A Treaty Must Be More Than Words : Middle East: Jordanian trust in the accord with Israel awaits real changes ‘on the ground.’

As a Jordanian American, I watched history being made a few weeks ago while I was visiting relatives and friends in Amman, Jordan.

The peace treaty, signed by Jordan and Israel on Oct. 26, witnessed by President Clinton in Wadi-Araba and ratified by both the Israeli Knesset and the Jordanian Parliament, has paved the way for various modes of economic cooperation and trade, the exchange of ambassadors, bridge-crossing openings, tourism and joint projects to build a new, peaceful and prosperous Middle East after decades of hostility, wars, pain and deep suspicions.

But many Jordanians, including a former prime minister, opposed the treaty; 23 members of the 80-member Parliament including a powerful bloc of Muslim fundamentalists, voted against the treaty. Jordan, proud to call itself a democracy and a pluralistic society, experienced an intense debate about the merits and shortcomings of the accord with Israel. The forces of moderation and realism won, and immediately King Hussein joyously journeyed to the shores of the Sea of Galilee to exchange the ratification documents with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

In Jordan, there was a general acceptance of Israel as a neighbor, but no celebration. Many Jordanians welcomed the peace treaty in large measure because of their faith and trust in their popular leader, King Hussein. But it was guarded optimism. To suddenly celebrate a peace treaty after 50 years of animosity, wars, deep-seated suspicions and negative indoctrination was psychologically and emotionally not possible. What was possible, however, was the readiness of the people for peace.

Will the peace treaty endure? Yes, if certain conditions follow.

First, comprehensive peace needs to be achieved. Peace with Jordan is conditional on meaningful full autonomy and self-determination for the Palestinians. Also, it is conditional on peace between Syria and Israel. Currently, Israel is negotiating peace treaties with each Arab state. But no lasting peace is possible unless a comprehensive peace is accomplished--soon.

Another condition for the peace process to work is speed. Islamic religious radicals are well-organized, well-financed and determined to wreck any reconciliation with the Jewish state. The best way to weaken their power is for the peace treaty to start paying dividends as soon as possible.

Then there is a need for restitution. The Palestinians must be compensated for their losses. This is a monumental task that will involve the United States, the United Nations, Israel and Arab countries. The magnitude of this refugee problem is great; 457 Palestinian towns and villages have been destroyed by the Israeli authorities to make room for settlements since occupation of the West Bank in 1967.

Another condition for peace requires determining the fate of Jerusalem. This is possibly the thorniest problem. Because of the great emotional and religious attachment of the Jews and the Arabs to Jerusalem, the fate of this city could determine the fate of one or all of the peace accords. There is no reason why Jerusalem should not be the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, it will take the wisdom of many Solomons to resolve it.

There is also a need to transform attitude and outlook. Both Arabs and Jews need to dispel their negative mythologies, stereotypes and fears and start seeing each other as human beings. Arabs need to accept that even though Israel is an outpost of Western civilization, there is much good in that tradition. Israelis must learn that although their neighbors have not yet been fully liberated from centuries of Ottoman and colonial rule, they are the heirs to a great civilization that enriched and illuminated Europe in the Middle and Dark Ages.

Finally, there is the responsibility of the Arab and Jewish communities in the United States. The American Jewish community is very powerful politically, financially and socially; it has been and is still strongly committed to the state of Israel. A symposium of reconciliation and exploration of the possibilities of peace should be sponsored by the American Jewish community in cooperation with the American Arab community. This would be a fitting undertaking to advance the cause of peace by bringing together the best minds of both peoples for the first time in 50 years. A peace of dynamic active involvement by all would usher in a golden age in the biblical lands of milk and honey.