Does Jordan have talent?

Last month I was invited by Jersey Hospital in the Jersey Channel Islands to lecture on aesthetic dentistry.

The lecture included an introduction to Jordan and the impact of the region’s problems on the country, with special emphasis on the refugee influx and its consequences on the country’s infrastructure and scarce natural resources, especially water.

At the end of the lecture I pointed out that Jordan has compensated for the scarcity of its natural resources by developing and strengthening its human resources. 

My host immediately remarked that there were two successful Jordanian doctors working at Jersey Hospital, which confirmed my point and made me ever more proud of Jordan.

During my brief visit, I found that it is a virtual magnet for people who excel in various walks of life. The country, located in the English Channel, has a population of about 90,000 inhabitants. It has a gross national income of £3.6 billion, which translates into about £40,000 per head.

Thoroughly impressed by the economic success of this tiny island, a question that has dogged me for years sprang in my mind once again.

Despite several individual successes, why are there no Jordanian phenomena or geniuses?

Egypt has Ahmed Zewail and Naguib Mahfouz, Syria has Nizar Qabbani, Lebanon has Fairuz and Iraq has Badr Shakir Sayyab. 

These dazzling Arab stars attracted recognition and glory internationally in science, literature, poetry and art.

Why are Jordanian names absent in this illustrious group?

There seems to be something holding us back from crossing that crucial threshold which transforms the excellent into the extraordinary.

The question is why? Do we have a lower standard of creativity or is it that the saplings of creative energies fadeaway and die early on because there is no nurturing hand of recognition, encouragement and support?

This issue is worthy of study and reflection.

Ahed Al-Wahadni,
Amman