Political Euthanasia
By Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
For the first time I don’t need to think twice about Euthanasia – but obviously in the political sense. If we agree that the process refers to ending life in a manner that relieves pain and suffering, then this is exactly what we need today.
Jordanians are eager to see a real change in their government’s behavior and politics.
Many political activist groups have recently called on Prime Minister Samir Al Rifai to resign. Moreover, demonstrations are expected to take place on Friday in several Jordanian cities under the slogan “Demonstrations of Anger”.
There are clear signs that the “revolution of April 1989” (dubbed ‘Habat Nissan’) is being recalled and compared to the current general atmosphere.
Experience has taught us that we should read the current Jordanian situation within the same Arab context; most notably, the violence in Tunisia and Algeria, incessant waves of radicalism and the attacks against Christians in Iraq and Egypt. This gloomy atmosphere should make us cautious in dealing with our own affairs.
With these precedents in mind, it would surely be a wise decision to practice what the former American President Woodrow Wilson preached, in his words:
"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people."
Jordan has been facing considerable problems just recently. The international media has given ample coverage of the current internal situation in Jordan. In its latest article “Jordan’s troubling new parliament”, the global magazine “Foreign Policy” portrayed a hazardous scene for Jordanian politics. It is important to note how the foreign observer portrays the Jordanian domestic scene, especially if we consider that many Jordanian thinkers and writers have previously tackled the issue but there was no real reaction.
Prevention is always better than cure and measures should be taken to increase awareness of our people’s needs and aspirations. Only good can come out of paying close attention to the wishes of Jordanians, listening to their voices and acting to meet their requirements. The politics of constant postponement is no longer efficient and is considered by modern theories to be a sign of weakness in tackling thorny issues.
What we need are some vital changes that will restore faith among Jordanians and make them feel appreciated, worthy and precious. We believe that the solution to our problems isn’t complicated but simple, and we are hoping to see a change in the right direction soon.
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