I assure you all that Jordan is strong and resilient — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday addressed the nation, stressing that despite all threats and challenges, the country remains strong and resilient. 

“I assure you all that Jordan is strong and resilient, as it has been throughout the decades. Time and again, Jordan has proven that it is stronger and larger than those with faithless spirits, who have ill-intentions for the country and long for an opportune moment to attack and undermine it in every way possible,” he said in the speech, in an apparent reference to the Daesh terror group, which has declared that Jordan’s security is a target.

“… Every time we were put to the test, we emerged stronger. And today, we are stronger than ever before,” the King told the nation in the speech, broadcast live on Jordan TV (see full text).

He stressed that terrorists harm rather than serve Islam, which, he said, is not a faith of factions and parties, nor should it be reduced to a simple dichotomy between extremism against moderation. 

“As for those who deviate, kill, torture and violate everything that is sacred, they are the enemies of Islam. And Islam has nothing to do with their doings.”

His Majesty assured Jordanians that he “knows and feels” their situation and what they are going through. “I feel your worries and fears, your hopes and ambitions, your dreams for the future, amidst all the turbulence our Arab region faces, which is unprecedented in our modern history.”

But Jordan still seeks a better future, regardless of hindrances. 

“We stand, today, before the future we seek and rightfully deserve. A future that we are forging for Jordan, not the dismal future sought by those criminals, who claim to be Muslims — wreaking terror and faking piety.”

The recipe for victory is unity, awareness and preparing the next generation to shoulder its responsibilities and protect them from radicalism, according to the Monarch. 

“Living side-by-side in fraternity and in solidarity as one family, Muslims and Christians, citizens from different origins, all stand ready to fulfil the call of duty.

“We build our future by arming the young generation with a progressive and civilised outlook based on values of good citizenship, initiative, ambition, excellence, respect for work and achievement. This foundation will immunise them against radicalism and violence, which contradicts our values, ethics and everything we stand for. The sanctity of life and the respect for self and others are the essence of our beliefs.”

The King added that the Kingdom’s strength and the pivotal role it enjoys in the region and the world did not come by accident. 

“This status has been realised by creative and tireless Jordanian hands, who hold the Jordanian flag high, and put Jordan on the map of excellence and achievement in many fields. This is why we stand strong and united in a region shaken by ethnic and sectarian strife and — above all — terrorism.”

He stressed that there shall be no compromise or leniency when it comes to security and stability, which are “the foundations of life, and the rule of law is the bedrock of a safe and stable state, a state in which we can live with integrity and equality in rights and duties, where everyone is equally responsible — citizens and institutions alike”.

The King urged Jordanians to be filled with pride that “comes from deeds and not words, by achievement and collective action”. 

“Above all, today, I say to you, the men and women of Jordan: Be proud,” His Majesty said, citing a list of achievements that make Jordanians worthy of this feeling.