ARAB VOICES: Trampling on Flags, Trampling on Civilisation

There are many ways to express one’s opinions in a civilised society—through debate, diplomacy, and dialogue. But then, there are those who resort to petty and vulgar theatrics, displaying their sheer intellectual and moral bankruptcy.

Expressive photo: the author as an Arab bowing in respect in front of the Israeli flag

Mr. Walid Al-Adwan, the Deputy Head of the Jordanian Bar Association, has chosen the latter path by painting the Israeli flag on the floor of the Bar Association’s entrance, ordering visitors to step on it like some medieval barbarian reveling in his own ignorance.

Is this the behavior of a legal professional, someone who is supposed to uphold justice, order, and the principles of law? No. It is the behavior of a desperate, small-minded individual who has nothing meaningful to offer in the realm of ideas, so he resorts to childish stunts to pander to the lowest common denominator of his audience. This is not an act of resistance; it is an act of incitement. It is not an expression of strength; it is a pitiful display of weakness.

The hypocrisy here is staggering. Jordan, a nation that has benefited enormously from its peace agreement with Israel—whether in trade, water resources, or security cooperation—now plays host to such blatant hostility, unchallenged by its government. 

Does Jordan, a country that prides itself on its diplomatic ties with the West, really want to associate itself with such primitive and disgraceful behavior? Where is the condemnation from Jordanian authorities? Their silence is deafening and, frankly, shameful.

Let’s be clear: No civilized society encourages or tolerates the public desecration of a national flag—especially not of a country that has a peace treaty with them. Would Jordan tolerate an Israeli institution painting the Jordanian flag on the floor to be stepped on? Of course not. Yet, when it comes to Israel, such blatant hostility is not only permitted but encouraged. This is the essence of cowardice.

Israel, on the other hand, does not need to stoop to such infantile antics. It does not need to trample on symbols to prove its strength. It proves its strength through technological innovation, military resilience, and democratic values. Israel builds, while people like Walid Al-Adwan destroy.

That is the difference between civilization and barbarism.

If Jordan wishes to be taken seriously on the international stage, it must put an end to this disgraceful behavior. If it cannot even uphold basic diplomatic respect, then it calls into question its sincerity in maintaining peaceful relations.

As for Mr. Al-Adwan, he should take a long, hard look at himself and ask: Does he want to be remembered as a man of law, or as a man of cheap, gutter-level provocations?

Because right now, history will remember him as the latter.