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King Hussein of Jordan: A Political Life
A towering figure in the history of Jordan, King Hussein reigned for nearly half a century, from his grandfather’s assassination in 1953 to his own death in 1999. In this fascinating biography, Nigel Ashton recounts the eventful life of the king who not only survived but flourished amidst crisis after crisis as ruler of a poor desert nation surrounded by powerful and hostile neighbors. Hussein skillfully navigated complicated relationships with the British, his fellow Arab leaders, the new bordering state of Israel, masses of dispossessed Palestinians within his kingdom, every U.S. president from Eisenhower to Clinton, and every British prime minister from Churchill to Blair. This book illuminates the private man, his key relationships, and his achievements and disappointments as a central player in the tough world of Middle Eastern politics. Ashton has had unique access to King Hussein’s private papers, including his secret correspondence with U.S., British, and Israeli leaders, and he has also conducted numerous interviews with members of Hussein’s circle and immediate family. The resulting book brings new depth to our understanding of the popular and canny king while also providing new information about the wars of 1967 and 1973, President Reagan’s role in the Iran-Contra affair, the evolution of the Middle East peace process, and much more.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 8, 2018
a must read to better understand the Middle East and the life of this extraordinary man
April 2, 2023
A good political and personal biography of a peace-maker.
August 6, 2023
A good history of the making of Jordan.
April 10, 2011
the book shows detailed political information especially the exchanges happened with all parties: Arabs, Israelis, Americans.
the book started from the first years of HMK Hussein on throne, as a youth and the complexities in the region in the 50's... then 60's..etc till his harsh suffering from cancer.
the book also describes the politics inside the Jordanian government, and how HM steered it.
the book mentioned details of some icon figures in the Jordan like Kabariti, Batikhi, Abed Salam Majali, Adnan Abu Odeh, and Awn Khasawneh the key person in drafting peace treaty with Israel.
The book also addressed how HM chose his successor (King Abdullah) in the last days of his life after having Prince Hassan as regent for three decades.
the book started from the first years of HMK Hussein on throne, as a youth and the complexities in the region in the 50's... then 60's..etc till his harsh suffering from cancer.
the book also describes the politics inside the Jordanian government, and how HM steered it.
the book mentioned details of some icon figures in the Jordan like Kabariti, Batikhi, Abed Salam Majali, Adnan Abu Odeh, and Awn Khasawneh the key person in drafting peace treaty with Israel.
The book also addressed how HM chose his successor (King Abdullah) in the last days of his life after having Prince Hassan as regent for three decades.
February 20, 2013
Great book. Nice biographical insight into the late King, history of the region, and his relations with his neighbors. Stuff on his covert contacts with Israel from the early 1960s on is probably the most interesting stuff here. I haven't read Shlaim's bio of Hussein yet, so not sure how it compares, but this one is very good.
March 23, 2017
This is an excellent book that will illuminate not only the life of the late King Hussein, but many aspects of the Arab-Israeli Conflict and regional politics in the Middle East. It's an easy read and well worth the time.
August 26, 2012
Was lived in war,now resting in peace.
God bless your soul OUR LEADER...
God bless your soul OUR LEADER...
July 23, 2014
Very good biography of King Hussein, focusing primarily on his foreign policy endeavors.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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