[Alberta's Child]

Jordan's ruling family did not "select" Abdullah to succeed King Hussein -- Abdullah was selected by King Hussein himself shortly before he died.

And you are right when you call Abdullah's selection a "slight" -- it was considered a slight to Muslims in Jordan who never wanted Abdullah to rule Jordan because his mother was a Christian.

The U.S. has had a good relationship with Jordan over the years because Jordan is the most forward-thinking, pro-Western Islamic nation in the Middle East. And I'll g one step further -- I think King Hussein was also one of the most noble, principled leaders in the world over the last 100 years.

[NewYorker]

I think King Hussein was also one of the most noble, principled leaders in the world over the last 100 years.

Didn't he side with Iraq during the Gulf War?