Latest News from Jordan Times
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Jordan Times
Army thwarts drug smuggling attempt using drones
The Southern Military Zone on Sunday thwarts an attempt to smuggle narcotics using two drones along its western front (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Sunday thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics using two drones along its western front. A responsible military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) said that Border Guard forces applied the rules of engagement after detecting and tracking the two drones. They were intercepted and brought down inside Jordanian territory, and the seized materials were handed over to the relevant authorities, the source said. The source stressed that the JAF continue to act with strength and determination, mobilising all available resources to counter such activities and prevent all forms of infiltration and smuggling to safeguard the Kingdom's security and stability.
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Jordan wins 7 medals at Asian Jiu-Jitsu championship
AMMAN — The Jordanian national jiu-jitsu team on Sunday secured a total of seven medals, one gold, three silver, and three bronze, on the third day of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, currently taking place at Prince Hamzah Hall in Al Hussein Youth City in Amman. Mohammad Hamdan clinched the gold medal in the under-62kg category, while Khaled Harahsheh and Shujaa Harahsheh earned silver in the under-62kg and under-69kg categories, respectively. Yaman Ismail also claimed silver in the under-85kg division, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Othman Yaseen won the bronze medal in the under-94kg category, and Abdelkarim Mukhalba secured bronze in the under-77kg category, all within the jiu-jitsu contact competitions. Additionally, Zeina Saleh won a bronze medal in the under-70kg category in the jiu-jitsu division.
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
His Majesty attends ceremony marking 79th Independence Day
His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, attends the ceremony marking Jordan's 79th Independence Day at Al Husseiniya Palace (Photos courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, attended the ceremony to mark Jordan's 79th Independence Day, held on Sunday at Al Husseiniya Palace. During the ceremony, attended by HRH Prince Hashem, heads of authorities delivered speeches expressing deep pride in Jordan and highlighting the significance of the occasion, which serves to reaffirm Jordanians' devotion to their homeland, and their determination to support its continued advancement under the Hashemite leadership. The prime minister, Senate president, House of Representatives speaker, and president of the Judicial Council expressed pride in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies for their role in safeguarding the Kingdom. They also emphasised Jordanians' steadfast support for the Hashemite leadership in defending Arab causes, and supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. During the ceremony, His Majesty bestowed Royal medals upon a number of distinguished Jordanian individuals and leading national institutions in recognition of their significant contributions and services to the nation and its people. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of Jordanians who have distinguished themselves in different sectors, including filmmaking, media, economics, vocational training, literature, education, technology, culture, medicine, science, and sports. Royal family members, senior officials and officers, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and professional associations attended the ceremony.
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Madrid Group condemns Israeli violations in Gaza, calls for ‘unconditional' opening of border crossings
By JT - May 25,2025 - Last updated at May 26,2025 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi poses for a family photo with the rest of participants during the Madrid+ For the Implementation of the Two States Solution meeting of European and Arab nations in Madrid on May 25, 2025 (Photo courtesy of Foreign Ministry) AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi joined a high-level ministerial meeting of the Madrid Group (Madrid +), hosted by Spain, to advance efforts toward implementing the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The meeting brought together the ministerial committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Mustafa, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha, and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, along with other Arab and European officials. The talks in Madrid focused on the war in Gaza and the international efforts to end the worsening humanitarian catastrophe there, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Ministers also discussed preparations for a high-level international peace conference, set to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York in June. The conference is co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. The committee members underlined the need for intensified cooperation to ensure the success of the upcoming conference aimed at pushing for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state formula, the statement said. They called for establishing a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions. The ministers also expressed support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States aimed at securing a ceasefire, releasing hostages and prisoners, and lifting the blockade on Gaza. They called for the immediate and unconditional opening of all border crossings to allow humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to reach civilians, according to the statement. The committee condemned continued Israeli violations against civilians in Gaza and urged international accountability for breaches of international and humanitarian law. They also underlined support for 'early recovery and the reconstruction of Gaza, in line with the Arab reconstruction plan adopted at the Cairo summit. They also voiced support for Egypt's upcoming international conference on Gaza reconstruction.
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
A time for cultural awakening: Rethinking identity in a region of endless crises
For many years now the Middle East has been caught in a cycle of ongoing crises. Since October 7, this cycle has accelerated, moving rapidly from one front to another. If there's one phrase that captures what the region is living through today, it's this: the region of crises. It's not just a political description—it's a social and psychological condition that has shaped lives, mindsets, and institutions. What's most worrying isn't only the crises themselves, but the way they've affected how people think, feel, and act. Societies have become locked into a kind of mental waiting room—projects are frozen, ideas are stalled, and leadership often shifts to managing the crisis of the day instead of building the future. Over time, we've lost sight of long-term national goals and neglected the cultural and intellectual frameworks that give nations a sense of direction. In Jordan, as we mark 79 years of independence, it's important to recognize what has held this country together. The strength of state institutions has helped Jordan remain standing while much of the region has collapsed into sectarian violence and militia-fuelled chaos. We may rightly criticize the bureaucracy or call for reforms, we must also acknowledge its role as a stabilizing force. Still, stability is not enough. What we need now is a clear and forward-looking national project—one that connects the past with the future and brings cultural identity back to the heart of public life. For people to truly belong, they must feel proud of what they belong to. This means reintroducing Jordan's history, values, and cultural legacy in a way that resonates with younger generations and the outside world. Being Jordanian, today, should mean more than holding a passport. It should mean having a clear identity, especially at a time when the region is once again being reshaped. As sectarian and ethnic divisions deepen, and as new crises emerge, it's the idea of national identity that will remain the only real shield against chaos. That's why I believe we need a cultural awakening—a revival that helps us move past the errors of the past and builds a sense of shared purpose for what lies ahead. This isn't just about slogans. We need a real renaissance—a shift from abstract visions to practical steps. It begins with asking: Where do we want to be tomorrow? From there, we can begin to build policies based on cultural growth, public awareness, and a clearer role for the state—not just as a service provider, but as a guide in shaping identity and building a stronger society. Jordan has proven resilient, but resilience alone doesn't guarantee confidence. Over time, people's trust in state institutions can erode—quietly, gradually. That's why it's essential to re-engage with citizens through honest reflection and real change. When people feel seen and heard, when they see action—not just promises—they begin to believe again. This kind of national revival isn't a luxury. It's a necessity for surviving the future. And at the heart of it must be investment in people: culturally, intellectually, and socially. Even in times of limited resources, the seeds of such a project already exist. They just need to be nurtured. Perhaps the essence of this vision is best captured in the words of Jordanian poet Haidar Mahmoud: 'From the heart of stone, we shaped a man of pride and dignity. And we swore by the majesty of the river, to conquer the darkness with love.'
