What do you think of the show so far?

Many years ago there was a television show with two well-loved comedians.  Half-way through the programme one would ask “What do you think of the show so far?”  The other would shout “Rubbish!”  You had to be there to appreciate the joke, but it is a catch-phrase that has stuck in popular banter.

So after 4 months in Jordan, I remembered the phrase and wondered what my first impressions are.  The practice of Ambassadors writing beautifully crafted despatches with their first impressions disappeared long ago as we lost the luxury of having enough time to beautifully craft anything.  But it is worth reflecting on what has gone well and what could go better.

Of course the last 4 months have been intensely busy with the focus of the world on the Middle East.  The euphoria of the initial uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt has subsided as a number of autocratic rulers, notably in Libya and Syria have ignored the pressure for change from the street and clung to power, unleashing their military and security forces against unarmed civilians.

So one of my strongest impressions has been the openness of Jordanian society, where change is on the agenda and being led by the King and his government.  Of course there is debate about what sort of change.  That is part of a healthy democracy.  But the fact is that the debate is happening, that people are able to comment and criticise and that a process is underway.  This  shows that Jordan is ahead of the game.

Of course a process is a good start.  But one of the hardest things about staying ahead of the game is to make change happen.  And to meet people’s expectations.  We all know, from our business and private lives, that change is difficult, takes time and comes with risks.  But change is essential in a modern world.  Indeed, as someone once said: change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.

Change is also essential in the work of the Embassy.  Jordanians tell me fondly that the UK-Jordan relationship is historical, mentioning Lawrence and Glubb.  That’s great, and of course history is important.  But it certainly isn’t enough.  We have to modernise the way we develop our co-operation in all sorts of ways: our dialogue on regional issues, the support we can give for the private sector as part of economic reform and the British Council’s pioneering work on education.  In all areas the UK is here to offer support and exchange views and experience, not to interfere.  The great thing about the so-called Arab Spring is that it is up to the people of the region to decide their own futures.

The determination of Jordanians to deliver that better future is one of my strongest first impressions and one that makes me excited for Jordan’s future and for the period that I will be working here.  So if I am asked what I think of the show so far, I will emphatically reply: “Great!”  Bring on the next episode!