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40/ Experts: National unity and internal cohesion are cornerstone of Jordan’s resilience
Amman, March 8 (Petra) -- Experts affirmed that Jordan has established the concept of a state that fosters collective awareness, shaping the internal front as a shield against regional turbulence, where the national fabric during crises emerges as a constant standard for resilience and a safeguard for protecting national identity against fragmentation and penetration. The experts told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that national unity is not merely a slogan but a fundamental human and national value upon which the stability and strength of states are built, noting that during times of war and crises, the importance of social cohesion and social capital increases as a strategic asset for the state, as a cohesive society is more capable of absorbing shocks, more resistant to rumors, and more closely aligned with its leadership and institutions. Retired Brigadier General Ayman Al-Rousan, a military and defense affairs expert, said that the Jordanian internal front has been and remains the first line of defense against the storms that have been sweeping the region, stressing that the internal front is the primary guarantee for safeguarding the nation’s security and stability during times of crisis. Al-Rousan added that the escalating tensions and profound transformations in the region reaffirm that Jordan’s true strength lies not only in its geographical location or capabilities but also in the cohesion of its internal front and the unity of its people. He explained that the Jordanian political and national experience has established an advanced concept of a state that fosters collective awareness, shaping the internal front as an existential shield against regional crises. He noted that this concept is clearly reflected in the ability of the national fabric to remain cohesive during times of crisis, becoming a fundamental standard for resilience and a guarantee for protecting national identity against fragmentation and attempts at infiltration that may target the stability of states and societies. Al-Rousan said that the Jordanian experience over many decades has proven that national unity is not merely a slogan but a fundamental human and national value upon which the stability and strength of states are built. When the spirit of belonging is strengthened and the voice of national interest rises above all other considerations, society becomes more capable of confronting challenges and dealing with crises with steadfastness and responsibility. He also highlighted the importance of the inclusive national narrative called for by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, aimed at entrenching citizenship values, strengthening national belonging, and building collective awareness that recognizes Jordan’s position, role, and stability in a turbulent region. He stressed that the citizen’s sense of being part of the national defense system enhances trust in the state and increases society’s ability to maintain cohesion in the face of challenges. Al-Rousan explained that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, continues to pursue a wise and balanced diplomatic policy based on protecting national interests and avoiding involvement in conflicts that do not serve the country’s stability, noting that this policy has enabled Jordan to maintain its security and stability despite the crises and tensions surrounding it in the region. He stressed that the fixed principle is that Jordan will not be a battleground for others’ conflicts and that its territory or airspace will not be violated by any party, because the priority will always be the safety and security of citizens. He said that a state that places the protection of its people at the top of its priorities understands its national and historical responsibilities and works to preserve its sovereignty and stability. Al-Rousan affirmed that Jordan has demonstrated throughout its history its ability to overcome challenges thanks to the cohesion of its internal front, the awareness of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership. In times of regional turbulence, these three pillars remain the true guarantee for safeguarding the nation’s security and stability, confirming that Jordan will remain strong through the confidence of its people, their unity, and the solidity of its internal front in facing all risks and challenges. For his part, retired Colonel and sociology professor Amer Al-Awartani said that this protection extends beyond the narrow security concept to become rooted in building solid social capital based primarily on bridges of trust between the state and society and active citizenship that balances rights and duties with awareness. He added that in the era of cognitive warfare that targets minds through digital space, collective awareness and value-based cohesion become the last line of defense against attempts of psychological penetration and the spreading of discord, turning the internal front from a rear geographical area into an offensive strategic force capable of transforming existential challenges into opportunities to deepen national unity. Al-Awartani noted that state strength is measured by its ability to protect its internal fabric as much as by its military arsenal or economic capabilities, emphasizing the importance of building a cohesive and conscious internal front that is protected against division and instability. He explained that during times of war and crises, the importance of social cohesion and social capital increases as a strategic national asset, as a cohesive society is more capable of absorbing shocks, more resistant to rumors, and more closely aligned with its leadership and institutions. From this perspective, he said, active citizenship emerges as a key pillar in the protection process, as citizenship is not merely a legal status but a conscious practice of public responsibility based on a careful balance between rights and duties. He added that in the contemporary digital context, challenges have become more complex, as social media platforms have turned into arenas of cognitive conflict where misinformation and psychological warfare campaigns are used. He stressed that confronting this type of threat cannot rely solely on security measures but must also be achieved through building societal cognitive immunity by enhancing media and digital literacy and promoting a culture of verifying information. Cybersecurity expert and lecturer at Al-Zaytoonah University Imran Salem said that protecting the internal front during wars and crises is no longer limited to traditional military or security aspects but has expanded to include a growing digital dimension amid the heavy reliance on information and communication technologies in managing state and societal affairs. He explained that cybersecurity and information protection have become an essential part of the comprehensive national security concept, where the digital front represents the first line of defense for state stability and service continuity. He added that the state plays a central role in building an integrated system for digital internal protection, including developing national cybersecurity strategies, establishing national cyber incident response centers, and setting legislative and regulatory frameworks to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. He pointed out that societal awareness is a key factor in combating misinformation, noting that protecting the internal front is incomplete without the active role of the public, who represent the first line of defense against many digital threats, as users’ awareness of the basics of digital security significantly contributes to reducing the chances of successful cyberattacks. //Petra// AF
08/03/2026 22:51:40
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