Lion of Jordan

“ I must be able to face myself each morning and say: 'I did my best yesterday, I will do my best again today.' Each man, low- or high-born, has the same duty each day to contribute to the good of mankind.”- Hussein bin Talal of Jordan

Mr. Hussein bin Talal of Jordan lived a life reared to serve his country faithfully by a grandfather who loved his country as deep as the blood running through his heart for his grandson and the legacy he entrusted his grandson to carry on in his name. To better his family and to entrust the welfare of his country to greater heights and deeper depths both domestically and internationally to be a force to be reckoned with on the stage of peace. But also on the stage of calm and quiet negotiations that Mr. Abdullah bin Hussein was so skillful at.

Mr. Abdullah bin Hussein taught his grandson Hussein so many things. I want to focus on what I learned from both men.

I chose this quote above by Mr. Hussein bin Talal because even though his family went through their personal and private struggles they still are optimistic and supportive of one another to the end of their days together. In spite of sickness and health. War and famine. Peace and negotiations. They were a family that stuck together and fought together. They fought for greater peace for their tribe. They fought for peace for their clan. They fought for peace for their country. They strive to not bicker or judge anyone at any time. But to stop, assess, plan, consider, and make their move at the appointed time and place.

Stop- Mr. Abdullah bin Talal did not stop talking with Mrs. Meir just because the plans did not work out the way either of them wanted them to. He he instead considered how he could look at a different terms of agreement without stopping the continuous dialogue between the two of them and breaking off all talks for the peace between the two countries. He also never gave up on his principles and values of accepting all those who were different from him and always being willing to listen to the other person’s viewpoint without judgment, criticism, or rebuke. Even when people were against him he knew in his heart that he served a higher purpose in having the peace talks when he did and I believe in my heart that he fulfilled his purpose for his generation by laying down the foundation of opening up a pathway for his successor and eventually ruler to have talks with the other side without discussing the ramifications first. Dialogue first and make it continuous and positive and keep your word is what I learned. He taught me that I have to hold to my principles and my values and connections with people in my own open and honest way without shame or inclination or envy. Even when the herd are against me. Keep communicating and working on the relationship continudouly without judgment or backing down because eventually an agreement can be made that will please both sides and both of you will be at peace with each other and live in harmony. Stop and think and consider how your words, actions, attitude, and behavior might affect others. Especially those who are little bit less tolerate of you. Have compassion for everyone. Even those you do not really understand. Try. Try to understand what they are telling you deep in your heart. Be accepting of everyone and do not harbor hate towards anyone. No matter how minor. Love and accept everyone in spite of their shortcomings or differences. Remember you have them too.

Assess- Mr. Abdullah bin Talal assessed the situation before he made any move and he taught his successor Hussein to do the same. To think long-term and what the outcome would, could, and might be. And always have a backup plan or three in case your other two fail. It is better to have backup plans in case your original plans do not work.

Plan- Hussein bin Talal reigned for a very long time and he worked his plan and planned his work and did his best every day to make the world and his country a better place. One thing I love about his quote was how he focused on planning for himself and then seeing how his personal plan could help his political plans. He never gave up hope for seeing peace. That was the legacy of his grandfather Abdullah bin Talal who started the peace process years before. He worked hard at the peace talks and even though it never brought peace it did bring him respect and admiration in my eyes for the fact that he was continuing his grandfather’s open mind and open heart policy of working for lasting peace against all odds in spite of the forces against us or trying to withstand us. Both Abdulllah and Hussein had their opposers during their times. Both men never gave up on their dreams for seeing and trying to achieve peace in their lifetimes. They pushed the peace process closer and closer.

Consider- the opportunity to talk or the opportunity to judge. Both men took the opportunity to talk privately. Whilst others took the opportunity to judge them. They were both fearless and full of faith and daring. Faith is believing whilst others are streaming. And achieving whilst others are leaving,

Mr. Abdullah bin Talal showed faith by never giving up on his dream and making sure his successor was prepared to rule as well and able and better than he ever could have been. His Faith, love, dreams, and support into Hussein bin Talal and was proud of the achievements of Hussein bin Talal and I loved how both had complete trust and ultimate faith and loyalty in each other and their common purpose.

Make their move at the right time and place- Mr. Abdullah bin Talal made the choices he did because he believed whilst others dreamed and his grandson achieved whilst others left. Both led with quiet personal diplomacy and with sensitive charm and skill.

“Lead with love. Speak with peace and achieve whilst others walk out and leave.”- ASN ( )

Very good read, gives you valuable insights that you won’t find in any other book. The narrative about the negotiations happening behind the scenes between Jordan and Israel was really interesting. This book is highly recommended. ( )

A balanced, clear and well-researched life of Hussein that squarely places his life within the broader context of Mid-East politics, history and conflict. ( )