Politicians, observers commend Masri’s achievements throughout political career

AMMAN — Politicians and thinkers said the former prime minister, Taher Masri, stands out as a statesman for his long involvement in politics without compromising his principles.

Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of Masri’s new book “The Turbulent Time of Harvest”, they said the book chronicles the past 25 years in Jordan, a politically pivotal period in the Kingdom’s history.

The book includes a number of published articles, lectures and other documents by the former Senate president on various local, regional and international political issues.

Political analyst and columnist Oraib Rantawi said Masri, who was born in 1942 in Nablus, deals with international issues during the discussed period from a “realist” point of view, as opposed to the state of denial that politicians usually experience. 

He also maintained consistency during times of major changes at the world stage, such as the fall of the Soviet Union and its repercussions on the region, according to Rantawi.

Fahed Khitan, also a political analyst and columnist, said Masri, who has served as Lower House speaker and an ambassador, has always taken the side of the people and popular movements despite his senior state positions.

He noted that the book offers an explanation to the statesman stance on national unity and reform, as well as his views opposing Jordan’s decision on the disengagement from the West Bank.

“By writing this book, Masri does not seek positions, as he has had it all… he seeks a fair judgement of his career,” Khitan said at the event, held at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and attended by a large number of states people, writers and activists. 

The author, who was also a member and president of several local and inter-Arab initiatives and organisations, exemplifies a balanced relation between culture, politics and authority, said Omar Razzaz, the chairman of the Jordan Strategy Forum.

The former prime minister, Abdul Karim Kabariti, said the book embodies good citizenship that puts national interests before personal ones, adding that throughout his political career, Masri mastered the art of striking balances.

Commenting on the book and the reviews, Masri said that throughout his career, he sought to instil the concept of public service as one that is not limited to those in public office.

“I am the son of the state in its wide and modern concept,” he said.

Masri, who has received 14 local and international high-level honorary awards, added that he expresses his views openly as part of his concern for the general public.

All proceeds from the book will be donated to the King Hussein Cancer Centre.