Jordanian unity key to fighting terrorism — former PM

AMMAN — Terrorism in the region is Jordan’s major security challenge that can only be defied through a strong internal front, former prime minister Faisal Fayez said on Wednesday.

Fayez, the first deputy Senate president, highlighted the Kingdom’s openness to the international community and its ability to build coalitions with neighbours and allies as key to dealing with several possible developments in the region. 

As the current regional situation “does not forecast a bright future for the Arab and Muslim nation”, Jordanians must sustain a strong social fabric against all types of extremism, he said at a lecture at the University of Jordan.    

“Jordan has been able to overcome all hardships and crises due to its wise leadership as well as Jordanians’ faith in their country and security bodies,” Fayez added, noting that the Kingdom’s ability to maintain its stability has won it international recognition and admiration.

The senator, also a former Lower House speaker, said Jordan’s “humane and dignified” treatment of refugees is appreciated by enemies before friends, noting that the Kingdom hosts some 1.5 million Syrians despite its limited resources and economic challenges.  

“It is our fate in this country to continuously face challenges and crises due to our geopolitical location,” he said, adding that Jordan’s pluralism, and respect of freedoms and opinions has spared it from dealing with the “so-called Arab Spring”.

Yet, economic challenges remain at the heart of challenges to development.

Fayez called for a more just distribution of resources across the Kingdom, stressing the need to end poverty, especially among young people to protect them from falling prey to terrorism and extremism.

“Challenges should not hinder us from building and developing Jordan, as Jordan is known for turning challenges into opportunities,” he said, noting that the Royal roadmap for reform, embodied in several legislative amendments, is gradual.

The former Royal Court chief underscored the need for a “logical and comprehensive” discourse that promotes an “enlightened dialogue” to be adopted by educational and religious institutions as well as media outlets to fight terrorist discourse.