Abdullah II
Early Life and Education
Abdullah II was born in Amman, the capital of Jordan, on January 30, 1962. He is the eldest son of King Hussein and his British-born second wife, Antoinette Gardiner, who is known as Princess Muna. His early education was in Amman, after which he was sent to England to attend the prestigious St. Edmund's School in Canterbury. He later attended the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and the Deerfield Academy, before entering the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Military Career
After graduating from Sandhurst in 1981, Abdullah embarked on a distinguished military career. He served in the British Army's 13th/18th Royal Hussars regiment before returning to Jordan to serve in the armed forces. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Major General in 1998. During his military career, Abdullah developed a deep understanding of the regional security dynamics, which would later serve him well as king.
Ascension to the Throne
Upon the death of his father, King Hussein, on February 7, 1999, Abdullah ascended to the throne. His ascension was somewhat unexpected, as his father had only named him as heir a few weeks before his death, replacing his brother, Prince Hassan. As king, Abdullah II has focused on modernizing the Jordanian economy and implementing political reforms. He has also played a significant role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Domestic Policies
Abdullah II's domestic policies have focused on economic reform and modernization. He has implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, improving infrastructure, and reducing government bureaucracy. His efforts have resulted in significant economic growth and development in Jordan. However, his reign has also been marked by periods of civil unrest and criticism over the pace of political reform.
Foreign Policies
On the international stage, Abdullah II has been a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East. He has played a significant role in mediating conflicts in the region and has been a staunch supporter of the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has also been a key ally of the United States in the fight against terrorism.
Personal Life
Abdullah II is married to Queen Rania, with whom he has four children: Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma, and Prince Hashem. He is known for his love of motorbikes and is a keen amateur radio operator.
Legacy
Abdullah II's reign has been marked by a commitment to economic reform and modernization, as well as a dedication to peace in the Middle East. His efforts have resulted in significant economic growth and development in Jordan, and he has played a key role in mediating conflicts in the region.