During the latest Iran–Israel war, which clearly traces back its origins long before the current crisis, Jordan has showcased a wide range of unique local and national capabilities and competences that reflect a well-established state of resilience relating to almost all stages of the crisis management cycle, including: preparation, response, recovery and mitigation.

 

The unique qualities of our military forces, crowned by the wise and sharp vision and leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, enabled Jordan to stand confidently in the face of this multifaceted crisis that has had the potential to adversely affect almost each and every aspect of our daily lives.

 

Local community awareness and adherence to the directions of the local authorities are the building blocks of community resilience. Informed crisis communications and the mutual trust between the different government departments and the general public underpin responsiveness and responsible citizenship among Jordanians. The challenges imposed on Jordan and the Jordanians were not perceived and treated as threats only but as opportunities to enhance experiential learning and situational awareness. It was noticed that Jordanians were eager to reflect this learning on their preparedness and response mechanisms. Homogeneity and consistency of response arrangements across the country were clearly demonstrated during the latest regional developments.

 

As the crisis unfolded rapidly during the past few weeks, Jordan stood as a role model in steadfastness rather than being susceptible to the adverse consequences of the conflict (i.e. crisis flat). Levels of community discipline and active involvement enabled the government to focus on other major issues of equal concern rather than draining much time on secondary issues that can be resolved or managed by the local governments and citizens.

 

The story of Jordan does not only reflect resilience and awareness, but also reveals the presence of core survival mechanisms deeply built within the Jordanian mentality and determination to resume normal operations and activities in times of discontinuous change and turmoil; a collection of attributes which are firmly rooted in Jordanian history, culture and traditions. The unity of the general public was not ostensibly noticed but was evident during the lifetime of the conflict until ceasefire.

 

What was exceptional about the Jordanian political stance is the positive atmosphere and rational position the country showcased that influenced others despite all geopolitical and military imbalances in the region and surrounding countries, and the diversity of state positions regionally and internationally, which helped create more space for negotiations and resolution, and convey messages of peace and de-escalation underpinned by His Majesty the King’s constant messages aiming at reducing tensions between the warring parties.

 

It is not surprising that Jordan’s stance has had this appealing and influential nature as it emanates from profound sense of responsibility towards the region and the need for promoting stability and human well-being. Principally, this unique role Jordan played was not new. Historically, Jordan and its leadership acted under the umbrella of human rights, peace treaties, responsible citizenship and fundamental freedoms during times of conflict and crises.

 

Ihab Hanna Sawalha is professor of strategy, disaster and business continuity at the American University of Madaba.