Over two centuries ago Petra created a thriving economy amid one of the harshest climates imaginable by recognizing and taking advantage to the fullest its strategic location for controlling trade, political stability and its economic independence. Petra also advanced their intellectual base to such an extent as to leave what was to become Arabic script to the region.
Today the country of Jordan, and more importantly the city of Amman, must recognize that it too must assess and take advantage of its strategic location, relative political stability in relation to its neighbors and the high regard in which the Hashemite dynasty commands worldwide.respect.
I think in terms of corporate acquisitions, restructurings and spin offs, as does almost everyone at this and other groups. And yet in such a climate of constantly evolving structures little is ever transferred mentally to the concept of nation states acquiring, restructuring or spinning off regions in a peaceful manner for the greater efficiency and future growth of the remaining entities. This thought process is, however, a primary mental exercise in which I often explore and evaluate possibilities.
One such possibility to reclaim stability, peace and forward economic progress for the entire Fertile Crescent is for the renewed concept of a Greater Syria. Or Syriaq if you will.
There is no country, city or group of leaders who are more acutely positioned to delve into the possibility of such a concept, with Amman as the capital and as a continuing Hashemite Kingdom, than the citizens both within or currently stranded within Jordan. Even more so perhaps also for those who have long standing political or business relationships with the Kingdom and who are very personally acquainted with the ideals of the nation, its people and the King and his family.
I do not propose the idea lightly. It is not a concept for the faint of heart or without great risk. But it is also a concept that could conceivably end decades of strife from Gaza to the Kurdish Autonomous Regions.
But then again Amman, as the capital of a nation of between perhaps 44 to 70 million people would no longer be so overwhelmingly and forever living on the very edge of economic crisis or stability. As the capital of a nation of 70 million Amman would be a virtually recession proof national and international center of constant activity. It is also, to be quite blunt, the only way to truly stop what is still, even now, the flow of refugees from neighboring countries year after year, sometimes decade after decade.
As for the long term residence of the city and region, the concept of being citizens of the capital would mean not only greater economic, social, educational and cultural advantages but would balance the constant flow of visitors to the city.
You can view short term possibilities to make it through this year and perhaps the next, wondering what the next round of regional consequences will bring to Amman and the nation of Jordan, or you can encourage Jordan to regain the insight it took to build Petra and the Nabataean Nation into the master of it and its neighbors destinies.
That is the underlying strength and virtual assets that Amman and the Jordanian people must recognize within themselves, their country and their leadership. Those are the true assets to be recognized for success in any endeavor in the 21st century. That is what they have to offer to the surrounding region at its embattled citizens.
Without taking that next step of discussing the ideas with those whom you might think have something more to add, or question, is to have already agreed to fail. There are more ideas to explore, evaluate and discuss at the following site. Read them yourself or just send to others. The region might thank you.
http://hashemitekingdomofsyriaq.blogspot.com/
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