David Luttbeg

	
	Title:  Hussein, King of Jordan
	Country: Jordan
	Date of Birth: Nov 14, 1935
	Meaningful Quote: RJordanians should be Arabs first, Jordanians second.S
	
	Background Biographical Information

	King Hussein believed himself to be a fairly prim and proper man 
who paid attention to detail and gazed at himself in the mirror 
occasionally,  but was not vein by his own accounts. King Hussein is not 
physically imposing and he appears neat and dignified which certainly 
matches his position as King.  King Hussein keeps short hair.  
	Growing up King Hussein was very poor by western standards for a 
King.  A story that he writes in his autobiography makes us understand 
why many leaders do not learn  the value of money and what itUs like when 
not everything is given to you. King Hussein tells how he once visited 
his cousin Faisel,  prince of Syria and how he lived in splendor and 
riches, and how as a going away present from Faisel he received a shiny 
British bicycle. For one year Hussein had this bike and everyday he 
polished it before he went to school. Unfortunately for Hussein the 
family had to sell the bike for $15 dollars. King Hussein said later in 
life that, Rnow I think I will enjoy all the more the pleasure of helping 
those in need.S 
	King Husseins parents were Queen Zein and King Talal. Hussein was 
especially fond of his mother who he really loved and later stated that 
his father could not have ruled the country for the short time he did 
without her kindness and love. From the solid family background Hussein 
was given good schooling. For high school king Hussein attended boarding 
school, and started at Victoria College in Alexandria, but due to 
strained relations between Jordan and Egypt he could not stay there 
because he was crown prince of Jordan.  Next he attended Harrow school in 
England where he had trouble adjusting and fitting in. Then his father 
died and he had to return to Jordan.  Finally for six months he attending 
Sandhurst military college while he was waiting to turn 18 so he could 
take the thrown. At Sandhurst he endured strict military discipline, 
learned tactics and strategy, and even learned to fire many modern 
weapons. What was implanted in Hussein at Sandhurst was the desire not to 
be a monarch who who lost his throne and Rnot to become a permanent 
member of their swimming parties in the south of France.  From Sandhurst 
King Hussein was immediately thrust into the role of King with all the 
power that it entailed.
 
	Political Views

	One of King Husseins most enduring political views has been one 
of Arab Nationalism.  King Hussein believes that, RJordanians should be 
an Arab first, and a Jordanian second.S  Another view Hussein takes is 
that every Arab problem suffers from the irresponsibility of the dominant 
Arab class.  Also King Hussein maintains that it is of the utmost 
importance for Arabs to unite on all the important issues and not to 
become factionalized.  An important lesson Hussein learned was a mistrust 
of the west which was instilled in him at  first by his influential 
grandfather King Abdullah. 
	King Husseins present position on the Arab-Israeli conflict 
involve wanting to find a final solution to the conflict.  His views on 
the situation are,  the themes of the final solution should include the 
essential rights of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, the refugees, 
the removal of the settlements, and IsraelUs withdrawal to the 1967 
borders. Hussein wants peace and stability in the region but still needs 
to be careful of what he can say, due to the closeness of ties he wants 
with Israel, Arabs, and the Palestinians. However his overriding concern 
is to end the conflict.  Hussein believes an end will make the region and 
his country much more prosperous. 
	If his views were to change they would change because of his 
stronger than normal desire to stay in power. If events were shifted in 
such away that his rule and stabilization of the country were at risk, 
Hussein would most definitely shift his position in whatever direction 
necessary to stay in power.
	Political Allies and Opponents   
	At this time a lot of people are upset with King Hussein stemming 
from his position in the gulf war which isolated him from the gulf 
countries. However relations are starting to appear brighter.  During the 
gulf war it appeared for some time that if King Hussein did not openly 
support Iraq during the Gulf War, it was likely he could of been 
dethroned.  At the present time relations with Saudi Arabia for one have 
become much better, and in HusseinUs words, Rrelations between Jordan and 
Saudi Arabia are back to normal and they are built on mutual trust, 
openness and clarity.S  Relations with Israel are shaping to be better 
after a whole year of peace evident in this is the fact that there is 
much Jordanian money invested in the Tel Aviv Stock market. Also at the 
present time the French are seeking closer ties with the Jordanians, 
Hussein expresses lots of willingness to explore this avenue. Relations 
are well with most of the Arab world but there are still problems with 
Iraq and Syria. Hussein has expressed his concern with Iraq and the want 
for the human tragedy there to end. Syria is still at odds with Jordan 
because of the Gulf War,  and itUs inability to look at JordanUs 
movements with anything but suspicion.
	At home everything has not been perfectly smooth for King 
Hussein.  Domestic groups in recent days have written a number of 
articles which in Husseins opinion have shaken national unity and 
attempted to discriminate between citizens of Jordan.  Hussein treats 
this situation by reminding the people what occurred in Lebanon when 
political dialogue started to turn vehement.  Also the King has called 
for the so called silent majority to speak itUs mind on these issues.  
These groups according to Hussein have been inquisiting into the roots 
and origins of every member of the large Jordanian family. Hussein 
believes theses groups are an aberration
 and should be liable for what they say.
	King HusseinUs Greatest Contributions 
	 
	One of King HusseinUs greatest contribution in his own eyes is his
long reign, and his ability to have lasting influence and involvement in
the final solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Also Hussein is proud
about his support for Arab Nationalism and the growth of his state
including rail and infrastructure projects.