Queen Rania Converses Again with Wolf Blitzer

Queen Rania of Jordan recently appeared again on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer to discuss gender parity, education, and the quest for peace in the Middle East. Her last appearance on “The Situation Room” took place in the fall of 2007. The transcript from her October 2007 interview with Wolf Blitzer can be read here.

Below is Part One of Queen Rania’s interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN’s “The Situation Room.”

Below is Part Two of Queen Rania’s interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN’s “The Situation Room.”

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Jimmy Carter Meets with Jordan’s King

Former United States President Jimmy Carter had an audience with King Abdullah II of Jordan today to discuss the latest developments on the peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Carter praised the king for his prodigious efforts to bring lasting peace to the Middle East and said, “such efforts are vital to contribute to peace building and enabling peoples to live in a secure and prosperous environment.”

Photo: Yousef Allan

Jordanian King Receives Standing Ovation at Princeton University

A perspicuous speaker, King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed his views on Middle Eastern issues at Princeton University today. The king is concerned for his people and the youth affected by the instability in the Middle East. He believes that the people of Palestine and Israel wish for an end to the sixty year conflict. The king candidly said that “politicians usually mess it all up” when it comes to resolving the regional challenges in the Middle East. He said that 2008 was a critical time to gain ground in the quest for peace in the Arab world. Moderates have advanced into more positions of influence and have rejected the radical ideology that war and strife are the only answers to resolving political issues. He views that the international community, especially the United States, has a role in the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians for “obstacles will come” which could falter negotiations; a mediating third party could help resolve the conflict during negotiation proceedings. He reminded the audience that the “denial of justice and peace in Palestine” is still prevalent and needs to be addressed and not ignored. The king was accorded two standing ovations, one before and one after his speech. Afterwards, he answered several questions from the audience.


Below is the entire text from King Abdullah II’s speech at Princeton University.

"Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim"

"Fifty-seven countries are not at peace with Israel today."

"Fifty-seven countries out of 193 countries in the world."

"Fifty-seven countries with a total population greater than Europe and the United States combined."

"Fifty-seven countries, representing one third of the members of the United Nations."

"Fifty-seven countries for whose citizens the conflict in Palestine is the issue of their time."

"We must, therefore, ask the important question. What are the implications for global stability if this continues?"

"Today I assert that this must not continue and that 2008 is a critical year. Yes, at long last, this year, right now -- we are in the best possible position to resolve 60 years of conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Arab and Muslim states have committed to an unprecedented and unanimous peace initiative. We have a chance to answer this third of the world who are not at peace with Israel and who demand freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people."

"But time is running out and we need the United States of America completely involved, to influence the course of discussions, monitor progress, and help bridge the gaps to ensure a final agreement by the end of 2008."

"It is difficult to exaggerate how great the stakes are, for Americans, for Arabs, for Israelis, and indeed for the whole world."

"But I am not here today to speak only of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I am here to speak to you, the scholars of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, of the critical importance of a long-term strategic American involvement in the development of the Middle East."

"I am here to explain that such a commitment is an opportunity to transform the strategic landscape of the Middle East for years to come."

"I am here to speak of what must, I repeat, must happen if our world is to be safe."

"I know that optimism does not come easily in academia. But I do know about the visionary thinking that is the scholar's gift. Today, I ask you to employ visionary thinking to consider a short- and long-term strategy that will ensure a viable, stable, prosperous Middle Eastern region and a safe and secure world for all."

"America's involvement is a critical success factor of such a strategy. We need a strong authority that can act and act swiftly. We need to act now for time is running out. The continuing confinement of the Palestinians in Gaza everyday creates a greater radicalism amongst Palestinians and invites other actors within the region to operate on their behalf. The long period of conflict has allowed new ambitions, influences, and capabilities to appear. They are echoed in Iraq's armed sectarian division, in the attacks on Lebanese sovereignty, and in the power-projection by state and non-state actors."

"There are many other serious threats."

"Security, opportunities for youth, economic development, resource scarcity, chronic conflicts, institutional challenges and nuclear weapon proliferation, are just some examples of the major challenges we face. You are a prime example of some of the gifted, ambitious youth of America. We are acutely aware of the urgent needs of our own youth who make up 70 percent of my region's people. It is the largest youth cohort in our history. Like American youth, Internet communications have given them an unprecedented view of the world. In their own region they see evidence in
extremist messages of hatred and isolation. They see a lack of opportunities and an uncertain future. But they also see the prosperity and freedom that countries and regions in peace can offer."

"We must meet the expectations of this younger generation. In my region, we expect to need 200 million new jobs by 2020. Creating these opportunities will require investment and partnerships to develop new infrastructure, meet energy and water needs and improve public services and education. A strong cooperative Arab-American strategic partnership must be created."

"But today my friends, we must contemplate."

"I pose these questions for your consideration..."

"Will my region plunge into more chaos and violence, where extremism rules? Or will it be a peaceful, developing region?"

"Will it be a region focused on conflicting radical ideologies fueled by the manipulation of sectarian division? Or will it be a region reaping the benefits of globalization and strong global partnerships?"

"Will it be a region that rejects Western alliances, perhaps violently, because they have become far too difficult to achieve? Or will it be a region that is a global partner in progress and prosperity with the West?"

"The choice is ours. But we must act and time is running out. The dangerous combination of new technology, terrorism and the drastic consequences of economic underdevelopment, all continue to add to a potentially catastrophic situation on the ground."

"We must act this year if we are to achieve the first important advancement towards a strong Middle Eastern region."

"A year ago, before the U.S. Congress, I urged an all-out American commitment to lead the way forward. I said then what I repeat today: that the wellspring of global division, the source of resentment and frustration within the region and far beyond, is the denial of justice and peace in Palestine. The beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between the Arab world and the United States must begin with the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

"America is the only world power capable of ensuring that the parties stay on track and on time in their current negotiations. And America is uniquely placed to build international support throughout the peacemaking process. Resolution of this conflict will be critical if we are to confront the other serious regional challenges."

"But time is running out. This year is an unprecedented opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement between Israel and all its neighbors."

"In Israel, there are those who oppose any movement toward resolution. There are politicians who do not want peace with Palestinians and who reject a two-state solution. I disagree. Israel's security cannot depend indefinitely on occupation, walls, and the Israeli military. Real security for Israel will occur when it is a neighbor among neighbors, an economy among economies, a people among people working together towards the achievement of common goals and bright futures."

"In America, there are those who oppose any further involvement. There are those who say it is not America's business. I disagree. You will all know that historically, success in Middle East peacemaking was achieved when the United States stepped in and drove the negotiations."

"A victory by the enemies of peace, freedom, stability and moderation cannot be an option. If we miss today's opportunities, peace will be set back, perhaps for decades. Extremists will continue to act. The forces for moderation and positive change will weaken. Global divisions will not only endure but also possibly deepen. Questioning of the West's effectiveness, and commitment, may grow. All of these will have consequences not only for my region but also for the world."

"My friends,"

"Division and hatred have eroded understanding and agreement. They have played into the hands of the enemies of humanity -- those who attacked the World Trade Center, those who would divide multi-cultural Europe, those who, right now, seek to tear my region apart."

"If we fail to take the necessary steps to resolve the core problem of the region, it will become significantly harder for the countries of the Middle East to work in partnership with America in the future. I fear radical ideologies will determine the political and social agendas in many of our countries. The region will move further away from our vision of moderation, prosperity and peace. It will move further away from the common principles of mutual respect and partnership on which we want to base our relations with the United States and the West."

"Every day another child in my region grows up with frustration and hatred in his or her eyes."

"Every day another child grows up with aggression because that is all they have known."

"Every day young people lose hope because they cannot get jobs and they cannot see opportunities."

"Princeton scholars,"

"Speaking here today, I am especially aware of the role of scholars and students in making progress happen. Where others see unsolvable problems, you see paths that can lead to answers and successful action. This is the tradition of great scholarship of which you are a part."

"Today I ask you to bring the tradition of scholarship to the challenges that lie ahead, and join me in thinking about the reality that together our countries can create:"

• "An end to 60 years of conflict, violence, and occupation;"
• "A homeland for Palestinians, offering hope, respect, and a future;"
• "Security and new acceptance for Israel, within its neighborhood and around the world;"
• "A strategic region that is able to turn to the future as peace takes hold;"
• "And, a new partnership between your country and the Arab and Muslim peoples, transforming the strategic landscape and creating new horizons for progress and peace."

"It is an honor to be speaking to you all today, and I thank you, President Tilghman, for your warm reception."

"I should like to conclude by drawing from the wisdom of the great American after whom this school was named."

"Woodrow Wilson said, 'Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized peace.'"

"This is the challenge, this is the opportunity, and we must succeed."

"Thank you very much."

Photos: Yousef Allan

Peace Talks between Israel and Palestine Converge in Annapolis

For decades, Israel and Palestine have been embroiled in territorial clashes and political strife. Notwithstanding disagreement, peace talks have been attempted over the years to settle the discord between Palestinians and Israelis. In an unprecedented joining between nations in the Middle East, a conglomerate of Arab and Israeli representatives are converging on Annapolis, Maryland today in a united front to aid in the quest for Middle Eastern peace. Amidst the political intrigue, King Abdullah II of Jordan has met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before the peace conference to discuss the issues of conflict between Israel and Palestine in the hope to find solutions to the territorial disputes and mistrust pent up in the Middle East.

In honour of the attendees, a dinner was hosted by the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, yesterday. The President of the United States, George W. Bush, was present at the dinner and spoke of his hope for reconciliation and peace between Israel and Palestine. “We've come together this week because we share a common goal: two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security. Achieving this goal requires difficult compromises -- and the Israelis and Palestinians have elected leaders committed to making them. Achieving this goal requires neighbors committed to peace between Israel and a new Palestinian state -- and I'm encouraged by the presence of so many here. Achieving this goal requires the commitment of the international community, including the United States. Tonight I restate my personal commitment on behalf of the United States to all those in the Middle East who wish to live in freedom and peace: We stand with you, at the Annapolis Conference and beyond…we offer a more hopeful vision -- of a Middle East growing in freedom and dignity and prosperity. We are here to renew our efforts to achieve this vision. And tonight, I offer a toast to all of our honored guests, and to the future of peace that we can build together.”

Abdullah II and Rania Champion Peace in London

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan attended a dinner in London hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah as part of their official visit to the United Kingdom from November 6th to November 8th.

In his meeting with the prime minister, the king championed the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries; constituting a partnership with the G8 and G11 initiatives and the Middle East peace process. As the date for the Annapolis meeting with Arab states and Israel draws near, King Abdullah and Gordon Brown discussed the regional and international efforts for the peace talks and the support of international diplomacy to achieve Middle East peace.

Abdullah concluded his visit at the Royal College of Defense Studies where he spoke of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and his desire for “achieving a fair and comprehensive peace” in the Middle East that would “result in regional development and stability.”

Queen Rania’s Peaceful Discourse at Harvard University

Perseverance has been the key word for King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan in their attempts to dispel the myths and misconceptions of Middle Eastern culture. Rania disclosed her perspective on attaining peaceful global relations to a group of students at John F. Kennedy’s School of Government on Thursday, May 3rd.

The queen emphasized that the gulf between cultures had to be recognized before peaceful solutions could be propitiously negotiated and resolved on a global scale. “{The}gap in perceptions of the Middle East – where mutual failure to appreciate the other side’s point of view is a greater barrier to communication than speaking different languages. The gulf between narratives is wide – and only getting wider and as a result, I fear a creeping affliction on both sides of what the philosopher William James called ‘the blindness in human beings’ that prevents us from understanding the feelings of those ‘different from ourselves,’” said Rania.

Rania proceeded to enlighten the students by offering an impartial point of view, and said, “I would like to try to speak as a neutral observer – as someone who has looked out of both sets of windows, and witnessed the contrast in view. My aim is not to pass judgment. I do not want to tell you what to think – but rather, to highlight the diverging narratives the different ways that East and West interpret reality.”

Rania has searched for commonalities among cultures through her implemented programs. She declared, “no matter where we come from, what we look like, how we dress, or to whom we pray, when it comes to what makes us laugh or cry, when it comes to what we dream of for ourselves and for our children, when it comes to how hard we work each day, we are usually more alike than we are different…Our world house has a common room as well. It is a room where color, race, and creed do not get in the way – not because those things do not exist, but because they aren't important. What's important in the common room are the values that we share – the basic beliefs that each of us is worthy of respect. The common room is where people of goodwill come to work for the common good. To put an end to violence. To fight for peace. To build a world fit for children. To use our abundant resources and talents to eradicate global poverty and turn national borders into global gateways that connect us, not keep us apart.”

Futhermore, Queen Rania of Jordan expressed her desire for a harmonious world and said, “{the} explicit recognition of our common humanity is an indispensable condition for peace and progress around the globe.”

Photo: Petra