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Source: http://www.spectator.co.uk/print/essays/6745753/queens-gambit.thtml
Queen Rania of Jordan Sparks Controversy
(Spectator-UK) Frasr Nelson - Queen Rania of Jordan was born and brought up in Kuwait; her father, a Palestinian doctor. Her husband, now King Abdullah II, was not even Crown Prince when they married. Rania had worked in marketing for Citibank and Apple and spoke perfect English. When she became queen she threw herself into selling Jordan to the West. Last September when Rania held a lavish 40th birthday party in Wadi Rum, 600 guests were flown in from all over the world. Two giant figure "40s" were beamed on to mountainous outcrops - although the neighboring villages don't even have electricity. Locals still speak of the water used to dampen down the sand so that the guests could walk more easily, though there were desperate water shortages nearby. Jordanians claim that Rania has a hand in appointing ministers and local politicians. People point to friends and associates who have won top jobs, often at a surprisingly young age.