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Article: Jordan's warrior king.(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- July 8, 2000
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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AMMAN
Abdullah, Jordan's king since February 1999, is commendably full of vigour. But to reinvigorate his country, he must learn to be more of a politician
ASK the king of Jordan what knowledge he most lacked when he unexpectedly came to the throne last year, and he explains how difficult he has found it to work out the hidden agendas and personal rivalries among his advisers, ministers and court officials. In other words, although he does not put it so bluntly himself, Abdullah II knew little about Jordanian politics.
A life-long soldier, he had served as crown prince for only a week before his father, King Hussein, died. Indeed, thanks to his ...