Ameen has noted that Jordanian bloggers have been silent about the recent development in the Jordanian political arena, so I thought I would weigh in on the subject here.
If he is referring to the fact that Prince Hamza is no longer a crown prince then I would point out that the silence is being observed not only by Jordanian bloggers but also by the Jordanian press. Checking both Al-Rai and Addustor, it seems everyone is refraining from discussing the issue in public. It might be self-censorship. But perhaps it is the simple fact that there is really nothing much to say, aside from the fact it was an internal affair.
Personally, I think the international media hyped up the story, trying to compare it to what happened in 1999 — a totally different issue and a different circumstance. I don’t see the controversy.
On the contrary, I see it as a great chance for Prince Hamza to play a major role in the development of the kingdom since he is young, very well educated (a recent Harvard post-grad) and motivated. I have always been and will always stay positive about the future of Jordan, not just because I’m a proud citizen but because I’m a firm believer that the Jordan model is one of the best in whole region.
So let’s all hope good things will continue to happen to Jordan and its people.
Well, as the anonymous one points out, there exist many a news report that tries to skew this bit of information. I think that was largely the point being made in this post to begin with: something big made from something small.
The guy reporting this bit for FT in the source anon quotes seems way off the mark in my experience BTW. I’d love to hear his source that there was some history in the past that made prince hamza some type of usurper. I don’t believe such evidence exists. This report seems merely an attempt to stir the waters.
And as anyone following the story knows, the prince has since written a letter indicating his full capitulation, so such speculation has already proved bogus.
But more to the point, this guy was likely dropped in or we’d (‘tash or I) have known him or of him. He doesn’t know the region as well as others. Trust someone like Rana Sabbagh-Gargour. As the Jordan AFP head for years now, she knows more what is going on and how to analyze it than most anyone in the press anywhere. Her story gets it right. And to put icing on that, check Reuters Sulieman Khalidi’s piece. He’s a local with local knowledge.
Dear Utopia,
Thank you for your nice words. Jordan has always been (and will always be) part of who I am. No matter where I go, for me Jordan will always be the place where I spent the happiest days of my life and where I met some of the greatest people ever whose friendship I will cherish until eternity.
I’m such a firm supporter of constitutional monarchy, as I believe it is the perfect model for this region. Yes, I’m hopeful and will stay hopeful about this country, its people, and its future.
Analysis
hey Natasha
i’ve been wanting to tell u this for so long and i’m gonna say it now I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY, i mean everybody else is just so negative about everything connected to Jordan, i see it as a great country with great potentials and i just love it. what king Abdullah did is porbably the best for his people and for his brother prince Hamzeh. people, love your country and support it instead of critizing everything all the time
CHEERS