Ever since the Palestinian immigration to Jordan, forced or otherwise, started, they were considered as an important section of the Jordanian social fabric. They were given citizenship and they integrated in society as such. A society they helped build and develop as their own. Their loyalty has never been in question despite their yearning to Palestine.
Today, the relationship between eastern and western Jordanian remains strong. The economic and social relations are too intertwined to undo. Religion, language, culture and political aspirations are one. Such are the facts. But the seeds of division are being planted and we, all of us, are better watch out.
The issues of National Unity, Dual Loyalty are fashionable subjects these days. One quick read of talkbacks to any blog that deals with Jordanian issues, is enough to conclude that this “fault line” in Jordan is being stoked and encouraged to serve political interests of some forces on the basis of divide and conquer. And the debate, if it exists at all, is serving the narrow interests of the few against the interests of the people and the country as a whole.
But what these forces seem to forget or choose to ignore is that once the divide is perceived by the people as being real, they will not be able to contain or control the events that will follow.
The region is going through a period of fast approaching fundamental change to the political status quo. We in Jordan must be prepared to cease the moment when the time comes. We cannot do it divided.
We are one people in one ship, we either sail together or sink together.
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