history. I believe the King will not tolerate anyone who tries to circumvent his directives or ignores the priorities and interests of Jordanians.
