A conversation with H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan with Charlie Rose at the World Economic Forum 2007 in Davos, Switzerland.
After assuming the throne in 1999, the politically inexperienced king at the time nearly caused a regional crisis by labeling Iran as the sole cause of instability in the region, to which Iran replied that the "Shah and his cronies are back into politics" (in reference to the courting by his father King Hussein of the Shah).
However Jordan's economy has improved under King Abdullah II, and he has been credited with increasing foreign investment, attending meetings between public and private sectors, and providing the foundation for Aqaba's free trade zone. As a result of these reforms, Jordan's economic growth has doubled to 6% annually under King Abdullah's rule compared to the latter half of the 1990s.
His speech at The Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law in September 2005 was entitled "Traditional Islam: The Path to Peace." While en route to the United States, King Abdullah met with Pope Benedict XVI to build on the relations that Jordan had established with Pope John Paul II, and to discuss ways in which Muslims and Christians can continue to work together for peace, tolerance, and coexistence. King Abdullah has shown more consistency on economic than political change, handpicking liberals and technocrats to implement market-oriented reforms while sticking to mostly center-right prime ministers to ensure that political opening is on a slower track.
BBC international published an article titled "Jordan edging towards democracy", where King Abdullah expressed his intentions of making Jordan a democratic country. According to the article though, president George W. Bush "urged King Abdullah, a US ally, to take steps towards democracy after being questioned about alleged human rights abuse in Jordan at a Washington news conference".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_II_of_Jordan
4 Comments
gwaanGreat post!
King Abdullah II speaks clearly and eloquently as usual – “The continued denial of Palestinian rights is a fire starter for global and regional crises... to the Palestinian people I say, you have suffered enough” – I couldn’t agree more!
“The priorities we identify must lead to actions” – This is the crux of the issue. The Quartet – especially America – has been particularly guilty of talking about peace and implementing the ‘road map’, while taking very few positive steps to achieve these goals. The support and effort of the international community – particularly America – is essential.
“An Israel that is at peace in the neighbourhood and is part of the neighbourhood… I say to the Israeli public, the Arab peace initiative is real, and work with us. Isolation and unilateral action can never lead to the positive future that you and your neighbours want and need” – again I strongly agree. Any long-term solutions to the Middle East crisis must involve Israel. It is not enough to make peace and become tolerant of one’s neighbours. If no effort is made to strengthen political, social and economic ties within the region, then problems are bound to arise again. Israel must stop looking to Europe and America and become a viable member and contributor to the Middle East. Arab states – and Iran – also have a duty to recognise Israel’s right to exist and to help foster closer ties with the Israeli people.
Traconsays...sweet more charlie rose fans
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