Jordan at 100: Heralding a new dawn with renewed commitment

Jordan today proudly marks its centennial of the foundation of the country upon the arrival of His Majesty the late King Abdullah I in Maan in November 1920. A landmark in the Kingdom’s long journey amid the mounting challenges, continued injustices and turmoil in the region that had and continue to have their fair toll on the country. 

Looking back at where it started, the 100-year-old journey is no small feat for a small nation short in natural resources in a troubled neighbourhood thanks to the undying spirit of resilience of Jordanians and their leadership.

Led by the Hashemites and rooted in a progressive and modern Constitution, Jordan has never flinched from its unwavering and firm stances on regional issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, its constant support for the two-state solution and its safeguarding of the holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship.

In spite of the myriad of challenges and pressures, Jordan has steadfastly propagated the two-state solution, which ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, living securely and peacefully alongside an Israeli state in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Preserving the Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem has been a noble duty that the Hashemites have assumed, a historic duty that His Majesty King Abdullah has been staunchly defending at all arenas.

The King, time after time, has emphaized that time to put an end to more than seven decades of Palestinian suffering was long overdue. The Palestinians continue to experience the harsh facts of occupation, illegal settlement expansions and land grab, which continue unabated in their homeland.

Recurring regional turbulences over the past years have tested and proven the resilience of the nation, which never ceased playing its role in mobilising efforts for peace in the region.

Opening its doors to waves of refugees, Jordan today remains the second largest refugee host per capita worldwide with more than 754,000 registered refugees, according to UNHCR statistics. The Kingdom has never spared an effort to provide a safe haven for refugees seeking security and peace even if that was at the expense of the country’s over stretched infrastructure. 

Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, has been at the forefront of the war against terrorism and extremism in its all form. The Kingdom is a model in interfaith dialogue; tolerance, coexistence and moderation are a fixture of Jordan’s social fabric, which have been acclaimed worldwide. 

Today, Jordan is reeling under the grip of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and continues to face economic challenges, rising unemployment and high public debt, among others, which necessitates going ahead with much-needed reforms, fighting corruption wherever it exists and enforcing the rule of law.

His Majesty has been repeatedly urging authorities to intensify efforts to combat graft, stressing that no one is above the law — a key principle that would lead to a competent and efficient government that the King believes his people and his country deserve.

Jordan continues its forward march under the leadership of King Abdullah, who always infuse the much-needed confidence into the public amid adversity. The nation is indebted to the Hashemite leadership and the invaluable sacrifices of the armed forces in safeguarding its safety and stability.

As Jordan stands at the dawn of a new century, it’s time to reflect on the many great strides that have made over the span of the past 100 years, and renew commitment towards nation building.