In an exclusive conversation with Akram Hoque and Sayan Ghosh, H.E. Mohamed Ali Daher, the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan talks about Middle-East peace process and democracy in Jordan
B&E: Jordan has a very balanced relations with US, Israel and the Arab nations. How does it maintain the status quo?
H.E. Mohamed Ali Daher (MD): It’s true that Jordan enjoys a very good relationship with all its neighbours. We thought establishing peace with all the countries in the area and Israel would give an extension to channel our resources for development. The urgency of establishing peace has always been there and it’s a global phenomenon that peace has its own rewards. Now, the question is what have we achieved? We are aspiring for better understanding for peace as we say in English that it needs “two to tango”. So, we also need the other side to understand the value of peace and help in establishing permanent peace in the region.
B&E: Establishing peace in the Middle-East region is very much possible. Do you agree to this?
MD: I see no reasons why not. After all, we can’t live life of agony and state of restlessness for all of our life.
B&E: Who will be playing the most critical role in the Middle-East peace process?
MD: Indeed, it’s Israel and the Palestine. Because they have to sit together and talk about peace. Otherwise, the problem between these two countries will not only be a matter of concern for the Middle-East region, but also for the whole world. At present, the US is playing a good role as an inter-mediator to resolve the issue. They have a special envoy George Mitchell, who is shuttling around in the entire region. Jordan is also a key player in the peace process due to its closeness with these countries. However, Jordan don’t play any role away from the rest of the Arab world. As you probably know that in the last Arab summit conference that was held in Beirut, the Arab leaders universally adopted peace plan and it is still on the table. But I am afraid that we have not received any encouraging reaction from Israel. I don’t know how long that would be on the table. Hopefully, it will be implemented. This really reflects how much the world community is emphasising on establishing peace in the region.
B&E: Despite being ruled by the Royal family, Jordan ranks first in the Arab Democracy Index. How do you rate democracy?
MD: For this, we first have to understand the meaning of the word “democracy.” Democracy is so much under the influence of certain social structures. There is no general norm for democracy. Democracy, in my understanding, is that people are not oppressed, they enjoy their rights without any obstruction and they do their duties for the country. These are all integral and essential elements of any democracy. Considering this, I will say, we are enjoying democracy in Jordan and as you mentioned it correctly we are doing well in the index. His Majesty King Abdullah II has always emphasised that democracy is an essential part of the whole process of development and upliftment of the country’s economy. Moreover, like other democratic countries, we have a parliament and it is elected in a very democratic way. As a matter of fact, the country will see its next general election sometime in November this year. Now talking about how some of the western society preview democracy, I am afraid that we have difficulty in understanding western definitions. Democracy in our country is basic necessity and is based on our religion Islam. You cannot say that the Arab world lacks democracy.
I don’t see any Arab country that has a military rule or martial law. Thus, democracy can be tailored according to the need of the people and we are proud of what we are now. We are enjoying all kinds of freedom.
B&E: Jordan has a very balanced relations with US, Israel and the Arab nations. How does it maintain the status quo?
H.E. Mohamed Ali Daher (MD): It’s true that Jordan enjoys a very good relationship with all its neighbours. We thought establishing peace with all the countries in the area and Israel would give an extension to channel our resources for development. The urgency of establishing peace has always been there and it’s a global phenomenon that peace has its own rewards. Now, the question is what have we achieved? We are aspiring for better understanding for peace as we say in English that it needs “two to tango”. So, we also need the other side to understand the value of peace and help in establishing permanent peace in the region.
B&E: Establishing peace in the Middle-East region is very much possible. Do you agree to this?
MD: I see no reasons why not. After all, we can’t live life of agony and state of restlessness for all of our life.
B&E: Who will be playing the most critical role in the Middle-East peace process?
MD: Indeed, it’s Israel and the Palestine. Because they have to sit together and talk about peace. Otherwise, the problem between these two countries will not only be a matter of concern for the Middle-East region, but also for the whole world. At present, the US is playing a good role as an inter-mediator to resolve the issue. They have a special envoy George Mitchell, who is shuttling around in the entire region. Jordan is also a key player in the peace process due to its closeness with these countries. However, Jordan don’t play any role away from the rest of the Arab world. As you probably know that in the last Arab summit conference that was held in Beirut, the Arab leaders universally adopted peace plan and it is still on the table. But I am afraid that we have not received any encouraging reaction from Israel. I don’t know how long that would be on the table. Hopefully, it will be implemented. This really reflects how much the world community is emphasising on establishing peace in the region.
B&E: Despite being ruled by the Royal family, Jordan ranks first in the Arab Democracy Index. How do you rate democracy?
MD: For this, we first have to understand the meaning of the word “democracy.” Democracy is so much under the influence of certain social structures. There is no general norm for democracy. Democracy, in my understanding, is that people are not oppressed, they enjoy their rights without any obstruction and they do their duties for the country. These are all integral and essential elements of any democracy. Considering this, I will say, we are enjoying democracy in Jordan and as you mentioned it correctly we are doing well in the index. His Majesty King Abdullah II has always emphasised that democracy is an essential part of the whole process of development and upliftment of the country’s economy. Moreover, like other democratic countries, we have a parliament and it is elected in a very democratic way. As a matter of fact, the country will see its next general election sometime in November this year. Now talking about how some of the western society preview democracy, I am afraid that we have difficulty in understanding western definitions. Democracy in our country is basic necessity and is based on our religion Islam. You cannot say that the Arab world lacks democracy.
I don’t see any Arab country that has a military rule or martial law. Thus, democracy can be tailored according to the need of the people and we are proud of what we are now. We are enjoying all kinds of freedom.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)
