by Hani Hazaimeh | Nov 29, 2012 | JORDAN TIMES

AMMAN — Politicians, former government officials and researchers on Thursday discussed the political and economic impact of the Syrian crisis on the Kingdom at a seminar organised by Al Rai Centre for Research.

Participants debated whether Jordan should take a clearer stance regarding the turmoil in Syria, although there was agreement that the political position adopted by the government since the Syrian uprising started over 20 months ago has proved successful, despite difficult economic repercussions.”We are located between three hotspots… Our national interest requires that we speak with a moderate voice and stay in the grey area,” former prime minister Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh said at the seminar.

“Our biggest challenge is internal. As decision makers we have to bolster our national front and raise the public’s awareness to help them understand the policies and decisions we make. The challenge coming from abroad is whether the Syrian crisis or the Arab-Israeli conflict would intensify if Jordanians do not speak in one voice,” Rawabdeh noted.

Also speaking at the seminar, Jordan Media Institute Dean Mohammad Momani said Jordan for decades has adopted a moderate policy that has strengthened its position at the international level and provided a stronger voice on regional challenges.

“The Syrian regime, in an attempt to defuse the pressure it is under, might try to export its crisis into neighbouring countries including Jordan. However, Jordan’s stability and security is a regional and international interest and any unwise adventure by the Syrian regime could accelerate its downfall,” Momani added.

READ MORE HERE: