Jordan's Queen Rania says 'democracy is the solution' for Arab world

Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah has said 'democracy is the solution' for the ongoing conflict in the Arab world.

In her first major interview since 2010 with Al Arabiya, the Queen called for caution and inclusive dialogue, where all sides are heard.

“The outlook is still foggy and the political scene has not yet fully evolved,” she said.

“What is clear to everyone, and without any doubt, is that democracy is the solution.  But it is not easy and there is no short cut to it; it is a cumulative process, each phase builds on the one that precedes it and no single phase can be skipped without paying a price.”

"Sometimes I feel that the situation is beginning to improve and is on track toward stability, then I see it regressing again. We are in a mode that is swinging between here and there."

LEGITIMACY OF ACHIEVEMENT

She added: "After winning the seat comes the ‘legitimacy of achievement’ and that is more important. The transitional phase we are currently witnessing in the Arab world is a point in history, but building a democracy that is a deep-rooted, viable, sustainable, one that is rooted in our heritage, history, principles and values, that is the labour of generations and it has to take its time."

She said she was concerned over the continued fighting, calling for an end to the bloodshed.

"What we are witnessing today in the Arab world, the horrific scenes and the bloodshed every day, until when? When we see these scenes of bloodletting in Arab villages and capitals, don't we deserve better than that?"

“We need to re-emphasise the credence of the value and sanctity of life, and underscore the sacredness of Arab blood.  Our blood is not cheap. Our children's blood is precious.”

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Queen Rania also spoke about the situation in Egypt, where she lived for four years as a student at the American University of Cairo.

“It (Egypt) is tired and it deserves that we stand by its side until it has recovered and reclaimed its leading position among nations… I know the Egyptians’ pride, their passion for their country, and their conviction that their affairs are theirs alone. Egypt is magnanimous, it encompasses everybody.”

EDUCATION REFORM

Queen Rania said she believed education was the answer to many of the Arab world's problems.

“I believe if there is one answer, one fundamental solution that can resolve most of the challenges and problems the Arab world faces, it is education.  Each one of us is born into certain circumstances that are beyond our control or choosing, whether social, economic, or even geographic. Some people are born in the city, others are born in the village, some are born into rich families, others to poor families. However, these circumstances must not determine a person’s future and chance in life.

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"The starting point for social justice comes with a child’s first step into the classroom. What is the environment and learning opportunities afforded to him? Therefore, quality education should be the greatest and fairest social common denominator."

"The right to hope must be available to all, irrespective of nepotism, favoritism or position. So, because education underpins justice, I have a strong conviction that we all must fight for it."