A documentary about the life of the statesman, His Excellency Dr. Zaid Al-Rifai On the occasion of his receiving an honorary doctorate in political science from the Faculty of Arts, Yarmouk University Produced by the Faculty of Media - Yarmouk University
The Chairman of the Board of the Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies, Professor Islam Massad, President of Yarmouk University, the Chair's holder, Professor Muhammad Al-Anafra, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and the members of the Chair's Board, mourn with deep sorrow the passing of His Excellency Dr. Zaid Samir Rifai, former Prime Minister and founder of the Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies at Yarmouk University.
The Chair's Chair is named after Dr. Zaid Samir Rifai. As the Chair mourns the passing of this great man, it recalls his life and career in service to his country and his King, as a leading figure in the history of the Jordanian state. He was a man of great achievements and a triumphant career in service to the Jordanian state in all the positions he held. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to the Hashemite throne during the reign of His Majesty the late King Hussein bin Talal, may God rest his soul, and His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, may God protect him and strengthen his reign. He was a man of difficult tasks and courageous stances, for whom Jordan remained a constant and renewed concern during pivotal moments in the life of the Jordanian state. The Chair also remembers his profound humanity and his great support for the Chair's work and his continuous and diligent follow-up on the achievements of the late Samir Al-Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies. We ask God Almighty to have mercy on him and to grant his family and loved ones patience, solace, and comfort.
The late Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies organizes a book launch for "Royal Discussion Papers: Between Study and Implementation: A Roadmap for the Future of the Jordanian State"
The President of Yarmouk University, Dr. Islam Massad, sponsored the launch of the book "Royal Discussion Papers: Between Study and Implementation: A Roadmap for the Future of the Jordanian State," published by the late Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies at Yarmouk University and the Irbid Cultural Forum, with support from the Ministry of Culture, at the Conferences and Seminars Building. Massad stated that this launch coincides with the 78th anniversary of independence, explaining that independence is a great and significant achievement that requires us all to preserve it and its gains, as it tells the story of a nation built by the Hashemites with will, determination, and courage, and constructed and maintained by Jordanians through their loyalty, efforts, and unity around their Hashemite leadership. He added that since His Majesty King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers In 1999, he worked to establish a clear vision for comprehensive reform, development, and the support of democracy in the Jordanian state. This was achieved through a series of discussion papers addressing topics of development, reform, and the stimulation of national dialogue and democratic transition. The aim was to build the foundations for popular participation in decision-making, strengthen civil society and its role in monitoring and improving political performance, and solidify a culture of democracy within society. Massad emphasized that these discussion papers have garnered increasing attention from elites and experts, who seek to highlight their significance, refine their dimensions, translate them into practical application, and maximize their benefits. The goal is for them to become a roadmap for the future, serving as a guiding light containing comprehensive ideas and visions for the process of development, construction, and political reform, as well as the expected roles of all parties and sectors—political, economic, social, and educational.
He continued: His Majesty, through these papers, addressed the most prominent economic challenges, the state of political parties and parties, the role of the House of Representatives and the Senate, youth and women, and the importance of empowering them and building a civil state that strengthens the values of loyalty, belonging, and national spirit, as well as building the present and the future, safeguarding the rights of all, and many other proposals. The Royal Committee for Modernizing the Political System, with its outputs, returns to the Royal Discussion Papers as a roadmap and compass for the future of the Jordanian state, rich with valuable and effective content.
For his part, Dr. Muhammad Al-Anaqrah, the chair's incumbent, affirmed that these discussion papers represent His Majesty the King's wisdom in examining reality with both insight and foresight. He felt it necessary to share his vision and opinion with his people, resulting in these papers that describe the current situation and offer a glimpse into the future His Majesty aspires to, a future he hopes will elevate his nation. Dr. Al-Anaqrah considers these papers a democratic constitution that governs political life, a constitution His Majesty demonstrates through dialogue with his people and by frankly addressing the economic, political, social, and educational challenges they face.
He emphasized the importance of these papers as a roadmap for building a strong Jordan, guided by the resolve of its leadership and the dedication of its loyal citizens who uphold rights and responsibilities and are committed to the rule of law as the cornerstone of all state institutions and the rights of its citizens, ensuring its sound development. He explained that these seven papers, which His Majesty began launching in 2012, encompass a range of themes that form a roadmap to guide the people, both individuals and institutions, and to inform successive governments in all their activities.
Al-Anaqrah considered it a great honor that these papers were being discussed at Yarmouk University, organized by the late Samir Al-Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies and the Irbid Cultural Forum. The event brought together participants from all Jordanian and Arab universities, institutions, and organizations, creating a Jordanian icon that we can proudly present to the world—a beautiful icon of love, belonging, loyalty, and citizenship—so that Jordan may live on, proud and dignified.
At the launch event, former ministers Dr. Saleh Arsheidat and Dr. Mohammad Taleb Obeidat, former minister Reem Abu Hassan, Dr. Mohammad Kanoush Al-Shara’a from the Department of Political and International Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Yarmouk University, and Dr. Mohammad Al-Miqdad from the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at Al al-Bayt University, spoke. The session was moderated by Dr. Wasfi Aqeel from the Department of Political and International Studies.
Arsheidat emphasized that the seven Royal Discussion Papers represent a comprehensive and integrated vision for Jordan's political and social future. He described them as Jordan's renaissance project, calling for the establishment of a transparent and accountable parliamentary democratic system that promotes the values of justice and equality through the participation of all, based on the rule of law, the empowerment of youth and women, and the strengthening of local development through decentralization. He stressed the importance of education and innovation as the means to achieve progress and prosperity. Adopting and realizing this vision requires cooperation and concerted efforts from all segments of Jordanian society to achieve a better future for everyone. He emphasized that Yarmouk University had set a precedent in Jordanian institutions by adopting an initiative to provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of His Majesty the King's most important social, political, and strategic initiatives. These initiatives reflected His Majesty's vision for a national dialogue outlining the philosophy and future of Jordanian politics, a process that continued for years until it became a tangible reality. This vision was developed through various stages of dialogue, discussion, and drafting by a Royal Committee for Political Modernization. This committee included representatives from diverse segments of society, intellectuals, politicians, and youth. After two months of constructive work, a national consensus was reached on its outcomes, which then underwent legislative, discussion, and ratification processes in the Jordanian Parliament, ultimately becoming part of the Jordanian Constitution and laws.
For his part, Ubaidat stressed that the primary objective of these "papers" is to stimulate a responsible national dialogue on the reform process and the democratic transition and political modernization underway in Jordan. This aims to achieve national consensus and enhance popular participation in decision-making.
On behalf of the university president, Assistant President Dr. Ziad Zureikat sponsored a symposium organized by the late Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies in cooperation with the Faculty of Media, entitled "Journalism as a Source in the Study of Jordanian History." A group of researchers and specialists participated in the symposium. Dr. Zureikat emphasized that this symposium reflects Yarmouk University's leading role in addressing various national issues and its engagement with the local community. He highlighted the university's pioneering role in this field and its tireless efforts to advance society culturally, politically, and socially, stressing that Yarmouk will remain a beacon of knowledge through its mission of education, scientific research, and community service. For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and holder of the Chair, Dr. Muhammad Anaqrah, stated that this symposium represents a genuine opportunity to explore and appreciate the pivotal role that Jordanian journalism has played over the decades in documenting the national journey. He noted that Jordanian journalism has always been a mirror reflecting Jordan's events and documenting those historical moments that shaped the features of our modern state. Hence, the importance of this symposium lies in its focus on how journalism can be used as a research tool. A key component in studying Jordan's history and understanding its past more deeply.
He added, "We fully realize that journalism is not merely a medium for conveying news and information, but rather an integral part of the nation's collective memory. Through journalism, we can access details of historical events and learn about people's opinions and stances at different times. Jordanian journalism has witnessed all the stages Jordan has gone through since its founding, providing an accurate and objective account of the events and developments the nation has experienced."
During the events, which were attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Media, Dr. Amjad Al-Qadi, Dr. Alaa Saadeh presented a paper titled "The Emirate of Transjordan in 1927 as Reflected in the Arab University Newspaper," while Dr. Jabr Al-Khatib presented a paper titled "Arabism and Islam in the Speeches of King Hussein bin Ali: Al-Qibla Newspaper as a Source, 1916-1919."
Dr. Awda Al-Shara'a also presented a paper titled "Al-Kawkab Newspaper as a Source for the History of the Levant and Transjordan in the Period 1916-1919." Dr. Khuzaym Al-Khaldi presented a paper titled "Investigative Journalism in the Era of His Majesty King Abdullah II: Prospects and Challenges," while Dr. Ismat Haddad addressed... His paper discussed the history and development of Jordanian journalism.
At the end of the seminar, a wide-ranging discussion took place regarding the topic and the issues it addressed.
Yarmouk University - Rifai Chair The late Samir Al-Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies was established in 1998 with the aim of conducting studies and research related to Jordan since the establishment of the Emirate, and contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about Jordan’s civilizational and historical development and its relations with neighboring countries and global powers.
