April 6, 2005

Jordan Times

Healthy Developments

Editorial

It was no secret that His Majesty King Abdullah was planning a reorganization of the government, but so far it looks like he's staging a revolution. Several times before King Abdullah has encouraged that those tasked with carrying out duties mandated by Royal Decree do so with urgency. This time he is demanding “conviction.” The deficiencies that surfaced in the past few weeks certainly were compelling enough to warrant action. That these omissions were not swept under the carpet, but have been tackled head-on, is a truly healthy sign. The appointment of a new team of “doers” at the Royal Court whose records of conviction and diligence speak for themselves is indicative of the King's determination to see his vision through. That newly appointed Minister of Royal Court Marwan Muasher will continue to head the National Agenda Committee means that continuity will be maintained in the plan meant to set the course for the country's development on all domestic fronts for the next 10 years.

In his letter to prime minister-designate Adnan Badran, King Abdullah made it clear that the reform process was the priority. He made a point of delineating what he sees as the entire package of reforms, from tackling poverty and unemployment to revamping the Kingdom's political, judicial and media arenas. The King was firm in stating that citizenship was a “productive partnership” with the state and not a licence to seek out personal gain at the expense of national interests. As one Arabic saying goes: “A man with one plan goes out (to execute it); a man with two plans becomes perplexed.”

Pointing to the turbulent region in which we live and the global challenges before us, the King is saying there is no more time to waste. The 3rd Arab Human Development Report launched yesterday makes clear that although some advances have been made by certain Arab nations to enhance their political and economic structures, the pace of such progress is “disappointingly limited.” Jordan still holds the lead in moving towards these democratic goals.

The Royal Decrees announced yesterday restore public confidence that the will and determination to accelerate the pace of reforms is there. The line-up of the new government, expected to be announced on Thursday, should reflect full appreciation of that perception.