King Abdullah II

King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein (born 30 January 1962) is the current King of Jordan and the eldest son of the late King Hussein bin Talal. He ascended to the throne on 7 February 1999, succeeding his father, who had ruled Jordan for 46 years.

Abdullah II was born in Amman, Jordan, on 30 January 1962, the eldest son of King Hussein bin Talal and Queen Muna al-Hussein. He received his early education in Jordan and the United Kingdom, attending St. Edmund's School and Gordonstoun School. He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating in 1980.

After graduating from Sandhurst, Abdullah II served in the Jordanian Armed Forces, commanding the 40th Armoured Brigade and the Special Forces. He also served as commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force. In 1993, he was appointed Crown Prince and became regent during his father's illness in 1998.

Abdullah II became King of Jordan on 7 February 1999, upon the death of his father. He is the fourth monarch of Jordan since the country gained independence from the British in 1946.

Abdullah II is known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. He has been a vocal critic of terrorism and extremism, and has worked to build bridges between Muslims and Christians. He is also a strong advocate for education and economic development in Jordan.

Abdullah II is married to Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, and they have four children: Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, Princess Iman bint Abdullah, Princess Salma bint Abdullah, and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah.

Achievements

• Abdullah II has been praised for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
• He has been a vocal critic of terrorism and extremism, and has worked to build bridges between Muslims and Christians.
• He is also a strong advocate for education and economic development in Jordan.
• In 2004, Abdullah II was named one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine.
• He was also awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in 2008.

Challenges

• Abdullah II faces a number of challenges during his reign, including:
  • The ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The rise of extremism in the Middle East.
  • The economic challenges facing Jordan.
  • The influx of Syrian refugees into Jordan.

Legacy

Abdullah II is a popular and respected figure in Jordan and the Middle East. He is seen as a moderate and pragmatic leader who is committed to peace and stability in the region. His efforts to promote education and economic development in Jordan have also been widely praised.