The Monarchy

There is not a street in Jordan where you will turn and not see a picture of the current ruler, King Abdullah II.    His face is pasted over the side of every skyscraper, the tops of convenience shops, and within restaurants and hotel lobbies.

  Almost as common are pictures of the previous monarch, King Hussein (his father), and his son the Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah who is actually studying at Georgetown (so close to my house!).  

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, it is illegal to speak against the government and it is an especially heinous crime to verbally attack the monarchy.  The very fact that their pictures are juxapositioned everywhere guarantees in some small degree their overtures in the minds of most Jordanians.  It's easy to like what is familiar, and it is clear that this principal is especially exploited here.

Having read  an autobiography of Queen Noor (the wife of the late King Hussein), and discussed the issue with fellow DukeEngagers and natives, I feel more knowledgeable about the state of Jordan and its rulers.  Let me briefly explain; the monarchy is certainly not just for show here. There is a Prime Minister, but the King usually gets to pick and kick out this ruler.  Furthermore, any act from government has to directly pass through the hands of the King.  

King Hussein was apparently quite beloved by his people and his popularity remains to this day even after his death.  His father, Talal, was a schizophrenic and ruled the people for a mere year before the 17 year old Hussein had to step in his place.  Throughout his reign, he tried to ensure peace for the middle east and broker negotiations between Israel, the West, and the rest of the Arab world, placing Jordan in its neutral position.  Apparently, Israelis loved him so much that they joked he could be elected into office if he ever moved there.  

The current ruler, Abdullah II, is said to have done much to improve Jordan's economy and initiated a policy to provide quality housing to everyone in the country, including refugees.  However he has also come upon some public concern due to critics' claims that he is too involved in Western ideals.  This is exasperated because his mother, Princess Muna, was a British woman and also that he married Queen Rania, a beautiful Kuwaiti Palestinian woman.  

The situation is further complicated due to charges that the crown is corrupt.  There has been a lot of backlash recently against Queen Rania for squandering the crown's money on lavish affairs such as a birthday party in Wadi Rum where she invited many foreign dignitaries.  She has also been accused of embezzling money from her non-profit, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF).  

Of course, most of the business culture in the country is somewhat corrupt regardless.  Many CEOs and heads of non-profits only receive their jobs due to connections to the crown through their family.  Most of the deals in society as well as done through wining and dining rather than presentations.

Nevertheless, the pictures of the monarchy seem to inspire hope and awe in many of the people. Who knows what the future might bring?