Queen Calls for End To Mideast Conflict

Amid cheers, multiple ovations, and a large entourage from her native kingdom of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah stressed the need to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during a talk at the Institute of Politics yesterday evening, saying that “if it’s not resolved soon, we might not have a chance in the future.”

Speaking before a capacity crowd in the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, the queen—who is of Palestinian and Jordanian decent—described the conflict in the Middle East as not simply “an abstraction,” as it is often perceived in the Western world, “but a difficult and daily reality.”

“We talk about tolerance and acceptance as ideals, but we need to translate that into a way of life,” the queen said.

During her address, which was co-sponsored by the Kennedy School of Government’s Women’s Leadership Board, she portrayed the ongoing conflict as one that “has been left to fester for far too long.”

“The gulf between narratives is wide, and only getting wider,” she said.

Jordan has expressed its support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, as well as for achieving peace in the Middle East.

The queen also addressed the evolving role of women in the Arab world in response to a question posed by Kennedy School Dean David T. Ellwood ’75.

“The Arab world has done very well in spending a lot, investing a lot in getting women into schools and universities,” the queen said. “But when it comes to the workforce, we have one of the lowest rates of female participation.”

She said the key to bridging the gap between education and employment is “not just about changing policies, it’s about changing mindsets.”

“Changing mindsets takes a little bit longer,” she said. “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

Ellwood, who introduced Queen Rania, said the atmosphere of the lecture was unlike any other in his almost three years as dean of the Kennedy School.

“I’ve been to a lot of forums, but I’m not sure I’ve ever felt quite a buzz and energy that I feel tonight,” he said.

That tone was evident at the start of the queen’s remarks, when she talked about how much of a pleasure it is to visit the United States, “especially in the midst of such a lively and competitive election season.”

“The whole country, the whole world is on the edge of their seats,” she said.

The crowd erupted in laughter when she then revealed that the election to which she was referring was not of the presidential variety, but instead that of the popular television show “American Idol.”

“I must say that I’d rather be introduced by Dean Ellwood than Simon Cowell,” she quipped. “No, seriously, would you like a speech or a song?”

—Staff writer Malcom A. Glenn can be reached at mglenn@fas.harvard.edu.