jordan pulse -

AMMAN — Former Senator and MP Ali Al-Sunaid, in an extensive interview with Rum News Agency and Al Shahed Media Group, offered candid reflections on Jordan’s domestic and regional challenges, as well as his own political experiences. The discussion spanned issues including Syrian refugees, foreign aid, labour policies, and political reform.

Al-Sunaid began by addressing developments in Syria, describing the situation as extremely precarious. He criticised the regime of Bashar Al-Assad, saying, “The Assad army wasn’t even considered Syria’s army anymore—it had become a network of armed militias.” He also accused Israel of exploiting the chaos in Syria to dismantle its military infrastructure. Speaking on Jordan’s role in hosting Syrian refugees, Al-Sunaid emphasised the country’s historical commitment to helping Arabs in distress, asserting that Jordan’s efforts transcended considerations of profit or loss. However, he noted that it is too early to discuss the refugees’ return, which would require careful coordination with Syria’s new leadership to ensure their safe repatriation.

Turning to domestic issues, Al-Sunaid voiced concerns over Jordan’s labour policies. He criticised the country’s reliance on foreign labour, likening it to practices in Gulf states. “We opened Jordan to foreign workers as if we were a Gulf country,” he remarked. “Is it reasonable to offer a million job opportunities to expatriates while our own youth remain unemployed?” He called for a serious reassessment of these policies to prioritise Jordanians in the labour market.

Al-Sunaid also touched on financial aid from Gulf countries, describing it as minimal and insufficient to address Jordan’s pressing economic challenges. “The aid we receive is modest at best, barely meeting the bare minimum,” he stated.

When discussing the government of Dr. Jaafar Hassan, Al-Sunaid spoke highly of his integrity and professionalism. “I know Dr. Hassan personally. He is far removed from suspicions and personal interests,” he said, noting that Hassan had tackled critical files while working in the Royal Court.

On the broader political landscape, Al-Sunaid stressed the need for Jordanian political parties to develop clear, programmatic visions. While acknowledging the Islamic Action Front’s relatively balanced approach, he criticised other parties for failing to present meaningful platforms that resonate with society. “Parties need to offer diverse political perspectives in Jordan,” he argued.

Reflecting on his time in parliament, Al-Sunaid expressed no regrets but acknowledged the challenges of the experience. He clarified a previous statement about regretting his parliamentary tenure, explaining that it was said in frustration over the parliament’s shortcomings, particularly its failure to address the electoral law.

Al-Sunaid recounted an encounter with former Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, who had called him “oppressor” during a meeting. He explained that their dispute stemmed from his opposition to Ensour’s government program, which he believed did not serve Jordan’s interests effectively.

The conversation turned nostalgic as Al-Sunaid spoke about the late political figure Laith Shubeilat. He highlighted Shubeilat’s loyalty to the monarchy and rejection of revolutionary or republican ideologies. “He feared chaos in Jordan and was deeply committed to stability,” Al-Sunaid said, lamenting that Shubeilat had not been fully integrated into state institutions. He concluded by recounting Shubeilat’s visit to the grave of the late King Hussein to recite Surat Al-Fatiha, underscoring the profound respect Shubeilat held for the monarch.

The interview, filled with insights and personal reflections, showcased Al-Sunaid’s unwavering commitment to addressing Jordan’s most pressing issues.