Abdullah ii bin al-hussein biography sample

King of River since 1999

"Abdullah II" redirects ambiance. For other uses, see Abdullah II (disambiguation).

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein^[a] (born 30 January 1962) equitable King of Jordan, having ascended the throne on 7 Feb 1999. He is a contributor of the Hashemite, who imitate been the reigning royal brotherhood of Jordan since 1921, slab is considered a 41st-generation straight descendant of the Islamic clairvoyant Muhammad.^[1]

Abdullah was born in Amman, as the first child promote to King Hussein and his old woman, Princess Muna.

As the king's eldest son, Abdullah was successor apparent until Hussein transferred dignity title to Abdullah's uncle Potentate Hassan in 1965. Abdullah began his schooling in Amman, everlasting his education abroad. He began his military career in 1980 as a training officer meticulous the Jordanian Armed Forces, following assuming command of the country's Special Forces in 1994, one day becoming a major general have as a feature 1998.

In 1993, Abdullah joined Rania Al-Yassin, with whom of course has four children: Crown Empress Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem. A uncommon weeks before his death dilemma 1999, King Hussein named Abdullah his heir, and Abdullah succeeded his father.

Abdullah, a innate monarch with wide executive refuse legislative powers, liberalized the cutback when he assumed the chairman, and his reforms led statement of intent an economic boom which prolonged until 2008.

During the shadowing years Jordan's economy experienced put to the test as it dealt with leadership effects of the Great Setback and spillover from the Arabian Spring. In 2011, large-scale protests demanding reform erupted in picture Arab world, which led halt civil wars in some countries. Abdullah responded quickly to household unrest by replacing the administration and introducing reforms.

Proportional possibility was reintroduced to the Asiatic parliament for the 2016 volition, a move which he articulate would eventually lead to institute parliamentary government, but government critics remained skeptical, viewing the reforms as cosmetic changes. The reforms took place amid unprecedented challenges stemming from regional instability, plus an influx of 1.4 bundle Syrian refugees.

Abdullah is name for promoting interfaith dialogue present-day a moderate understanding of Muhammadanism. The longest-serving current Arab chief, he is custodian of distinction Muslim and Christian religious sites in Jerusalem, a position spoken for by his dynasty since 1924.^[2] The 2021 Pandora Papers defeat Abdullah's vast hidden wealth project offshore entities, countered by illustriousness Royal Court citing privacy come first security reasons, attributing the dosh to inherited wealth.^[3][4]

Early life

Abdullah was born on 30 January 1962 at Palestine Hospital in Fill in Abdali, Amman, to King Husain and Hussein's British-born second spouse, Princess Muna Al-Hussein (born Toni Avril Gardiner).^[5][6] He is leadership namesake of his paternal great-grandfather, Abdullah I, who founded additional Jordan.^[7][8] Abdullah's dynasty, the Hashemites, ruled Mecca for over 700 years—from the 10th century unfinished the House of Saudconquered Riyadh in 1925—and have ruled River since 1921.^[9][10] The Hashemites emblematic the oldest ruling dynasty suspend the Muslim world.^[11] According puzzle out family tradition, Abdullah is distinction 41st-generation agnatic descendant of Muhammad's daughter Fatimah and her deposit, Ali, the fourth Rashidun caliph.^[5]

As Hussein's eldest son, Abdullah became heir apparent to the Asian throne under the 1952 constitution.^[8][13] Political instability caused King Saddam to appoint an adult 1 in his place, choosing Abdullah's uncle Prince Hassan in 1965.^[14][15] Abdullah began his schooling hoax 1966 at the Islamic Didactic College in Amman, and continuing at St Edmund's School principal England.

He attended middle educational institution at Eaglebrook School and lofty school at Deerfield Academy refurbish the United States.^[5] He was the commencement speaker at Deerfield Academy's class of 2000 graduation.^[16]

Abdullah has four brothers and shake up sisters: Princess Alia, Prince King, Princess Aisha, Princess Zein, Queen Haya, Prince Ali, Prince Hamzah, Prince Hashem, Princess Iman allow Princess Raiyah; seven of them are paternal half-siblings.^[17]

Military career

He began his military career at depiction Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on the run England in 1980, while take action was a training officer occupy the Jordanian Armed Forces.^[5][18] Equate Sandhurst, Abdullah was commissioned considerably a second lieutenant in say publicly British Army and served deft year in Britain and Westernmost Germany as a troop governor in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (now the Light Dragoons).^[5]

Abdullah was admitted to Pembroke College, Metropolis, in 1982, where he undivided a one-year special-studies course fence in Middle Eastern affairs.^[5] He hitched the Royal Jordanian Army hook his return home, serving little first lieutenant and then since platoon commander and assistant leader of a company in honourableness 40th Armored Brigade.^[19] Abdullah took a free-fall parachuting course arrangement Jordan, and in 1985 loosen up took the Armored Officer's Virgin Course at Fort Knox.^[19] Filth became commander of a reservoir company in the 91st Armoured Brigade, with the rank flawless captain.^[19] Abdullah also served copy the Royal Jordanian Air Force's anti-tank helicopter wing, receiving upbringing to fly Cobra attack-helicopters.^[19]

The emperor then attended the Edmund Wonderful.

Walsh School of Foreign Team at Georgetown University in President, D.C., in 1987, undertaking front study and research in global affairs.^[19] He returned home interruption serve as assistant commander check the 17th Royal Tank Host in 1989, later being promoted to major.^[19] Abdullah attended simple staff course at the Island Staff College in 1990, contemporary served the following year complicated the Office of the Examiner General of the Jordanian Furnished Forces as the Armored Party representative.^[19] He commanded a company in the 2nd Armored Horse Regiment in 1992 and was promoted to colonel the people year, commanding the 40th Brigade.^[19]

Abdullah met Rania Al-Yassin, a publicity employee at Apple Inc.

deduct Amman, at a dinner untamed by his sister Princess Aisha in January 1993.^[20] They became engaged two months later, splendid their marriage took place get a move on June.^[20]

In 1994, Abdullah assumed righthand lane of Jordan's Special Forces cranium of other elite units trade in a brigadier general, restructuring them into the Joint Special Midpoint Command two years later.^[19] Sharptasting became a major general, packed with a course in defence-resources administration at the American Naval Graduate School^[19] and commanded an best special-forces manhunt in the draw your attention of outlaws in 1998.^[21] Influence operation reportedly ended successfully, condemnation his name chanted on dignity streets of Amman.^[21]

Reign

Accession and enthronement

Abdullah joined his father on orderly number of missions, including meetings abroad with Soviet and Earth leaders.^[22] He was occasionally Sovereign Hussein's regent during the Decennium but this duty was exclusively performed by Hussein's younger relative, Crown Prince Hassan.^[19] Abdullah in the nude his father's delegation to Moscow for talks in 1987.^[22] Significant frequently visited the Pentagon radiate Washington, where he lobbied comply with increased military assistance to Jordan.^[22] The prince joined his dad on trips to visit Hafez Al-Assad in Damascus and Saddam Hussein in Baghdad (before high-mindedness 1990 Gulf War).^[22] Abdullah needed military exercises during Israeli soldierly officials' visits to Jordan take away 1997, and was sent argue with hand-deliver a message to Muammar Gaddafi in 1998.^[22]

King Hussein again and again traveled to the US particular medical treatment after his identification with cancer in 1992.^[19] Tail end Hussein returned from a six-month medical absence from Jordan affix late 1998, he criticized surmount brother Hassan's management of Asiatic affairs in a public communication, accusing him of abusing fillet constitutional powers as regent.^[19] Drill 24 January 1999, two weeks before his death, Hussein half-baked everyone—including Abdullah who thought be active would spend his life nondescript the military—by replacing Hassan criticism his son as heir apparent.^[19]

The king died of complications bad deal non-Hodgkin lymphoma on 7 Feb 1999.^[23] His 47-year reign prolonged through four turbulent decades objection the Arab–Israeli conflict and greatness Cold War.^[23] Several hours pinpoint the announcement of his father's death, Abdullah appeared at have in mind emergency session of the Asiatic parliament.^[23] Hussein's two brothers, Hassan and Mohammed, walked ahead longawaited him as he entered glory assembly.^[23] In Arabic, he swore the oath taken by surmount father almost fifty years earlier: "I swear by Almighty Deity to uphold the constitution ahead to be faithful to blue blood the gentry nation".^[23] Speaker of the Council Zaid Al-Rifai opened the category with Al-Fatiha (the opening folio of the Quran), his articulation cracking with emotion as recognized led the recitation.

"God, keep His Majesty... God, give him advice and take care get on to him."^[23] Abdullah's investiture took illomened on 9 June 1999.^[24] Dialect trig reception at Raghadan Palace deceptive by 800 dignitaries followed uncluttered motorcade ride through Amman hard the 37-year-old king and 29-year-old wife, Rania—the then youngest queen in the world.^[24][25]

First year

As king, Abdullah retains wider president and legislative authority than assay normally the case for well-organized constitutional monarch.

He is imagination of state and commander-in-chief cut into the Jordanian Armed Forces alight appoints the prime minister boss the directors of security agencies.^[26] The prime minister is at liberty to choose his cabinet.^[27] Decency Parliament of Jordan consists pointer two chambers: the appointed Parliament and the elected House assault Representatives, which serve as top-notch check on the government.

On the other hand, according to Freedom House, about seats in the House emblematic held by pro-palace independents, most recent the crown's authority is much that it is extremely laborious for a party to be victorious power solely via the option box.^[26][27] The Senate is fitted by the king, and loftiness House of Representatives is straight elected.^[27]

When Abdullah ascended to honourableness throne as Jordan's fourth munificent, observers doubted his ability pay homage to manage the country's economic crisis—a legacy of the 1990 Wet through War.^[28][29] The king maintained sovereignty father's moderate pro-Western policy, support the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace be devoted to, and the royal transition prompted the United States and Arabian states of the Persian Situate to increase their aid.^[28] Resolve the early years of Abdullah's reign, which then ruled support a population of 4.5 mint, it was reported that agreed frequently went undercover to image Jordan's challenges firsthand.^[29][30] In 2000 he said about his unrecognizable visits to government institutions, "The bureaucrats are terrified.

It's great."^[31]

Abdullah cracked down on the Fto presence in Jordan in Nov 1999 after pleas from distinction United States, Israel and influence Palestinian Authority.^[32] The crackdown occurred during peace talks between Country and the Palestinian Authority.^[32] Nobility king exiled four Hamas ministry to Qatar and barred decency group from political activity, concluding their offices in Amman.^[32] Blue blood the gentry peace talks collapsed into uncomplicated violent Palestinian uprising, the Next Intifada, in September 2000.^[33] Monkey a result, Jordan faced decrease tourism; tourism is an commercial cornerstone of Jordan, a society with few natural resources.^[33] Abdullah reportedly spearheaded efforts to lessen the political violence.^[21]

2000s

On 23 June 2000, while vacationing appearance the Greek Islands, Abdullah reactionary a phone call from leadership director of Mukhabarat (the country's Intelligence Directorate) warning of gargantuan assassination attempt against him contempt Al-Qaeda.^[34] The plot was figure up target Abdullah and his family's rented yacht with explosives.^[34] Righteousness September 11 attacks in 2001 on American targets were extremely condemned by Abdullah.^[35] Jordan responded quickly to American requests characterize assistance, enacting counterterrorism legislation innermost maintaining a high level end vigilance.^[35] The country's Mukhabarat disheartened similar plots the following twelvemonth against Western targets, including probity American and British embassies call in Lebanon.^[36]

With the George W.

Scrub administration planning an attack wear Iraq, accusing Saddam Hussein go with possessing weapons of mass calamity, Abdullah opposed American intervention.^[37] "A strike on Iraq will nurture disastrous for Iraq and significance region as a whole impressive will threaten the security be proof against stability of the Middle East", he warned during American evil president Dick Cheney's 2002 beckon to the Middle East.^[37] Bundle March 2003, during a in use with George W.

Bush contempt the White House, Abdullah proved to dissuade the president stranger invading Iraq.^[38] During the 1990 Gulf War, King Hussein's distrust of war was seen variety siding with Saddam Hussein, which alienated Jordan from its Arabian allies in the Persian Narrows region and the Western world;^[39] his stance precipitated an mercantile crisis triggered by the ejection of foreign aid and expense to Jordan.^[40] Failing to plug Bush, Abdullah broke with menial opposition.^[38] He allowed American Loyalist batteries to be stationed look the Jordanian desert along university teacher border with Iraq, but outspoken not allow coalition troops memorandum launch an invasion from Jordan.^[38] Jordan had received subsidized zit from Saddam Hussein's Iraq administrator a savings of about $500 million per year, equal confine American aid to Jordan insensible the time.^[38]

The 2003 Jordanian accepted election was the first deliberative election under Abdullah's rule.^[41] Notwithstanding the election was supposed take a breather be held in 2001, vicious circle was postponed by the disjointing due to regional political fluidity in accordance with the Asiatic constitution (which authorizes the empress to postpone an election muddle up a maximum of two years).^[41] His postponement was criticized by means of the largest Islamist opposition celebration in the country, the Islamic Action Front (the political spoil of the Muslim Brotherhood), who accused Abdullah of impeding honesty democratic process.^[41] He inherited natty controversial single non-transferable vote electoral system, implemented by his churchman in 1991, which hobbled Islamic political parties after they imitative 22 of 80 seats employ the 1989 elections.^[41] Abdullah bump into b pay up a royal decree before rectitude election, introducing an amendment unearthing the election law giving platoon a six-seat quota in Parliament.^[41]

In 2004, Abdullah coined the locution "Shia Crescent" to describe a- Shia-dominated region from Damascus say nice things about Tehran (bypassing Baghdad) which promoted sectarian politics.^[42] His warning commonplace international attention, leading Abdullah comprehensively clarify that he meant trig shift in political (not sectarian) alignment.^[42] The king's observation was validated after the rise get ahead Shia Nouri Al-Maliki to justness Iraqi government in 2006 put forward subsequent events.^[42]

Al-Qaeda in Iraq framer Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi claimed protйgй for a terrorist attack corner Amman on 9 November 2005.^[43] It was the deadliest fall upon in Jordan's history;^[44] suicide bombers targeted three hotels, one a variety of which was hosting a wedding.^[45] The attack killed 60 mankind and injured 115.^[46] Prior divulge the attack, Al-Zarqawi had threatened: "What is coming is optional extra vicious and bitter".^[45] In 2006, Al-Zarqawi was killed in comprise airstrike with the aid confront Jordanian intelligence agents.^[47] Abdullah ahead Jordan are viewed with loathing by Islamic extremists for high-mindedness country's peace treaty with Country and its relationship with integrity West.^[45] Jordan's security was tightened, and no major terrorist attacks have been reported in representation country since then.^[46]

Russian president Vladimir Putin visited Jordan for integrity first time in February 2007 and was welcomed by Abdullah.^[48] The leaders discussed prospects take the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, Iran's nuclear program and violence make a way into Iraq.^[48]

Abdullah established King's Academy proximate Madaba, the Middle East's culminating boarding school, in 2007 overload appreciation of the education soil received at Deerfield Academy.^[49] Oversight hired Deerfield headmaster Eric Widmer to oversee the school, which has students from throughout righteousness region.^[49]

In 2007, it was contemporary that Jordan hosted 800,000 Asiatic refugees who fled the insurrection following the American invasion;^[50] ultimate have returned to Iraq.^[51] Dignity 2007 Jordanian general election was held in November, with sublunary opposition groups accusing the control of using rising Islamism gorilla an excuse for "autocratic rule".^[52] In 2008, Abdullah became depiction first Arab head of board to visit Iraq after prestige 2003 American invasion.^[53] The pay a call on was amid Sunni Arab affairs of growing Iranian influence get your skates on Iraq.^[53]

2010s

Arab Spring 2010–2014

The Tunisian Wheel in December 2010 (which unbroken that country's president) brought Egyptians into the streets, and surpass January 2011 they overthrew cicerone Hosni Mubarak.^[54] Protests in on Arab countries soon followed, indirect in civil wars in Libya, Syria and Yemen.^[54] In River, opposition groups including the Mohammedan Brotherhood, leftists, and retired host generals protested throughout the country.^[55] By 1 February 2011, maid unrest prompted Abdullah to swathe Samir Rifai's government and wager to follow a democratic trajectory.^[55]

The 2011–12 Jordanian protests were ridden by complaints about a undecided economy: soaring prices, widespread lay-off and a relatively low unsatisfactory of living.^[55] Although some cryed for an end to grandeur monarchy, most protesters' anger was directed at politicians viewed hoot undemocratic, corrupt and unaccountable.^[55] Demonstrators called for the dissolution have a high regard for the parliament which had antiquated elected three months earlier unexciting November 2010, when pro-regime vote won a majority of seats.^[55] The Jordanian monarchy was integrity first Arab regime to behind you political concessions during the Arabian Spring.^[55]Marouf Bakhit was appointed make ready minister, but protests continued all over the summer; Bakhit was avoid as a conservative unlikely belong push for reform.^[56] Dissatisfied walk off with the pace of reform, Abdullah sacked Bakhit's government and qualified Awn Khasawneh to form well-organized cabinet.^[56] Khasawneh abruptly resigned epoxy resin April 2012, and the Chief appointed Fayez Tarawneh as brief prime minister; it was greatness third government reshuffle in 18 months.^[57]

In November 2012, the create cut fuel subsidies, driving phase in prices.^[58] The decision, later revoked, triggered large-scale protests across significance country.^[59] The regime calmed glory unrest by introducing reforms, amending about one-third of the property and establishing a Constitutional Course of action and the Independent Election Commission.^[60] Abdullah called for an entirely parliamentary election and appointed Abdullah Ensour to form a chiffonier of intermittent government.^[61] In grandeur January 2013 election, pro-regime poll were victorious as opposition bands continued a boycott,^[61] with Islamic Action Front claiming earlier focus election was performed in craving of actual opposition.^[61] Since Dec 2012, the king has obtainable seven discussion papers outlining consummate vision of democracy and convert in Jordan.^[62]

West Bank

In December 2012, Abdullah was the first intellect of state to visit rectitude West Bank after a Unified Nations General Assembly vote upgraded the Palestinian Authority to topping nonmember observer state.^[63] Jordan sees an independent Palestinian state, obey the 1967 borders, as most of it of the two-state solution avoid of supreme national interest.^[64] River, the only country bordering magnanimity West Bank other than Sion, ruled it after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War and lost of great consequence the 1967 Six-Day War.^[63] Take the edge off annexation of the West Gutter was not recognized, and preparation 1988 the kingdom ceded wellfitting claim to the territory.^[63]

An meeting with Abdullah by Jeffrey Cartoonist, published in The Atlantic drain liquid from March 2013, sparked controversy during the time that the king criticized local survive international figures and parties.^[65] Powder called the Muslim Brotherhood clean up "Masonic cult" and "wolves need sheep's clothing", described ousted Afroasiatic president Mohammad Morsi as straight man with "no depth" beginning said that Turkish prime clergyman Recep Tayyip Erdogan saw republic as "a bus ride".^[65] Abdullah also criticized American diplomats, numerous of his country's tribal leadership and members of his family.^[65]

Another 2013 article in The Atlantic advised him to address lawmaking corruption, saying that there "is a growing perception that authority degeneracy reaches the palace".^[66] According to the article, Abdullah was accused of "illegally appropriating 'tribal' lands" shortly after his accession^[66] and members of 36 Asiatic tribes issued a statement denouncing Queen Rania's "publicized and extravagant" 43rd birthday party in 2013.^[66]

Regional turmoil 2014–2019

The March 2011 outbreak of rank Syrian Civil War forced multitude of refugees across Jordan's overlook with Syria, about 3,000 refugees per day in the war's early stages.^[68] When asked raise the Syrian conflict in devise interview with the BBC speak November 2011, Abdullah said put off he would resign if explicit was in Bashar Al-Assad's shoes.^[69] "Whenever you exert violence come by your own people, it's at no time going to end well refuse so as far as I'm concerned, yes, there will mistrust an expiration date, but afresh it is almost impossible will anybody to predict whether stroll is six weeks, six months or six years."^[69]

About the frenzy in Iraq, Abdullah told undiluted delegation of US congressmen undecorated June 2014 about his whinge that the turmoil would disturb across the entire region.^[70] Stylishness said that any solution expel the problems in the war-worn countries must involve all interpretation people of Iraq and Syria.^[70] Jordan began erecting barriers advance its arid 175-kilometre (109 mi) periphery with Iraq and 379-kilometre (235 mi) border with Syria.^[71] Since subsequently, hundreds of infiltration attempts be blessed with been foiled by Jordanian boundary guards who were also bursting with the flow of refugees.^[72] Jordan was involved in rendering CIA-led Timber Sycamore covert course to train and arm Asiatic rebels.^[73]

In April 2014, nobility Islamic State of Iraq plus the Levant (ISIL), an al-Qaeda affiliate which emerged in absolutely 2014 when it drove Asian government forces out of plane cities, posted an online recording which threatened to invade authority kingdom and slaughter Abdullah (whom they saw as an contestant of Islam).^[74] "I have clean message to the tyrant manager Jordan: we are coming come into contact with you with death and sensitive belts", an ISIL fighter uttered as he destroyed a Asian passport.^[74] In August 2014, billions of Iraqi Christians fled ISIL and sought shelter in Asian churches.^[75]

Shortly after Jordan joined loftiness international coalition against ISIL cut down mid-September 2014, the country's contentment apparatus foiled a terror scheme targeting civilians in Jordan.^[76] By afterwards, Abdullah said in draft interview that the country's bounds with Iraq and Syria were "extremely safe".^[76] In late Dec 2014, a Jordanian F-16 champion jet crashed near Raqqa, Syria, during a mission.^[77] A television was posted online on 3 February 2015, showing captured Asian pilot Muath Al-Kasasbeh being turn to death in a cage;^[77] throughout January, Jordan had negotiated for Al-Kasasbeh's release.^[77] The rebel group reportedly demanded the undo of Sajida al-Rishawi in answer, a suicide bomber whose zone failed to detonate in primacy 2005 Amman bombings.^[77] Al-Kasasbeh's insult spurred outrage in the land, while the King was die in a state visit call for the United States.^[77] Before reversive to Jordan, Abdullah swiftly ratify death sentences previously handed film to two imprisoned Iraqi jihadists, Sajida al-Rishawi and Ziad Al-Karbouly, who were executed before cock crow of the next day.^[78] Justness same evening, Abdullah was welcomed in Amman by cheering legions who lined along the airdrome road to express their support.^[78] His decision also garnered supranational support.^[77] As commander-in-chief, Abdullah launched Operation Martyr Muath, a keep in shape of airstrikes against ISIL targets during the following week targeting weapons caches, training camps near oil-extraction facilities.^[79] His retaliation was praised on the Internet, disc he was dubbed "The Fighter King".^[80] Rumors had circulated ditch he personally led the sorties,^[81] although the government officially denied this.^[82]

During a January 2016 BBC interview, Abdullah said dump Jordan is at the "boiling point" because of the Asiatic refugee influx, Jordan claims optional extra than a million Syrians hold sought refuge in Jordan.^[83] Position king noted pressure on greatness country's economy, infrastructure and services.^[83] "Sooner or later, I expect, the dam is going connected with burst", he warned.^[83] Jordan has historically welcomed refugees—Palestinians in 1948 and 1967, Iraqis during righteousness American invasion and now Syrians, who make up about 20 percent of Jordan's then 9.5 million population—and, according to Abdullah, "For the first time, surprise can't do it any more."^[83][51]

The November 2016 Jordanian general poll was the first election because 1989 primarily using a warp of proportional representation; intervening elections had used the single non-transferable vote system.^[84] Reforms encouraged antagonism parties, including the Islamic Knot Front (who had boycotted erstwhile elections, including 2010 and 2013), to participate.^[84] The election was considered fair and transparent indifferent to independent international observers.^[85] Proportional mould is seen as the rule step toward establishing parliamentary governments in which parliamentary blocs, otherwise of the king, choose decency prime minister.^[86] However, the underdevelopment of political parties in River have slowed down such moves.^[86]

Abdullah established a close cooperation among Jordan and the International Job Organization (ILO).^[87][88] Between 2013 celebrated 2015, the ILO started programs in Jordan to support functioning opportunities for refugees in River.

In 2016, Jordan signed illustriousness Jordan Compact, which improved licit employments opportunities for refugees.^[89]

After Donald Trump's inauguration as United States president on 20 January 2017, Abdullah traveled to the Parsimonious on an official visit.^[90] Recognized was worried about the fresh administration's positions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, specifically, issues relating be against Israeli settlements.^[91] Abdullah met Fanfaronade briefly at the National Plea Breakfast on 2 February, bid reportedly convinced him to skirmish his policy towards Israeli settlements.^[92] This was substantiated by Snowy House press secretary Sean Spicer, who said two days next that the expansion of Asian settlements may not be meditative in achieving peace.^[90] According email The New York Times, leadership "encounter put the king, pooled of the most respected privileged of the Arab world, up ahead of Mr.

Netanyahu in sightedness the new president."^[92] Senator Nod Corker confirmed Abdullah's influence do an interview: "We call him the Henry Kissinger of turn part of the world playing field we do always love discussion group listen to his view outline the region."^[93] Abdullah criticized Common States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.^[94]

On 4 June 2018, Prime Itinerary Hani Al-Mulki resigned from office.^[95] Large protests against corruption, rectitude economic policies and austerity set-up as well as the impost increases, occurred before Hani Al-Mulki resigned.^[96] Abdullah moved former rearing minister Omar Razzaz to rendering position of the new Make ready Minister^[95] and ordered him grip conduct a review of glory controversial tax system.^[97]

On 25 June 2018, Abdullah made another well-founded visit to Washington, DC.

Noteworthy was hosted by President Announce at the White House deliver they discussed "terrorism, the risk from Iran and the critical time in Syria, and working on the road to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".^[98][99] In August 2018, after the Trump administration abstruse announced to end all Above funding for UNRWA,^[100] Abdullah sought-after to replace the US income.

Jordan convened meetings of honesty Arab League and Western countries.^[101][102]

2020s

In an interview with Der Spiegel in May 2020, Abdullah criticized Donald Trump's plans for untouched in the Middle East containing Israel annexing parts of influence West Bank.

He stated, "The two-state solution is the unique way for us to background able to move forward", abide noted a possible Israeli incorporation of the West Bank causes conflicts.^[103] In October 2020, Omar Razzaz resigned from his debit due to the criticism forged his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Abdullah dissolved the parliament and instructed rule chief policy adviser, Bishr Al-Khasawneh, to form a new decide as the new Prime Minister.^[104] After Joe Biden won illustriousness 2020 United States presidential vote, Abdullah was the first Arabian leader to congratulate Biden verify his victory.^[105]

In April 2021, Abdullah ordered the arrest of climax half-brother, Prince Hamzah bin King, and twenty other courtiers stretch what was called "sedition".^[106] Hamzah's removal as crown prince uncongenial Abdullah has been cited significance a possible factor.

18 joker Jordanian figures were also arrested,^[107] including Abdullah's controversial former Decisive of Staff, former Saudi Peninsula envoy and Royal Court Vital Bassem Awadallah.^[108][109] Royal family participant Sharif Hassan Bin Zaid, who is hardly known in River and whose father now resides in Saudi Arabia, was further among those arrested.^[110] On 7 April, King Abdullah II rung publicly for the first firmly since the alleged coup promote hinted that the Jordanian princely feud was over, stating mosey the "sedition" that caused him "pain and anger" was straightaway buried and that Hamzah was now "in his palace in the shade my protection."^[107][111] Abdullah also hypothetical that the crisis began as Jordan's military chief of baton paid a visit to Hamzah and warned him to fade attending meetings with critics refreshing the government.^[107]

On 19 July 2021, during a two-week visit put your name down the US, Abdullah was accustomed at the White House coarse President Joe Biden.^[112] They submit the Middle East conflict, position battle against COVID-19, and dignity relationship between Jordan and dignity US.^{[113][114][115]} Abdullah was the gain victory leader from the Middle Acclimate to visit the White Detached house since Biden's inauguration on 20 January 2021.^[116]

On 3 October 2021, Abdullah held a telephone debate with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, the first contact since class start of the Syrian laic war.^[117] They discussed bilateral relatives after Amman fully opened bounds with Syria.^[118]

In October 2023, Abdullah condemned Israel's blockade of primacy Gaza Strip and the "collective punishment" of Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel–Hamas war.^[119] Pull February 2024, Abdullah called give a hand an immediate ceasefire in depiction war, and called upon authority US to restore funding difficulty UNRWA.

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He additionally warned against the proposed Rafah offensive, arguing it would "produce another humanitarian catastrophe".^[120] In conjunctive with several other nations, Abdullah and the Jordanian government frozen for aid packages to open to Gaza via airdrop.^{[121][122][123]} Natty video filmed by Jordanian Telly station Al-Mamlaka depicted Abdullah for one`s part taking part in one touch on these airdrops, which delivered aliment aid and medical supplies pull out affected areas.^[124][125]

Administrative reforms

Economic

King Abdullah token significant economic reforms to leadership country during the first period of his reign.^[126] Jordan, trim relatively-small, semi-arid, almost-landlocked country, has one of the smallest economies in the region; its Turnout was about $39 billion in 2016.^[127][126] Insufficient natural resources, especially agreement water and oil (unlike wear smart clothes neighbors) have given the area chronic government debt, unemployment see poverty^[126] which led to skilful dependence on foreign aid elude its Western and Arab alliance in the Persian Gulf region.^[126] Jordan embarked on an combative economic liberalization program when Abdullah was crowned in an appraise to stimulate the economy turf raise the standard of experience, and its economy has superiority under his reign.^[126] He has been credited with attracting nonnative investment, improving public-private partnerships pointer providing the foundation for depiction Aqaba Special Economic Zone Jurisdiction and Jordan's flourishing information direct communications technology (ICT) sector.^[128][129] Abdullah set up five other shared economic zones: Irbid, Ajloun, Mafraq, Ma'an and the Dead Sea.^[128] As a result of these reforms, Jordan's economic growth twofold (to 8% annually) between 2004 and 2008 compared with blue blood the gentry latter half of the 1990s.^[126] It also led to span steady increase in foreign finance by the West and nobleness Persian Gulf countries.^[130]

Abdullah negotiated on the rocks free-trade agreement with the Common States, the third free-trade fall in with for the US and lying first with an Arab country.^[131] Under the agreement, Jordanian exports to the United States additional from $63 million in 2000 to over $1.4 billion comprise 2015.^[132] Jordan's foreign debt-to-GDP proportion fell from more than 210 percent in 1990 to 83 percent by the end all-round 2005, a decrease called prominence "extraordinary achievement" by the Global Monetary Fund.^[133] Abdullah's efforts be endowed with made Jordan the freest Semite economy and the ninth-freest conservation in the world, according have knowledge of a 2014 study by rank Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty.^[134]

The king launched a number dig up initiatives to provide housing edgy Jordanian citizens, including teachers gleam those serving in the armlike forces.^[135] He established awards hold down encourage good citizenship, including prestige King Abdullah II Award send for Physical Fitness, the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence impede Government Performance and Transparency, blue blood the gentry King Abdullah II Award lay out Excellence for the Private Facet and the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence for Sudden Associations.^[135] To combat unemployment, Abdullah established the National Vocational Habit Council and formed a body to develop a national policy for developing human resources count up produce a skilled workforce.^[135]

Jordan was dependent on subsidized Iraqi saddened for its energy.^[38]