Jordan in the Eye of the Storm: Strengthening National Unity
Dr. Hasan Abdullah Al-Dajah
Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University
At a highly sensitive national moment, and with the rapid pace of regional events placing Jordan at the heart of the storm, the 34th National Gathering, held as part of His Excellency Dr. Awad Khleifat’s political initiative, reaffirmed that the strength of the Jordanian state lies in the cohesion between its Hashemite leadership and its people, in the unity of word and deed, and in the historically established role of Jordanian tribes as a cornerstone in protecting the homeland and preserving its stability.
At the invitation of Sheikh Majed Al-Nuaim, the tribes of the Jordan Valley hosted this inclusive national gathering in Deir Alla. Dr. Awad Khleifat and the gathering’s guests were warmly received at Sheikh Majed Al-Nuaim’s residence, in a reception characterized by genuine hospitality, excellent organization, and generous welcome. A wide array of sheikhs, dignitaries, and national figures from across the Kingdom’s governorates were present, in a scene that embodied the highest ideals of Jordanian tribal tradition, hospitality, and national responsibility. The warm welcome and generous hospitality reflected the deep-rooted values of the Jordan Valley tribes and their integral role in hosting inclusive national gatherings, fostering an environment of respect, fraternity, and constructive dialogue during pivotal moments in the nation’s history.
Given the importance of Dr. Awad Khleifat’s national initiatives, these meetings are successful and achieve their objectives. As a statesman of impeccable character and integrity, he has consistently served as a unifying figure for all segments of Jordanian society- tribes, rural areas, the desert, and refugee camps- based on sincere dialogue, a belief in national principles, and national unity.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Awad Khleifat sent a message of congratulations and loyalty to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein on the occasion of his birthday, praying that God preserves Jordan, strong, safe, and stable, under his wise Hashemite leadership. Khalifat emphasized that these meetings are merely a personal initiative aimed at exchanging views and engaging in constructive dialogue, strengthening fraternity among Jordanians, and reinforcing the national principles that form the basis of Jordanian consensus: the homeland, the leadership, and the people.
Khalifat elaborated at length on the concepts of loyalty and opposition, affirming that all Jordanians within the country are loyal, despite differing interpretations and opinions. He described this difference as healthy and acceptable, provided it remains within the bounds of national principles and the supreme interest of the state. He stressed that “excessive and tiresome flattery does not serve the King,” and that true loyalty is based on honesty, transparency, combating corruption, and refraining from exploiting positions or engaging in favoritism, not on hypocrisy and empty exaggeration. Regarding the opposition, Dr. Khalifat explained that it takes many forms. Some opposition positions contradict supreme national interests and do not serve the stability of the state, and these are rejected outright. Others are genuinely patriotic Jordanians, some of whom have held official positions in the government. These individuals must be engaged in dialogue based on a shared commitment to national principles and a sincere concern for Jordan’s interests and unity.
Khalifat also offered sincere advice to the Islamic Action Front, emphasizing that they are sons of the nation and that the current situation requires them to weather the storm and prioritize the national interest. He cited the example of the late Turkish leader Necmettin Erbakan, who changed his party’s name several times to preserve its core ideology and principles, rather than merely its name and appearance.
The meeting concluded with responsible national remarks and interventions from a number of attendees, who expressed their deep appreciation for Khalifat’s initiative, stressing that Jordan will remain a strong shield thanks to the unity of its leadership, people and tribes, and renewing their pledge of allegiance to His Majesty the King on his sixty-fourth birthday, in a sincere national meeting that expressed the conscience of Jordanians as they stand united in defense of their homeland and its future.
