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Jordan Times Opinion A Horrible Crime in Amman By Hasan Abu Nimah The profound sense of shock and horror which descended upon our tranquil capital Monday morning, with the news of the cold-blooded, indiscriminate assassination of a US resident diplomat, was hard to absorb and difficult to imagine. Most probably, it is because we have been enjoying over the years, and so do the many foreign diplomats and officials who reside here, a unique state of stability, safety and peaceful life that a horrifying murder like the one which took the life of an innocent victim comes as an unspeakable atrocity and causes tremendous outrage and disbelief.This is a crime which we in this peaceful country strongly condemn and unreservedly reject, as we do forcefully condemn and reject the mentality and the weird behavior of those who plan such dangerous conspiracies and perpetrate such vicious actions. Regardless of what the motives behind this crime may be and who the criminal planning was targeting, we cannot but see it as an attack on all of us, on the stability our country is very proud to have, on the customary care and hospitality with which we treat our guests, diplomats and visitors, on the high level of security and safety everyone here feels, on our abhorring violence and promoting peaceful dialogue, and on the international standing Jordan, as a prosperous democracy, enjoys amongst all other nations. There is no doubt that many would see that as a challenge, and would spare no effort to deprive us of a distinguished position by instigating this kind of terror in our midst, with the evil intention of harming our bright image, and, most maliciously, in the hope that such lawlessness would shake the solid confidence in our concerned authorities and in their recognized ability to maintain the highest standards of security and discipline. Others may hope that a treacherous assault of this kind may drive a wedge in, or cast some doubt on, the excellent relations that naturally exist between Jordan and a countless number of friendly countries. All those will be disappointed and their malice will only turn against themselves. The authorities will soon bring the criminal/s to justice, expose all those who planned it and reveal their atrocious intentions. Towards the achievement of that urgent goal our authorities are not keeping a stone unturned or anyone above suspicion. This, hopefully, will in the end reinforce rather than shake the confidence in our system. A big question remains in need of a convincing answer, though. Why this assassination and why now? At a very critical time for every part of our troubled region and when every possible effort and every available potential should be mobilized to prepare for the worst crisis in Iraq, with the possibility of a destructive war looming over; and for a deteriorating by the hour situation in Palestine, what purpose would such a crime serve? Who would want to plunge the region deeper into political chaos, and to what lows one should sink to be able to contribute to such intrigue? It is possible that some may try to connect the crime to the current unpopularity of American policies in the region. That would indeed only be shameful, bizarre and utterly absurd. Of course, American policies are extremely unpopular in and out of this region, but such behavior should never be the answer because, apart from being absolutely wrong, it will only make things worse, as it will inevitably sever remaining lines for any possible meaningful dialogue towards influencing a better American policy. Diplomats should also, and in all circumstances, be protected, treated with great consideration and respect, because they are normally the ones who provide the best channels for constructive communications and dialogue. They are also our guests and never in our tradition did we treat our guests dishonorably. Further, this cowardly act occurred at no better time for those who, since Sept. 11, 2001, have been entirely engaged in linking the Arabs and the Muslims to terror and senseless violence. This crime adds one more proof. The pain and shock of the family, the friends and colleagues of Laurence Foley, a man who dedicated most of his career to public service and helping people, and who loved Jordan, must be profound and severe. We sincerely feel it and truly share it. It is so sad that after serving the good relations between our two countries he had to depart in this heartbreaking manner. Maybe the warmth of the Jordanian condolences and the depth of their sympathies will provide some of the much needed soothing and of the much deserved support. The writer is former ambassador and permanent representative of Jordan to the UN. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times. |
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