As days pass, we realise the need for forming, educating and building new young leaders who can fill the gap caused by the fall of the image of political class, lack of trust and credibility, and therefore, change seems to be a must.
We definitely agree that it is not easy to achieve this goal or even take this step. Many theorists have highlighted the importance of this step for the vitality of the political system.
On the Jordanian domestic level, we are living and witnessing a real transformational phase, whether on a level of reflection, demands or wishes. This means that every step from all protagonists should be taken cautiously.
Jordan is facing a pivotal moment where serious decisions based on conviction need to be taken in order to make much needed changes.
A successful balance requires a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of change, a reviewing of previous policies which did not lead to the desired outcomes and finding the best path towards success. This can be applied to everything, from reducing corruption and spreading power and influence down to the masses with greater inclusion, especially amongst the youth. Jordanians are looking for strong leadership, a clear long-term vision, strong decision making and the determination to implement and learn along the way in order to achieve those outcomes.
What Jordan needs today is a flexible mentality, capable of comprehending the changes and able to communicate without narcissism and stubbornness. Every day, there is an ever-widening gap between the state and its people, which can only lead to ever-widening circles of discontent. The last thing we should recommend is that those acts, which cause further confusion or chaos, have no place today.
The solution today is that not repression or the formation of single-minded political groups claiming to represent a nation. We need to pool the best resources we have in a national alliance government in order to get through this transition phase. An attentive read of the current situation should urge Jordanian decision makers to consider the option of involving emerging leaders who represent the interests of young people and representatives to various sectors. Only then can we ensure that we come out with a clear plan as to a transparent road map for reform and better future.
In this evolving environment, Jordan must change the way it manages its political strategy, how it communicates and how it even engages in the region. Seeking better relations with geographic neighbors, especially Syria and Iraq, no longer a luxury, and is a necessary measure to position Jordan in order to protect the future economic and security stability.
Jordan needs to take another look at how it engages in regional politics and implement a new strategy based on a clear objective. This is unlikely to be successful without serious changes in mentality and the protagonists that led to the current situation.
Reviewing and revising policies at all levels is a healthy sign for the Kingdom and should be done in the context of a national security plan that considers the social and economic challenges as well as the security risks that Jordan faces today.
Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
