We will not allow them to hijack our faith. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. [75] Rumors had circulated that he personally led the sorties. [77] The king noted pressure on the country's economy, infrastructure and services. Abdullah, a constitutional monarch, liberalized the economy when he assumed the throne, and his reforms led to an economic boom which continued until 2008. [40] The attack killed 60 people and injured 115. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. He is an actor, known for 20 heures le journal (1981), CBS This Morning (1992) and Menschen und Mächte (1963). [56] Since December 2012, the king has published seven discussion papers outlining his vision of democracy and reform in Jordan. [36] Although the election was supposed to be held in 2001, it was postponed by the king due to regional political instability in accordance with the Jordanian constitution (which authorizes the monarch to postpone an election for a maximum of two years). [72] As commander-in-chief, Abdullah launched Operation Martyr Muath, a series of airstrikes against ISIL targets during the following week targeting weapons caches, training camps and oil-extraction facilities. [116], In 2014 and 2016, several constitutional amendments sparked controversy despite their overwhelming approval by senators and representatives. [74] His retaliation was praised on the Internet, where he was dubbed "The Warrior King". He has been married to Queen Rania since June 10, 1993. [150] Abdullah met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Amman in late 2014, and the Jordanian ambassador returned when Israeli authorities eased restrictions and revoked a decision that prevented men of all ages from praying at Al-Aqsa—for the first time in months. [72] Al-Kasasbeh's killing spurred outrage in the country, while the King was away in a state visit to the United States. [138] In May 2017, it was announced that more than 200 MW of solar energy projects had been completed. [140], In 2014 a declaration of intent was signed by Jordan's national electrical company and Noble Energy to import gas from Israel's offshore Leviathan gas field, a 15-year deal estimated at $10 billion. [14] He returned home to serve as assistant commander of the 17th Royal Tank Battalion in 1989, later being promoted to major. On 21 March 2005: Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award, 21 December 2005: Golden Medal of Athens Award, 16 November 2016: Peace prize (Kazakhstan) for contributions to security and nuclear disarmament, 19 January 2017: Abu Bakr Al Siddeiq Medal (First Class) from the, 21 November 2019: Scholar-Statesman Award from, This page was last edited on 12 February 2021, at 03:19. [141] Separately, Abdullah opened a liquefied natural gas port in Aqaba in 2015, allowing Jordan to import LNG. [78] The election was considered fair and transparent by independent international observers. [157] Hussein received the title on 2 July 2009. Abdullah II. [155], Leaders of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre sent out a letter of support to Abdullah on 1 March 2018 after Israel shelved a proposed bill that aimed to propose new tax measures to churches in the West Bank. [147] The legacy began when the Supreme Muslim Council, the highest body in charge of Muslim community affairs in Mandatory Palestine, accepted the sharif as custodian of the site. [167] Abdullah's book contains insights into his childhood and behind-the-scenes accounts of encounters with political figures. [58] Jordan sees an independent Palestinian state, with the 1967 borders, as part of the two-state solution and of supreme national interest. [35] Failing to persuade Bush, Abdullah broke with domestic opposition. Jordan convened meetings of the Arab League and Western countries. [160], The king promotes tourism in Jordan, and was a tour guide for Discovery Channel travel host Peter Greenberg on Jordan: The Royal Tour. His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein married Queen Rania on June 10th, 1993. [40] Jordan's security was tightened, and no major terrorist attacks have been reported in the country since then. [31], With the George W. Bush administration planning an attack on Iraq, accusing Saddam Hussein of possessing weapons of mass destruction, Abdullah opposed American intervention. She later attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt to study Business Administration, graduating in 1991. Education. [3] The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum, is married to Abdullah's half-sister Princess Haya. [27] The peace talks collapsed into a violent Palestinian uprising, the Second Intifada, in September 2000. Abdullah was born in Amman as the first child of King Hussein of Jordan and his second wife, British-born Princess Muna. As a member of the Hashemite dynasty, the royal family of Jordan since 1921, he is a 41st-generation direct descendant of Muhammad. [69] In August 2014, thousands of Iraqi Christians fled ISIL and sought shelter in Jordanian churches. [14], Abdullah met Rania Al-Yassin, a marketing employee at Apple Inc. in Amman, at a dinner organized by his sister Princess Aisha in January 1993. [38] It was the deadliest attack in Jordan's history;[39] suicide bombers targeted three hotels, one of which was hosting a wedding. King Abdullah II and Queen Rania's Netherlands state visit: All the best photos The King and Queen of Jordan had a stylish whirlwind visit to Netherlands on March 20 and 21 with… Follow us on This biography profiles his childhood, family, rule, … He writes about the impact of the Iraq war on his neighborhood and how best to tackle Iran's nuclear ambitions. [17] He frequently visited the Pentagon in Washington, where he lobbied for increased military assistance to Jordan. The king faced numerous problems, however, including…. [161] He reportedly motorcycled through northern California on a Harley-Davidson. [141] The agreement, effective in 2019, was signed in September 2016. [21][22] The Senate is appointed by the king, and the House of Representatives is directly elected. How Jordan Has Prevented Large-Scale Attacks", "Jordan Plans to Start Its Own New England-Style Prep School", "Population stands at around 9.5 million, including 2.9 million guests", "Jordan, Fearing Islamists, Tightens Grip on Elections", "Five Strongmen, and the Fate of the Arab Spring", "King Abdullah II of Jordan sacks government amid street protests", "Government of Jordan Is Dismissed by the King", "Political and economic problems fuel Jordan protests", "King Abdullah Seeks to Champion Jordanian Reforms", "Visit to West Bank by King Gives Palestinians a Lift", "Palestinian state of highest national interest for Jordan – gov't", "Jordan's King Finds Fault With Everyone Concerned", "Will Jordan Be the First Arab Monarchy to Fall? [52], In November 2012 the government cut fuel subsidies, driving up prices. [15] They became engaged two months later, and their marriage took place in June. I was asked many questions by Jordanians that were getting just as frustrated seeing that 20 per cent of their country are now Syrian refugees, the impact it has on jobs, on property, on unemployment. His height is 5 ft, 8 in and weight is Under review lb. [167], "Abdullah II" redirects here. Queen Rania was born Rania Al-Yassin on the 31st of August, 1970 in Kuwait City, Kuwait to her Palestinian parents; Faisal Sedki Al-Yassin who worked as a physician and Ilham Yassin, a homemaker. Jordan joined a U.S.-led air campaign against the group in September 2014. [14] Abdullah also served with the Royal Jordanian Air Force's anti-tank helicopter wing, receiving training to fly Cobra attack-helicopters. : The 2003 Elections in Jordan", "Zarqawi's Network Asserts It Launched Attacks in Amman", "3 Hotels Bombed in Jordan; At Least 57 Die", "ISIS Meets Its Match? While the king positioned himself as a relative moderate, he did not promote many substantive reforms; in fact, during Abdullah's tenure, Sauda Arabia was accused … King Hussein was known to his people as Al-Malik Al-Insan, or “The Humane King”, as he worked hard to improve the lives of Jordanians. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: U.S. President Donald Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan shake hands before participating in a joint news conference at the Rose Garden of … "[77][46], The November 2016 Jordanian general election was the first election since 1989 primarily using a form of proportional representation; intervening elections had used the single non-transferable vote system. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [33] He allowed American Patriot batteries to be stationed in the Jordanian desert along its border with Iraq, but did not allow coalition troops to launch an invasion from Jordan. Biography of Abdullah II of Jordan (excerpt) as-Sayyid Abdu'llah II bin al-Hussein al Hashimi, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Arabic: عبد الله الثاني بن الحسين) (born January 30, 1962, in Amman, Jordan), has been the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan since February 7, 1999. [82] Abdullah met Trump briefly at the National Prayer Breakfast on 2 February, and reportedly convinced him to change his policy towards Israeli settlements. Instead, Abdullah’s primary domestic challenge with the Arab Spring came with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, which sent refugees streaming across the border. Corrections? [5][9] Due to political instability, King Hussein thought it wise to appoint an adult heir instead, choosing Abdullah's uncle Prince Hassan in 1965. [117] The amendments gave the king sole authority to appoint his crown prince, deputy, the chief and members of the constitutional court, the heads of the military and paramilitary forces and the country's General Intelligence Director. In 2019 he declined to renew a lease of Jordanian land long cultivated by Israeli farmers. 167 cm / 5 ft 6 in Comment: Born: 30 January 1962 Comment: How old is Abdullah II of Jordan in 2021? Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abdullah-II, Abdullah II - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Abdullah II - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). [58] Its annexation of the West Bank was not recognized, and in 1988 the kingdom ceded its claim to the territory. In 1993, she got enrolled at St Hilda’s College, Oxford University, and graduated with a BA honors degree in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) in 1995.. [156], On 28 November 2004 Abdullah removed the title of crown prince from his half-brother, Prince Hamzah, whom he had appointed on 7 February 1999 in accordance with their father's advice. [113] It included incorporating proportional representation into general elections, improving the judicial branch and respect for human rights, and tackling issues related to employment, welfare, education and infrastructure. His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein . [149] Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock were restored four times by the Hashemites during the 20th century, and the custodianship became a Hashemite legacy given by Jordanian kings. [77] Jordan has historically welcomed refugees—Palestinians in 1948 and 1967, Iraqis during the American invasion and now Syrians, who make up about 20 percent of Jordan's then 9.5 million population—and, according to Abdullah, "For the first time, we can't do it any more. [36] Abdullah issued a royal decree before the election, introducing an amendment to the election law giving women a six-seat quota in Parliament. Hours after the death of his father on February 7, 1999, Abdullah became king of Jordan; he was officially crowned on June 9. Above all, Abdullah sought to restrain the Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and the country’s largest opposition group, and pushed electoral reforms that were intended to increase voting based on platform rather than personal or tribal interests. Abdullah bin Hussein Al Hashim (Arabic: عبدالله الثاني بن الحسين‎, Ê»Abd Allāh ath-thani bin Al-Husayn, born 30 January 1962) is King of Jordan, reigning since 7 February 1999. [15], In 1994 Abdullah assumed command of Jordan's Special Forces and of other elite units as a brigadier general, restructuring them into the Joint Special Operations Command two years later.