Keeping Jordan fine and strong

The message of His Majesty King Abdullah to the people through the Royal Court’s Facebook page was meant to reassure them that the country is “fine” and “strong”, and that “it is imperative to continue working and building on what our forefathers have built, with the same will, determination and persistence to safeguard the gift on independence… and hand it over to the coming generations”.

Addressing Jordanians as the country observes several important occasions — the Monarch’s accession to the Throne, Independence Day, Army Day, the Great Arab Revolt — the King urged them to forge ahead with efforts to build on national accomplishments, for some of which ancestors “sacrificed a lot”.

The message strikes a chord with everybody, but it should be of particular importance to those who fear the future in view of the turbulent events in the region.

“Despite all the circumstances that the region is going through, we are fine and Jordan is strong with your determination and efforts,” said the King.

“I am confident,” the King continued, “that the future will be better, that together, we are strong.”

In other words, there is no room for those sceptical about the future of the country or for those who are not willing to shoulder their responsibilities towards their homeland, just as their fathers and forefathers did.

As the Monarch said, we have to safeguard our independence, which, the King reminded his people, was “accomplished through struggle, strong will and determination to build the best future”.

It is our duty now to work hard to maintain the gains achieved so far and work hard for an even better future.

That does not come through whining and complaining, through spreading rumours and conspiracy theories, but through hard work, love for and belonging to the country, and trust in the future.

In the course of its history, Jordan faced challenges and dangers. It weathered them, staying the oasis of peace and tranquillity that it is known to be, and that is sought, in times of hardship, by the peoples of the region fleeing dictatorship, death and destruction.