Blog: OCIN the Cloud: What happened to the royal family of Jordan? (3)

* Full text can be read as follows;

May, 2021

4. The case was over

* See ‘Genealogy of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’

The day after the incident, Deputy Prime Minister briefed the case at a press conference.[1] According to his explanation, the military intelligence ordered the prince to be under house arrest on suspicion of rebellion. They showed the obvious evidence about the communication between Prince Hamza and a foreign institution. Princess Basmah, wife of Prince Hamza, asked a foreign senior official to escape from Jordan just after she noticed the raid by military intelligence. Deputy prime minister has not disclosed the name of foreign country. Authorities arrested 18 people for national treason, including two key figures, a former finance and planning minister and a person who is closely related to the royal family.[2]

The military authorities advised King Abdullah II to arrest Prince Hamza. But the King said that this was a problem within the Hashemite family. He asked the help of his uncle Prince Hassan. Prince Hassan was once forced to hand over the position of crown prince to Abdullah II by his brother King Hussein. It was a ironic fate for Hassan. However, Prince Hassan is now a guardian of the Hashemite family and an integral part of the security of the small Kingdom of Jordan. Prince Hassan called his nephew Prince Hamza to his residence and persuaded him to apologize the King.[3]

In the end, Prince Hamza issued a statement signed by himself, explaining that he had no intention to revolt against his half-brother King Abdullah II and was just wheedled by his surroundings.[4] On April 7, the King broadcasted on TV that Prince Hamza was part of the royal family and was under his patronage.[5] In addition, the King and Prince Hamza jointly attended the ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of independence of Jordan. Photos have been released to media.[6] Authorities subsequently announced that they closed the file and released 16 of the 18 suspects excluding two key figures[7]. Later, in early May, two royal advisers retired and a new director general of royal court was appointed. This meant that the case was over.[8] A lot of mysteries were left behind.

5. What's behind the case?

The biggest mystery is that which foreign country is involved in. Deputy prime minister said Princess Basmah had consulted with a foreign agency to flee the country. It is sure that the Jordanian authorities are aware of the truth.

An unreleased person having close relation with the royal family might be the answer. His name is Sharif Hassan bin Zaid. He was almost unknown in the country. Subsequent reports indicate that he has been in Saudi Arabia and has dual citizenship of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. It is said that he was the Saudi representative of King Abdullah II.[9] These facts tell that Saudi Arabia is involved in this incident. However, it is unclear whether the case is directly linked to King Salman or Crown Prince Muhammad of Saudi Arabia. The foreign institutions and their names will keep in secret forever.

Jordan is the neighbor of Saudi Arabia and Israel. The political relationship between three countries is very sensitive. Israel has recently regained diplomatic relations with the UAE and Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia is seeking peace with Israel. The Palestinian issue seems to have been put aside. Jordan has many Palestinian refugees and King Abdullah II has a Palestinian queen. Both the country and its ruler are in a delicate position.

In the economic scene, the current Jordanian economy is very critical. Jordan's public debt swelled to $ 37.4 billion last year, accounting for 76% of GDP. The unemployment rate is as high as 25% and 55% for young people.[10] Jordan which lacks natural resources such as oil and gas, has no choice but to emigrate to work in rich Gulf countries or rely on financial assistance from these countries.

If the house turmoil became deteriorate, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will be in jeopardy. To defend the name of the Hashemite family as descendants of the Prophet Muhammad is the only way to survive.

End

By Areha Kazuya

E-mail: Arehakazuya1@gmail.com

[1] Jordan says prince liaised with ‘foreign parties’ over plot to destabilize country

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1837401/middle-east

2021/4/4 Arab News

[2] Prince Hamzeh, inner clique’s attempts to undermine security, stability foiled — deputy PM

http://jordantimes.com/news/local/prince-hamzeh-inner-cliques-attempts-undermine-security-stability-foiled-%E2%80%94-deputy-pm

2021/4/5 The Jordan Times

[3] Prince Hamzeh vows loyalty to King, Hashemite legacy

http://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-entrusts-prince-hassan-deal-issue-prince-hamzeh-%E2%80%94-royal-court

2021/4/6 The Jordan Times