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Democracy at work

Dec 22,2014 - Last updated at Dec 22,2014

His Majesty King Abdullah invited former prime ministers to a roundtable discussion on regional developments and domestic issues.

The meeting, one of many the King has been holding “to keep close contact with leading figures of the Jordanian community”, highlights the democratic approach used by the Monarch in the decision-making process.

Keeping people apprised of events and response to them, particularly individuals who have a leading role in society, is the best way to run affairs and gauge the pulse of the street.

Eliciting their views and opinions is both constructive and democratic, and the Monarch sets the pace in the region this way, again.

An issue of great concern to Jordan is the emergence of extremism and terrorism all around it, and this poses a threat to all in the region and farther, determining Jordan to take part in the fight against this phenomenon as part of a broad coalition.

As an Islamic country, it is only normal that Jordan should fight an evil that maligns Islam.

Another challenge the Kingdom holds as a priority is the Palestinian issue.

Jordan has been working relentlessly, at different fora, to help Palestinians fulfil their right to establish an independent state on their national soil.

The shameful occupation of Palestine has lasted for too long, and throughout these long years, Jordan under the Hashemites has been an undisputed champion of Palestinian rights.

Domestically, economic development, unemployment, poverty, people’s well-being are issues the Kingdom has to tackle, said the King.

The former prime ministers attending the meeting brought with them a wealth of wisdom and experience, so they can be most useful in helping to steer the country in the right direction.

They no doubt have their own perspectives on how to deal with contemporary developments in the Middle East and locally, but the fact that their ideas are being sought shows the King’s desire to democratise the decision-making process and broaden the input of experienced statesmen who served the county and know its workings.

Our region is undergoing dramatic changes on many fronts, not all for the better.

These trying times require the counsel of the best minds, and the King has been seeking opinion from both within and outside the country.

His visits to Arab and other lands were motivated by the desire to widen the circle of contacts with the outside world.

The advice from within the country is equally important. As such, the King has been visiting various regions, assessing the situation and listening to suggestions, so decisions that will be taken can enjoy the widest possible base.

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