كالدو..
Mohammed Al-Barari Al-Ajarmeh
Translated by Haifa Ghaith
Tamkeen Association for Democratic Entrepreneurial Dialogue endeavors to promote the values of constructive dialogue and establish its principles, drawing upon the discussion papers formulated by the country's leader, King Abdullah II bin Hussein. These papers have laid the foundation for a clear vision of comprehensive reform and have elucidated the future of democracy in Jordan. The association also calls for active participation in a dialogue concerning the pressing issues of public concern within well-structured frameworks, where officials, according to their respective areas of expertise, engage with the people. This approach aims to address the questions and inquiries circulating within the Jordanian society, bringing perspectives closer together and bridging the widening gap between the government and the people. Differences in opinions and perspectives are an inherent aspect of human nature. It is through these differences that individuals are enriched and distinguished from other creatures. The diversity of opinions, as long as it ultimately resorts to the table of dialogue, is considered a healthy phenomenon. The goal of divergent opinions should be to achieve the common good. Viewing an event from a particular angle does not provide a complete and accurate representation of that event, nor does it invalidate other viewpoints unless it undergoes genuine and purposeful dialogue. Through such meaningful dialogue, the event can be presented in its comprehensive form. Therefore, our national duty calls upon us to place all the issues on which we differ in opinions on the table of dialogue concerning any matter raised in the Jordanian arena, without rigidity in viewpoints. The rigidity of positions and perspectives, and the monopoly of absolute truth by any party, hinder our path towards achieving consensus among all components of the Jordanian state, including the people, government, and institutions. Refusing to accept alternative opinions can become an obstacle in our journey towards realizing the interests of our nation and preserving its history, values, customs, traditions, and culture. This objective aligns with the core focus of Tamkeen Association for Democratic Entrepreneurial Dialogue, which works tirelessly to enhance the values of purposeful and constructive dialogue. Achieving a harmonious blend of all components of the Jordanian political landscape, restoring its clarity and brilliance, requires wisdom. This wisdom should be employed to develop proposals that can garner consensus and ultimately lead to solutions for all the issues arising in the Jordanian arena. These solutions can only be derived through a dialogue in which all parties prioritize the interests of the nation over personal interests. The focus should be on strengthening and expanding areas of agreement, identifying points of divergence, and engaging in deep discussions to find a shared vision that can be embraced by the majority, if not all. Governments with their ministers representing the executive authority, parliamentarians representing the legislative authority, judges representing the judicial authority, civil society institutions, journalists, and citizens - we are all ultimately children of this country. It is our collective duty to work collaboratively among these entities to expand areas of consensus. However, we must also remain aware of the regional and global events surrounding us. The path towards achieving this consensus will not be a bed of roses. There will be those who seek to exploit any distance created between the people and the government in a negative manner, and addresses these issues in his public dialogues, meetings, and writings. The public opinion, subject to various interpretations, can be corrected through direct encounters between officials and citizens. The officials should answer all inquiries in an atmosphere characterized by balanced and calm dialogue, which can lead to more positive outcomes and better serve the general purpose and public interest. This approach allows officials to connect with the pulse of the street, listen to it, and address any imbalances that may arise. These gaps can be overcome with support for our efforts to strengthen the domestic front and enhance the relationship to restore warmth and balance to the heart of Jordan. We must always remember, as we discuss public affairs, the long and honorable history of Jordan that unites us all. We should stand before it every year, on every national occasion, extend our hands to shake it, and recall the national achievements that deserve our utmost respect and credit. We should remember the heroic deeds of our ancestors who sacrificed their lives and offered the most precious thing one can give, their souls, in dedication to their homeland. They had the honor of martyrdom, and those who did not die by the sword perished in other ways. The memory of those who died by the sword remains with us, kept alive by those who survived, who continue to recount the echoes of the bullets that were their favorite music and the weapon that was their instrument, which we still hear the mournful sound of whenever a national anniversary passes by. The commemoration of the Arab revolution, independence, and Arabization of the army was not a mere passing event in the history of the Jordanian state. It came as a result of efforts made and sacrifices offered in dedication to this great nation, its people, and its wise leadership. Despite exceptional circumstances, these achievements were realized through the bravery of its people and relentless diplomatic, political, and struggle-oriented endeavors. These efforts were focused on establishing a secure state with stable institutions within a turbulent and volatile surrounding environment. Every year, we commemorate these national occasions to recollect the legacy of sacrifice left by the pioneers of this nation. We draw inspiration from their actions, which provide us with the oxygen to face the challenges confronting the region as a whole. These challenges have been addressed with political wisdom and strategic foresight, guiding the Jordanian ship to the harbor of the present, a result of a long journey of nation-building that involved the participation of every individual committed to their homeland, their thoughts, aspirations, work, and efforts. All of this would not have been possible without the awareness of Jordanians about the necessity of safeguarding these achievements and their belief that dialogue is always the path they turn to when events or public issues arise. All these national occasions remind us to seek shelter under the shade of this tree, drawing strength and sustainability from the profound belief of our great people in the necessity of preserving all national achievements and treading the path of peaceful, balanced, and reasonable dialogue regarding current events, serving the public interest. Our call to enhance points of convergence stems from our awareness of the sacrifices made to build this nation and the challenges we face in a turbulent and unstable regional environment. Let us continue our journey with the firm conviction that the future will be better if an atmosphere of dialogue prevails. Our efforts to benefit the nation and secure a brighter future will remain steadfast, guided by our unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and a path that difficulties cannot deter us from pursuing. *President of the “Tamkeen” Association for Democratic Entrepreneurial Dialogue