Question to the King of Jordan. In the wake of the Arab Spring, a better business environment and more job creation must be part of any real program of change. I would hence ask His Majesty King Abdullah II to outline his vision of this very change for Jo

inequalities, dismal healthcare, poor education, cultural anxiety, political humiliation, loss of dignity and self-respect to which they have been subjected during decades of dictatorships. This overall «Arab malaise» was further exacerbated by the perverse effects of globalization: creating more inequalities in the distribution of wealth, widening the gap between rich and poor, mercilessly destroying all forms of cohesion within societies, and breaking them into individual lonely and depressed souls. Commensurately, the Arab countries' share in international trade remained insignificant with the exception of oil and gas. Nowadays, the popular unrests shaking many Arab states, including Jordan, will not make a positive difference if the governments at question do not create jobs and nurture entreupreneurs.. This would require, first of all, a political overture, an independent judiciary, and building a responsive government that would ensure a vibrant society and a dignified life to its citizens. The latter must overcome the prevailing bitter sense of disability: the inability to change anything in their lives, whether politically, economically or culturally; they have to be empowered. In this context, an overhaul of the educational system is of utmost importance in order to relate its output to real economic needs.The situation in Jordan is not as dramatic as in other countries where the demand for regime change is being made. Despite being poorly endowed in natural resources, including water, Jordan has faired well, investing substantially in human development; still, a further effort is needed to further liberate entrepreneurial energies. Its leaders are also well aware of the geopolitical constraint it faces: the kingdom desperately needs regional peace, security and stability because its prosperity, like that of its neighbors, hinges essentialy on regional integration.In the absence of a final comprehensive resolution of the Palestian Question and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Arab Spring has afforded Jordan with an opportunity of moving towards regional integration. Indeed, the Gulf Cooperation Council regrouping the oil rich monarchies has offered Jordan full membership. Given the above-mentioned conditions obtaining in the region, and in Jordan, it would indeed be interesting to hear the views of His Majesty on how to attend to the aspirations of the youth and move the kingdom forward.