|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/watch/Policywatch/policywatch2004/921.htm
Analyzing King Abdullah's Change in the Line of Succession
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy)Robert Satloff - Jordan's King Abdullah has stripped his younger half brother Hamzeh of his position as crown prince. Nearly five years after the death of his father, Abdullah no longer operates under his father's shadow and clearly considers himself to be in full control of the Hashemite kingdom. He evidently calculated that he had attained a status in the country such that his decision would be accepted without dissent by courtiers, family members, and common people alike. Some in the media suggest that replacing Hamzeh, the son of American-born Queen Noor, with Hussein, the son of Palestinian-born Queen Rania, might even enhance Abdullah's popularity. Abdullah's succession move underscores his tight control on the Jordanian political system.