Jordan at a Historic Opportunity

Ihssan Al-Tamimi

No sooner had the war begun than its economic repercussions started to strike the world. The only difference lies in the severity of impact and how deeply it affects the daily lives of people. Some countries have regulatory policies, plans, and strategies that mitigate the impact of crises or at least keep them within manageable limits until they subside. Others, however, seem to tell their markets and citizens: “Go and face it on your own—we will remain where we are.”
It is enough to look around us to realize the growing anxiety over energy and supply chains, which are no longer as secure as they once were—especially with the Houthis entering the conflict. Such is the nature of wars: they do not remain confined within geographical borders, but extend into the smallest and most basic details of everyday life. Some of these effects are natural responses, while many are driven by exploitation of supply and demand when conscience sleeps and oversight fades.
In Jordan, we are facing a moment that raises a simple question: should we merely manage anxiety, or attempt to turn it into an opportunity? I recall years ago when the thinker Talal Abu-Ghazaleh repeatedly emphasized an idea that some considered theoretical—the necessity of self-reliance. Today, this idea feels more urgent than ever, as the world we once depended on to meet our needs is no longer as stable as it used to be.

These circumstances bring to mind Abu-Ghazaleh’s long-standing calls—over decades—to strengthen self-reliance, invest in the knowledge economy, support innovation, and achieve both food and pharmaceutical security. Over the past three decades, he has consistently stressed the importance of self-sufficiency as a foundation for building a more resilient national economy. Countries that invest in knowledge and technology and secure their food and medical needs are best positioned to overcome challenges.
Let us begin with energy and place the difficult equation on the table: whenever prices rise, we are reminded of how urgently we need alternatives. Jordan possesses significant, viable, and free alternatives—most notably its location within the solar belt, with more than 300 sunny days a year. Transforming this advantage into an actionable project requires little more than a decisive step.

Just imagine what it would mean for thousands of homes and factories to rely on solar energy: lower bills, reduced pressure on the grid, and a stronger sense of independence.
What comes after energy? Medicine. While this sector is already a success story, it must continue to grow and build upon its achievements. In times of crisis, the real question is not whether medicine is available globally, but whether it is available locally.

As for youth, they are always part of the story—immense potential and countless ideas, yet the path is not always clear. Perhaps the time has come for a simple and practical step: a genuine fund that supports creativity by providing both financing and guidance. A good idea needs only an opportunity to become a tangible project that impacts our lives.
And speaking of related matters, we must address education. It is no longer acceptable for a digital generation to succeed using outdated tools. The world now speaks a different language—the language of programming and algorithms. These are not complex concepts, but essential tools of modern work, making their integration into education a necessity.
Even agriculture, which may seem distant from all this, has returned to the forefront. Smart agriculture is no longer a futuristic concept, and water scarcity is no longer a valid excuse. Neighboring countries produce up to 18 times more per dunum using the same water resources. The difference is not magic, but the effective use of knowledge and resources. It is like the difference between someone who drives from Amman to Karak in three hours and someone who insists on walking the same distance over two days without rest.
Ultimately, the issue is not the size of the challenges, but how we manage and perceive them. Crises can be hidden opportunities disguised as hardships. Today, Jordan stands before a challenging yet clear opportunity: to build with its own hands and rely more on what it possesses, rather than on what may or may not come.