Abdullah II of Jordan

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein is King of Jordan, having ascended the throne on 7 February 1999. He is a member of the Hashemite dynasty, who have been the reigning royal family of Jordan since 1921, and is considered a 41st-generation direct descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
abdullah-ii-of-jordan

Some of the key events about Abdullah II of Jordan

  • 1980
    Graduated from Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, USA
  • 1984
    Completed military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK
  • 1993
    Assumed command of Jordan's Special Forces
  • 1999
    Ascended to the throne of Jordan following his father's death
  • 1999
    Faced criticism for dismissing his brother as heir apparent shortly after ascending to the throne
  • 2001
    Launched the "Jordan First" national agenda to promote economic and social development
  • 2004
    Established the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau to enhance Jordan's defense industry
  • 2005
    Criticized for signing a controversial peace treaty with Israel without public consultation
  • 2006
    Initiated the National Agenda, a comprehensive reform plan for Jordan
  • 2010
    Launched the King Abdullah II Fund for Development to support various social and economic initiatives
  • 2011
    Encountered protests and calls for reform during the Arab Spring
  • 2012
    Faced backlash for increasing fuel prices, leading to widespread demonstrations
  • 2014
    Received the Peace of Westphalia Prize for efforts in promoting peace and international cooperation
  • 2015
    Addressed the European Parliament, emphasizing the need for global cooperation against extremism
  • 2016
    Criticized for expanding executive powers through constitutional amendments
  • 2017
    Received negative attention for pardoning a soldier who killed seven Israeli schoolgirls
  • 2018
    Confronted large-scale protests against austerity measures and tax reforms
  • 2020
    Ordered the dissolution of parliament, raising concerns about democratic processes
  • 2021
    Accused of involvement in offshore investments revealed in the Pandora Papers leak
  • 2021
    Criticized for the alleged house arrest of his half-brother, Prince Hamzah bin Hussein

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Abdullah II of Jordan Latest news

Maryland Hosts Jordan's King Abdullah II in Historic State House Visit

Maryland Hosts Jordan's King Abdullah II in Historic State House Visit

Maryland Governor Wes Moore welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan for a groundbreaking roundtable at the State Capitol. The visit marks the first official engagement by a foreign head of state at the Maryland State House.

Society, Economics, Politics • September 25 2024 , 05:12 PM  •  8314 views
Biden's U.N. Swan Song: A Call for Service Amid Global Tensions

Biden's U.N. Swan Song: A Call for Service Amid Global Tensions

In his final U. N. address, President Biden urged leaders to prioritize public service over power, reflecting on historical changes and current challenges. His optimism contrasted with criticisms from world leaders on various issues.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024 , 12:27 AM  •  299 views
Biden's Final U.N. Address: A Call for Service Amid Global Tensions

Biden's Final U.N. Address: A Call for Service Amid Global Tensions

President Biden delivers his last U. N. speech, emphasizing leadership's duty to serve. His optimistic tone contrasts with global concerns, as world leaders critique U.S. policies on various issues.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  502 views
Biden's Final UN Address: Global Conflicts and Democracy at Forefront

Biden's Final UN Address: Global Conflicts and Democracy at Forefront

In his last UN speech, President Biden emphasized global alliances and democracy amid Middle East tensions. He reflected on his career and decision not to seek reelection, urging leaders to prioritize public service.

Society, Politics • September 24 2024 , 04:26 PM  •  673 views
US Urges Israel to Extend Palestinian Banking Ties Amid Economic Concerns

US Urges Israel to Extend Palestinian Banking Ties Amid Economic Concerns

US official presses Israel to maintain banking relationships with Palestinian institutions for a year, citing potential economic crisis. World Bank warns of nearing "economic freefall" in Palestinian territories.

Economics, Politics • September 24 2024 , 03:52 AM  •  146 views
Jordan's New Government Sworn In, Tasked with Economic Reforms

Jordan's New Government Sworn In, Tasked with Economic Reforms

Jordan's King Abdullah has appointed a new reformist government led by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. The cabinet faces challenges in implementing IMF-backed reforms and managing public debt amidst political shifts.

Economics, Politics • September 18 2024 , 09:57 AM  •  235 views
Exclusive
Pope Francis Critiques U.S. Candidates, Urges Voting in 2024 Election

Pope Francis Critiques U.S. Candidates, Urges Voting in 2024 Election

Pope Francis comments on U. S. presidential candidates' stances on life issues, urges voting as civic duty. He also expresses concern over Gaza conflict, calling for peace and increased aid.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024 , 10:10 PM  •  46592 views
Jordan's Islamist Opposition Gains Ground in Parliamentary Election

Jordan's Islamist Opposition Gains Ground in Parliamentary Election

Moderate Islamists make significant gains in Jordan's parliamentary election, benefiting from new electoral law and regional tensions. Low voter turnout reported amid ongoing democratization efforts.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024 , 10:25 AM  •  379 views
Jordan's Parliamentary Elections: New Law Aims to Reshape Political Landscape

Jordan's Parliamentary Elections: New Law Aims to Reshape Political Landscape

Jordan holds elections under a new law designed to reduce tribalism and boost party politics. Islamists expected to gain support amid Gaza conflict, while tribal factions likely to retain influence.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024 , 06:09 AM  •  398 views
U.S. Shifts Military Assets to Middle East Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

U.S. Shifts Military Assets to Middle East Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

The U. S. redirects military resources to defend Israel against potential Iranian attacks, straining its Indo-Pacific focus. This move highlights the challenges of balancing global military commitments.

Politics • August 6 2024 , 03:12 AM  •  8345 views