The war in Iraq has triggered instability across the country. It's effects though, are also being felt in other Middle Eastern nations, like Jordan.
EL HASSAN BIN TALAL
Prince of Jordan
'Thatâ??s what I find so terrifying about these wars and their consequences. Nobody thinks about how wars ends.â?
His Highness, El Hassan Bin Talal is the prince of Jordan. A country known for playing a key role in the region's politics and for welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees who flee from wars, conflicts and religious persecution. This hospitality though, is also weighing on the country's resources.
EL HASSAN BIN TALAL
Prince of Jordan
'Our population in 1992 was supposed to have been 2.5 million, now weâ??re at over 10 million, so we have doubled our expectations twice. If weâ??re talking about 10 million people the caring capacity of Jordan does not have the water, does not have the energy, does not have the educational facilities to look down the road, 10, 20 years for now and the world average today is 27 years for a refugee on somebody elseâ??s soilâ?
In early September, the Prince met with Pope Francis at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, where they discussed a humanitarian perception of law. They also talked about long term plans that promote human dignity and security, instead of only focusing on immediate solutions without a vision.
The Prince says Middle Eastern countries should work together, to give common citizenship to its peopleâ??something similar, he says, to the European Union. This alone, could help balance the challenges and strengths of the region.
EL HASSAN BIN TALAL
Prince of Jordan
'You have Christians of Arab culture, you have Jews of Arab culture you have Muslims of Arab culture, so why canâ??t you also like Europeans, be an Arab, Syrian, and an Aleppan, citizen of Aleppo.â?
As the humanitarian crisis rages on...as people are displaced and worshiping sites destroyed by religious extremists, the Prince says, the tragedy reflects the mindset of the attackers.
EL HASSAN BIN TALAL
Prince of Jordan
'These extremists basically say, we are not afraid because we are dead hearted, we are already dead, now is that a comment on humanity.â?
The Prince of Jordan is planning on visiting Rome once again in December, to take part in a meeting that delves into topics like education, the youth and religion.
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