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Jordan

President Biden speaks to King Abdullah following potential coup

There has been a lot of uncertainty over the past week about the political situation in Jordan, one of the most stable states in the Middle East. The small Middle Eastern monarchy is said to have been subjected to a planned coup that was averted. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, spoke to the King of Jordan in a phone call on Wednesday. The US President wanted to make it clear that Jordan’s current monarch has the support of the United States, the White House said in a press release.

President Biden spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan to express the strong American support for Jordan while also underscoring the importance of King Abdullah II’s leadership to the United States and the Middle East. Together, the leaders discussed the strong bilateral ties between Jordan and the United States and the important role Jordan plays in the region. They also spoke about strengthening bilateral cooperation on multiple levels including political, economic, and security issues. The President also affirmed the United States support for a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On 3 April, a major situation developed in Jordan where there were rumours of a potential coup. The King’s younger half-brother, Hamzah, formerly the Crown Prince of Jordan, was placed under house arrest. The Prince released a video via his attorney that night denying any wrongdoing and asserted that he is not part of any conspiracy.

Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, former royal envoy to Saudi Arabia, and Bassem Ibrahim Awadallah, former head of the Royal Household, were also detained.

The King has enlisted the help of his uncle, Prince El Hassan bin Talal, to help mediate the situation with his brother. Prince Hamzah signed a letter on 5 April where he pledged his allegiance to the King. Prince Hamzah said in his letter: “In light of the developments of the past two days I put myself in the hands of the king, following the steps of my forefathers.”

About author

Senior Europe Correspondent Oskar Aanmoen has a master in military and political history of the Nordic countries. He has written six books on historical subjects and more than 1.500 articles for Royal Central. He has also interview both Serbian and Norwegian royals. Aanmoen is based in Oslo, Norway.