A national think tank

A national think tank should not reflect harmony and pro-government politics, but should at least be able to influence policy in an informal way.

The idea of involving more people in the decision-making process, in an informal way, is undoubtedly brilliant, as it gives people the chance to express their thoughts, involves them and, above all, provides decision makers with many ideas and opinions.

This should be going together with a clear, transparent and responsible decision making mechanism.

Such a step could start by shaping a council that can play the role of think tank for the country.

Jordanians like to feel that, in some way, they are aware of the decision-making process. They should not be kept away from such process.

Monotony in decision making does not help, especially when the fast changes in our times necessitate a wise consideration of the desire of people who witness the changes. 

Jordan needs change in the political scene, not only in the way it runs, but also at the level of persons and experiences.

Many people are baffled to find themselves dealing with the same persons every time. Some, ironically, see Jordanian politicians as “one size fits all”.

The government should think about involving people in the decision-making process. That way, people would feel more comfortable, assured about the quality and happier to follow some of the steps taken till the very end, as decisions taken influence their lives one way or another.

Involving people in the decision-making process will be a good start towards a more transparent phase that we should all work hard to make better, by avoiding the mistakes of the past and learning from them how to have a better present and brilliant future.

For that, there is need of willingness and determination. At the same time, it would be unwise to think that the current way of imposing people and politics will always function.

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