Jordan: Reform, NOT Constitutional Monarchy

Debate has been raging among Jordanians of pros and cons of Constitutional Monarchy as part of reform. However, the issue that should be addressed first is how we can arrive at this reform, assuming we do have the necessary requirements for it. Reform, in all its forms, political, social, economical, and intellectual, must have a full societal awareness in order to achieve it and make it permanent. Only those whom reform is against their interest will oppose it and fight it, because it threatens their power, influence, and corrupted gains.

Arab citizens, in all Arab countries, had been living for so many decades and generations, in a state of fear, subjugation, oppression, and patriarchy. They had been deprived of their basic human rights and needs. But, society awareness is the must needed aspect for a lasting reform. It requires people with knowledge, culture, common sense, and intellect, so not to become anarchy. Basic principles of freedom, democracy, and justice must be taught to the masses before arriving at reform. Political and social awareness in our Jordanian society is weak, and built on emotion rather than thinking, and on clan mentality rather than national identity. Reform must walk hand in hand with education, awareness, and law in order for Jordanians to know their rights and duties toward themselves and their country.

Reform cannot be accomplished without two basic principles: Law and education as a first stage. Laws must be reformed first, then enforced to prevent misuse of power, corruption, and unlawful acts and practices that are a threat to human security, which is also a threat to national security. National security is human security, and without human security, there is no national security. Killing females in the name of honor, applying tribal laws not national laws, exploiting people living conditions in employment, and destroying public property in clan vendettas, are some of the miens of ignorance in our society that require reforming the laws to put an end to it.

Reforming laws need with it a reform in education that starts in a very young age, in order to end all forms of clan mentality, which is the single most threat to human and national securities in Jordan. Clan mentality is the source for nepotism, favoritism, and corruption in Jordan, which in turn is disrupting national identity and unity of Jordanians, and dividing them in a manner that is creating instability and insecurity, among them. If clan mentality is not put to rest, Jordan's human and national securities will be at risk, and the country will be fragmented.

As for the system of Constitutional Monarchy, those who are calling for it, either are looking for their self interest, unpractical in their demands, or unfamiliar with what reform needs. With the existence of clan mentality that is harming the country, the private sector who is a big business that cares more about their profits and interests, not Jordanians and their welfare, and the power centers who are acting like a Mafia eager to control, the only safety valve is the King.

Jordan problems are those that were mentioned previously. They have their selfish interests at hand, whereas, the King has his country and people ahead. The King is passionate about his people, which is something i cannot said about so many others, who have been sinking Jordan into more poverty, division, and insecurity. The King is unbiased and impartial citizen and leader of Jordan, while the others are bias and ex parte. As a citizen, the King has the right to have his saying in Jordanian affairs. And as a ruler who cares about his people and his country, the King has the right to maintain his powers giving to him by the constitution.

We need to take reform step by step, but with fast paced moves. And we do not need to copy Western systems of Constitutional Monarchy to reach at reform. Constitutional Monarchy of the Western style have brought poverty, war, and instability to their societies. However, If the vast majority of Jordanians want such a system,then let us invent a new form based on our history, traditions, and culture, in which check and balance take a place. An Upper and Lower Houses, who are truly representatives of the people, a reformed Judicial Branch, and the Monarch who is just and impartial. But this cannot be demanded now without real reform and change of mentality. 

If we want change, then we must start first with ourselves and our institutions, not our Monarchy. It is unfair to throw our misery at the King, when we bare the burden for our problems and misfortunes. We, the people, who the majority of us lack common sense, and it is us who tolerate and accept clan mentality and institutionalize it. It is us who do not raise our voices against university violence and killing females in the name of honor. It is us who accept bribery to vote for candidates and promote nepotism.

The change that has been sweeping the Arab World, has awakened in us dignity, pride, and honor. And we can build on that to finally bring back the long lost Arab heritage and culture. And be participants and contributors once more to human history and civilization after a very long absence. Jordan's King cannot be compared to other Arab Kings and Leaders, not in intellect, culture, or fairness. It is natural to disagree with our leaders on foreign and domestic policies, but it is unrealistic to think changing the system when not needed, will bring us stability and prosperity. You do not need change just for change, you need it for progress, development and security. I can trust the King's judgment and ability to rule, which is something truly i cannot say about so many others.