As Jordan has embarked on a political reform process, it is
important to realize that culture change is a prerequisite to carry out
political reforms successfully, given that politics is intertwined with
cultural performance.
اضافة اعلان
Cultural changes usually start with a trust-building process
and support. The path to political changes in Jordan starts with a form of
renaissance to guarantee sustainable successful outcomes. This process should
be given priority and should aim at achieving pluralism, acceptance of and
respect for diversity and the rule of law.
Effecting change is a very long and complex process, and for
it to acquire a solid base, there is need for clear policies on political
inclusion, especially important to restoring the confidence of the people,
rebuilding credibility and inspiring hope for the future.
Therefore, national harmony, political inclusion and
reconciliation should be the target of Jordan’s domestic policies. This can be
achieved through a national narrative that redefines the concept of political
opposition and the societal roles of all actors.
Presently, countries across the globe are facing
multidimensional challenges, with the expanding gap between people and
governments becoming an international phenomenon. The crisis is not limited to
economic challenges, rather it is also a crisis of governance that needs a
reshaping of the concept of the role of the state.
Criticism in Jordan has traditionally been aimed at individuals, rather than organizations, people, rather than processes.
At home, economic hardships and political frustration pushed
Jordanians to take to the streets in this past decade. The accumulation of
missteps and bad policies created an atmosphere of frustration, tension and
anger. Maintaining stability in Jordan, which is linked foremost to the absence
of anti-state sentiment amongst its people, is the most crucial strategy.
Criticism in Jordan has traditionally been aimed at
individuals, rather than organizations, people, rather than processes.
Therefore, it is important for Jordan to adopt a reconciliatory approach when
it comes to domestic policies in order to maintain this peaceful record, while
keeping in mind that the country, like much of the rest of the world, is faced
with changes in the popular attitude, manifested in protests, strikes, inter
alia.
Jordan is in need of an action plan based on new perceptions
to achieve these objectives. The point of departure is a sophisticated
communication approach to bridge the gap between people and officials.
Jordan’s strength lies in its maintaining domestic harmony.
Therefore, it is fundamental to reinforce national solidarity, which can be
achieved only by getting people involved in, engaged with and responsible for
their own future and destiny.
This is the only way to do away with the feeling of being
marginalized and excluded, a prevalent phenomenon in Jordan of today.
It is of utmost urgency to enhance the sense of
responsibility among the people of Jordan by getting them involved in preparing
and implementing solutions, rather than having them as mere absorbers of
consequences.
The writer is a Jordanian university professor and
geopolitical expert. He is a leading columnist in national, regional, and
international media, offers consultancies to think tanks and speaks at
international conferences on Middle East politics and developments.
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