JORDAN, near the Syrian border — Wars of words and words of war cloud and crowd, bending the routines and harassing the rhythms of everyday people in the Middle East.
At the margins, rapidly emerging tensions press down slowly, pushing across the borders into personal lives, creating havoc and even hysteria. The Middle East’s macro regional issues are complex. Disagreements are ancient and tribal.
For most people, however, the issues are simple and straightforward. They are not defending a particular geopolitical system, protecting national security or promoting an international agenda. They readily comprehend that they influence very little. They are not seen on CNN engaged in street protests. They are not terrorists. They are not despots or dictators. For these people, like millions of others around the globe, the managing of the normal concerns of family, food, kids, work, health and safety requires all the measure of their daily energy.
Yet, with growing awareness and anxious anticipation of distant words that could instantly transform to major warfare, these good people of the Middle East move within their daily rhythms with great caution and growing tension. Little troubles speak of potential big travails.
Air France announces a change on the scheduled nonstop flight from Paris to Amman, Jordan, for an intermediate “technical stop” in Athens. With no further explanation, Amman-bound passengers conclude the flight crew change in Athens allows for an immediate, turnaround exit flight from Jordan. Risk managers within Air France must believe the flight turnaround avoids the perceived risks and potential dangers of an overnight stay in Amman.
People ponder personal “what ifs” while Russian and American warships sail the waters of the eastern Mediterranean positioning for contingency war actions.
Border communities with very limited resources nearby to Syria already are overwhelmed as they brace for the next wave of beleaguered and silent refugees, estimated at 3.5 million, potentially fleeing the horrors of a nearby war theater.
With the leaders of the G-20 countries debating in Moscow and members of Congress returning to Washington on Monday, a vote to authorize a military strike on Syria was anticipated.
Perhaps it is the right thing to do to stop a despot who utilizes the brutal tactics of chemical weapons against his fellow citizens.
However, don’t fail to remember that the talk of war and the timetable for its execution impacts millions and disrupts the flow of daily living, creating uncertainty and tension at the grass-roots level among those who cannot speak for themselves and whose voices are drowned out again and again by the clanging and banging of the distant noises of Scud missiles, of Tomahawk missiles, of chemical warheads, of jet fighters, of battleships and of all the grinding of the gears of war growing louder as they draw near.
Let us not forget those silent ones who say the least but suffer the most.
Larry Jensen is president and chief executive officer of Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors. He recently toured the Middle East on a humanitarian visit.
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