Unacceptable behaviour

The violence that erupted in Zaatari Syrian refugee camp was bound to happen sooner or later. 

Three years of warfare in Syria sent a huge number of people fleeing to neighbouring countries in search of security, leaving everything behind.

It is not easy to live as a refugee, in confined, crowded quarters, even if the host country — in this case Jordan — is doing all in its power and more to make life bearable.

Still, frustration — with the situation in the home country, with the impossibility of living a normal life in the host country — is taking a toll.

The Syrian conflict has been going on for too long and there is no end in sight. That in itself is enough to bring one to despair. Whatever the case, reason has to guide all behaviour.

This time, according to the minister of interior, violence started after a brawl that erupted among three Syrian families attempting to exit the camp without following proper procedures. 

The police officers responsible for the security of the camp are doing their job. They have orders and responsibilities. 

The Syrian refugees need to understand that they are “guests” in Jordan, benefiting from its hospitality and, in return, required to observe at least the little expected of them, which is discipline and respect for the law.

They cannot act in contravention of regulations and choose to force their way out of the camp despite the protestations of the police.

With thousands of other Syrian refugees joining the fray and clashing with the police and Gendarmes guarding the camp, the things turned violent and ugly.

The outcome was injured Jordanian security people and Syrians, resentment and animosity.

That should not be.

It is not easy to restrict movement of such a big number of refugees crowded in camps for long periods of time and not expect disorder and violence at times.

Worse still, weapons and ammunition found their way into the camps, and that should be an absolute proscription.

Refugees are here because they fled death and destruction at home and sought the safety of Jordan. They cannot bring the same to the Kingdom.

Their political beliefs and personal vendettas have no place in the camp.

One understands their plight, and their frustrations, but never their resort to violence and the use of arms.

If they cannot express gratefulness to Jordan, they are expected to at least respect its laws.

The answer to the Syrian refugees’ terrible situation is an end to the civil war that would enable them to return home. But until that happens, while welcome to Jordan, they should know that they are guests of whom the minimum of civility for the host country is expected.