Jordan is one of the world’s most unique polities. In the most volatile region on Earth, the nation stands out as a country with a largely neutral foreign policy and strikingly moderate leadership.
King Abdullah II maintains control of his country despite the wave of leaders overthrown during the Arab Spring. He does not rule like a brutal dictator. Rather, Abdullah is admired by his people and governs with a broad mandate. In fact, it could be argued that the monarchy serves Jordanians better today than a parliamentary democracy could.
Consider the political standing of Jordan today. Abdullah has worked for peace through his governance as well as his writing. He has upheld Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel and considers Israel an ally rather than a foe. At the same time, Jordanian officials have avoided a confrontation with Iran by remaining supportive of Iran’s development of a peaceful nuclear program. After all, Jordan has plans for a nuclear program of its own.
King Abdullah II represents a rare mix of competence, tolerance, and passion. He is a visionary but at the same time a pragmatist. Peace, not power, is Abdullah’s objective, and that is why his government is legitimate.
Unlike most other leaders of Arab states, Abdullah views himself as a steward of his people. He understands that democracy needs to develop more in Jordan, but is cognizant of the long process ahead and the precautions necessary to ensure stability and peace. The monarchy is not an institution of absolute power for him, but instead a medium from which to manage the transition to a full-fledged democracy.
Therefore, when he dissolved parliament earlier this month, one should interpret the move as a measure to improve the institution rather than to marginalize it. As a result, parliamentary elections will take place early next year. Once the parliament is elected, it will elect a prime minister. Therefore, Abdullah wants to set the stage for productive elections that can produce both a competent parliament and prime minister.
What is brilliant about Abdullah is his keen and thorough analysis of the formation of democracy. He recently said that Jordanians must create an array of political parties – some on the left, center, and right – and eventually narrow them down to a few. His problem with the Muslim Brotherhood is that they protest on the street rather than work towards gaining greater representation in the parliament by being elected.
He further states that the monarchy of Jordan must “adapt” as a new government is formed. This will require “Jordanians of courage to step in and take Jordan into the next phase.” These wise words are not only setting the foundation for a more free and democratic Jordan; the new government he helps to build will serve as a model for the Middle East for years to come.