[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?

[Alberta's Child]

Jordan never really took a side in that war, though they refused to allow U.S. forces to fly through Jordanian airspace.

You have to remember that King Hussein was always seen as a voice of reason in a very turbulent region. He was never one to burn any bridges. In fact, I've speculated here that this time it will be King Abdullah who eventually convinces Saddam Hussein to go into exile rather than make a stand in Iraq.