Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is just around the corner and people are preparing to celebrate the occasion with hope that the days ahead will be better, brighter and safer for the country and for the region.

Jordanians cannot experience the full joy of Eid as long as they see many of their brothers and sisters all around the Middle East still being killed by the hundreds every day, still without food, shelter and security.

The world mourns the killing of scores of innocent people by terrorist groups. The more recent were the carnage at Istanbul airport and the mayhem and killings in Orlando, Florida, but the list is long and no one is immune to the long and evil arms of terrorists.

The deaths in foreign lands make news headlines, but the daily killing of hundreds upon hundreds of Arabs, regrettably by fellow Arabs, is barely noticed.

This Ramadan, Jordan was again the target of terrorists who attacked one of the border points leaving Jordanian soldiers dead or seriously injured and, closer to the capital, intelligence officers dead at their post.

Then the country experienced an unfortunate standoff in Theiban, between a few disgruntled people driven by dire economic conditions and the security personnel, so even nationally there was much to lament.

The arrival of a new government headed by Prime Minister Hani Mulki rekindled hope for better tidings on the economic and social fronts, which witness unemployment and high living costs, but the announcement of more price increases has dampened any such hopes.

Still, Eid is almost here and many find enough joy in their lives to mark the holidays with making family visits or travel to break away from the sombre regional developments.

And who knows, maybe the government does have some plans to help Jordanians cope with the high costs of living.

Anyway, happy Eid to all, and wishes for better days ahead!

SOURCE:   http://jordantimes.com/opinion/editorial/happy-eid-and-better-days-ahead