Dean,
Distinguished Faculty,
Friends,

It is a great pleasure for me to address you today, at this prestigious university and to have the opportunity, to share some thoughts on Islam, the prospects of universal humanity and the threat of global terrorism. I have come here today to speak to you as a Muslim Jordanian mother. Although concerned like all about what the future holds for us my faith in God and in humanity makes me a committed believer that we as human beings, have the power to shape a better world in this millennium.

Allow me to first thank my friend Ms. Vickie Mccall, for encouraging me, to come to Utah to represent my region and religion. I would also like to thank the Dean, for his generous hospitality, and for giving me the opportunity to meet with you, the new generation, and the real hope for a better future for mankind.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that violence, suffering and conflict always seem to dominate the local and global news. Day after day, the press corps travels from one region to another as it follows the latest incidents with the casualties that are inflicted and the refugees who are displaced. Watching this tragic reality begs the questions: How do we break the cycle of violence and what do we need to do to ensure practical preventative measures for the future? How do we allow people, regardless of nationality, race or religion, to live in a peaceful and humane world?

I know I am not alone in finding difficulty in the search for answers to innocent questions posed by my children. They ask why the world is like this, why there is terror and conflict, and I find it very difficult to explain and justify. It is therefore time, dear friends, time for traditional finger-pointing and historical differences to be set aside, if we are determined to create a new safer world for future generations.

I believe that positive change can start here with you, if you are willing to make the sacrifice. You must believe that your voice is heard, and can make a difference on a global scale, no matter how large or small your contribution. I remember my college days being full of the desire to change the world, and to really make a difference. That desire became harder to fulfill once I got married, had children, and began my career in the military, concentrating on women in our forces and their future. It is not that I stopped caring, but rather, my life took a different turn, with a new set of priorities, and a new sense of social, national and global responsibility. It starts with a noble mission of motherhood, forever trying to protect family and children. In our case, where regional conflict directly affects the course of our daily life, this sense of responsibility truly assumes larger boundaries. It is a reality that does not allow you to shelter yourself in a box. It is rather one that forces the world, with all its problems and opportunities into your life, and gives you the chance to assume the courage to react out and help make a positive difference. I have learned that no matter how devastating the acts of terror are, we all have the strength not only to survive them but to defeat their doers. I truly believe that each and every one of you can make a positive difference, both individually and collectively, to ensure that we all enjoy a future where terrorists have no home.

While this may seem at times to be difficult, even impossible, it is a solution that requires courage and determination. We must all overcome the myths of the past, and move beyond the reality of today, towards a new chapter of mutual recognition, acceptance and respect. It would establish a new era where diversity is cherished and differences tolerated. It would call for dialogue and acceptance among cultures, faiths, and religions to ensure complementarity, and emphasize the universal moral values that we all uphold. In short, the answer rests in unleashing the latent positive force of humanity in order to enhance what is humanly common, and transcend what is politically and culturally divisive.

Dean,
Distinguished Faculty,
Students,

Only through releasing the power of our humanity can we make this new millennium a better one, for it is time for equality to reign among people, rich and poor, strong and weak. This millennium must also address itself to the necessity of bridging divides, be they economic, social or digital. Mostly, it must be one that offers a secure and bright future for all of you.

Only when we can shift our mode of thinking from one that concentrates on individual citizens of nations and states, to another, where global citizens become important, and where national and ethnic interests become second to human ones, can peace and humanity prevail. Peace should never be seen as an abstract goal. My late Father, His Majesty King Hussein dedicated his life for Peace in our region, and my brother His Majesty King Abdullah, continues his legacy with the same passion, belief and vigor. Peace is a necessary condition for the survival of us all. It is a dynamic process that requires hard work, dedication, faith and above all trust.

I am deeply saddened by what I see amidst the struggle happening West of the river Jordan, two peoples, fighting each other on a daily basis, often in the most inhumane manner. Hundreds of people, from both sides have perished while many more continue to suffer everyday, thus obstructing the pursuit of justice, security and stability. What has happened to their humanity? The basic principles of life and humanity that all religions preach seems no where to be found. Bethlehem and Jerusalem, very important cities in our religions, cities where prophets of God spread the message of peace, have become senseless battlegrounds.

Our collective failure as human beings is marked not only by the actual killing, but also by the premeditation that proceeds it. We failed when we allowed such hatred, isolation, and intolerance, to be embedded in people whose hearts have hardened over the years. The tragic events of September 11, are a prime example of how the loss of humanity and values can create terror and hatred. There terrible acts have changed the world beyond expectation.

Even in Jordan, where terrorism has been a harsh reality starting with the assassination of its founder, my great grandfather, King Abdullah 1^st, September 11^th was a wake up call. There is simply no Islamic justification for what happened. Terrorism is a new phenomenon that has replaced assassination for political gain. It has developed from small-scale attacks on political individuals, to massive destruction and loss of lives of innocent people. Terrorism has no place in civil society, and is not limited to any region or religious belief. It is universally condemned, and cannot be allowed to survive.

The people of Jordan, and my own family, have suffered many losses at the hands of terrorists and political assassins. Jordan’s moderate political stance and its keenness to enhance its Arab and international relations, coupled with the legacy of the Hashemites to forgive, have subjected Jordan to a series of threats and attempts to undermine its national security and stability.

Jordan has lost two Prime ministers, as well as many of our diplomats overseas, and has had a number of aircraft belonging to its national carrier hijacked. Furthermore, Jordan’s strategic interests and the interests of foreign countries on its territories have been targeted by terrorists. On a more personal note terrorist schemes did not exclude my late Father and members of my family. These schemes were aimed at undermining Jordan’s stability, security, and its political role in the Peace Process. My late Father survived seven assassination attempts during his lifetime, not an easy reality for me to be exposed to at a young age, but nevertheless, his personal courage and determination were instilled in his children through his courageous and consistent stand for peace in our region.

I am proud of my brother King Abdullah 2^nd who has the same commitment to peace and sacrifice, and uses his faith in Islam, and moral courage to stand up for what is right and just. His leadership, and the viable institutions of governance, have ensured stability and security for our country, and a model course of development for our people. In addition, he has argued that there is an absolute need now, for the world, to move from strictly protecting the rights of states, to safeguarding human rights, universal values, and moral principle. The tragedy that we all collectively suffered last September must be a reason to unite humanity, and not to divide it into Eastern and Western civilizations. To allow this division to happen, would be to allow terrorism to win, and to throw us all in o a world of chaos. There is only one civilization, and it must stand solidly against terrorism, anarchy and violence. It is the cumulative experience of human values and history that advocates tolerance and coexistence.

Friends,

We in Jordan have come to understand that humanity is synonymous with equality. We cannot have one with out the other. The perception of inequality has been a justification and a reason for may wars, killings and destruction throughout history. Prosperity, development and respect for human life, have been realized in societies where all people are considered equal and are judged on their individual merit and achievement, not their race, color or religion.

We are proud that His Late Majesty King Hussein made sure that our constitution protects the rights of all Jordanians, both men and women, and ensures their equality before the law. It also ensures that Jordanians who are followers of different faiths are treated equally before the law without prejudice. Addressing a CNN conference in Atlanta over a year ago, His Majesty King Abdullah reiterated that the "Jordan he is determined to build is one with equal opportunities for all, and with special privileges for none." This challenge needs time to be fully affected and implemented, and will take the efforts of all Jordanians to achieve.

This commitment to humanity is derived from the teachings of Islam. The Islamic teachings have laid down universal fundamental rights that apply to all mankind, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In Islam human blood is sacred, and denounces violence. The media often associate the Arabic word for "jihad" with "holy war" making it easy for some to assume Islam is a promoter of war and violence. The reality for the majority of Muslims is that "jihad" stands for the internal struggle of good against evil within each individual, for the reward of reaching a better place in Paradise.

I haw always wondered why we insist on concentrating on the limited differences within our Religions that believe in the same God, rather than celebrating what we have in common. Our similarities far outweigh our differences, and should be a model to unite us, not tear us apart.

We must all be careful not to confuse Islam with those individuals who claim to subscribe to its teachings, and abuse the faith, for their own evil purposes. We should always remember that all religions are peaceful by nature, yet have all been abused in the name of religious fanaticism. I am proud to be a Muslim; it is my life, my conscience, my strength, and the religion of my parents and of my children. I am horrified by the misrepresentation of all that I hold dear, by the fear and mistrust, that has been created towards a religion of peace, by hijackers of truth and killers of humanity.

Let me also mention a few words about the role of women in Islam. Woman and man are created equal by God, and stand equal in the sight of God. This should not be confused with some unequal practices in some Muslim societies. In fact, the Qur’an is full of verses affirming the equality of men and women. I quote only one:

"Never will I suffer to be lost
The work of any of you
Be he male or female
Ye are members of one another
(Surah 3: Al-‘Imran:195)

In Jordan, women enjoy the right to choose if they want to cover themselves or not. We enjoy our right to work, and within the Jordanian Armed Forces, have enjoyed equal pay to men since women were integrated in to our military in the 1960’s. We have women represented in all sectors of society, including government and the private sector. Women’s rights have always been supported and expanded upon at the highest levels because it is not in contradiction to our rights within Islam. Tradition has had more of an impact on the perceived religious, political and economic rights of women in our region, than by the dictate of Islam. Jordan as a moderate Islamic country has been able to successfully move forward, by encouraging men and women, Muslim and Christian, rich and poor, to work side by side for the security and protection of the future of all Jordanians.

Dean,
Distinguished Faculty,
Students,

The world must unite its goal to have shared vision, irrespective of religion nationality, ethnic background, color or race. It is not enough for nations to talk about alleviation the suffering or creating dialogue or even respecting other religions. Their words must be followed by constructive deeds. Actions need to be taken that will leave an influence on people that will ultimately establish tolerance and respect. Leaders and nations must be guided by a vision of a more stable, peaceful, and humane world. Only then, are we likely to live up to the expectations of our children and deserve the respect of future generations. All of us are the children of a forgiving and merciful God………Let us choose to act that way.

Thank you very much.