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Q&A with Queen Noor of Jordan

Queen Noor of Jordan answered audience questions after her speech at Judson University's World Leaders Forum Monday in Elgin. Here are some of her responses:

Q. What is one way to address problems of social discord in the Middle East?

A. Looking at the fundamental rights and needs of young people ... making sure opportunities are open to them to be able to compete on a level playing field with everyone else.

Q. What do you believe would be your legacy as queen?

A. I have tried to uphold the fundamental values of our faiths, and those aspirations of people in the country that are larger than themselves ... (serving in) this role as a compassionate and welcoming community for people in need throughout our region. Someone who by personal example tried for everyone in the country, not only for her own children.

Q. Where do you feel most at home?

A. I feel most at home, it doesn't matter where, when I'm with my children and grandchildren. This country that I spent my childhood and youth in, and the Middle East that has been a primary base for me for the last 40 plus years ... I value and treasure and consider myself a part of both worlds.

Q. What can the United States learn from Jordan with respect to handling refugees?

A. The issue of refugees has become politicized in this country. Neighboring communities in the (Middle East) region are on the verge of collapse from having taken in so many refugees. They are fleeing impossible circumstances. They are in fear for their lives and their children's lives. Not only do refugee communities enrich your communities, but reflect other perspectives, ways of looking at the world. They remind us of our common humanity. If that common humanity is not a responsibility that we all share together, then we are depriving ourselves."

Q. Is the continued disposition of Palestinians as refugees still a root cause for unrest in the Middle East?

A. Since 1948 and the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, in which major parts of Syria, Jordan, Palestine have been occupied, that has been a profitable recruiting factor for extremist group. It's so easy to recruit from that and other injustices. It is not the only one, but it is certainly one of several. The United States can play a far more effective and balanced role in addressing the safety and security of Israel, Palestinians under occupation and the larger (region).

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Jordan's Queen Noor speaks at Elgin forum

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