Editing Abdullah II of Jordan (section)

==Reign==
===Accession and enthronement===
{{Jordanian Royal Family}}
Abdullah joined his father on a number of missions, including meetings abroad with Soviet and American leaders.<ref name="wi" /> He was occasionally King Hussein's [[regent]] during the 1990s but this duty was mainly performed by Hussein's younger brother, Crown Prince Hassan.<ref name="cvoa" /> Abdullah led his father's delegation to Moscow for talks in 1987.<ref name="wi" /> He frequently visited [[the Pentagon]] in Washington, where he lobbied for increased military assistance to Jordan.<ref name="wi" /> The prince joined his father on trips to visit [[Hafez al-Assad]] in Damascus and [[Saddam Hussein]] in Baghdad (before the [[1990 Gulf War]]).<ref name="wi" /> Abdullah commanded military exercises during Israeli military officials' visits to Jordan in 1997, and was sent to hand-deliver a message to [[Muammar Gaddafi]] in 1998.<ref name="wi">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/bio-sketch-jordans-new-crown-prince-abdullah-bin-hussein|title=Jordan's New Crown Prince, Abdullah bin Hussein|publisher=The Washington Institute for Near East Policy|date=25 January 1999|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165443/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/bio-sketch-jordans-new-crown-prince-abdullah-bin-hussein|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref>

King Hussein frequently traveled to the US for medical treatment after his diagnosis with cancer in 1992.<ref name="cvoa" /> After Hussein returned from a six-month medical absence from Jordan in late 1998, he criticized his brother Hassan's management of Jordanian affairs in a public letter, accusing him of abusing his constitutional powers as regent.<ref name="cvoa" /> On 24 January 1999, two weeks before his death, Hussein surprised everyone—including Abdullah who thought he would spend his life in the military—by replacing Hassan with his son as heir apparent.<ref name="cvoa">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YAd8efHdVzIC&pg=PA25|page=25|title=The Encyclopedia of the Arab–Israeli Conflict: A Political, Social, and Military History|access-date=1 November 2016|year=2008|first1=Spencer|last1=Tucker|first2=Priscilla|last2=Roberts|publisher=ABC-CLIO|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=YAd8efHdVzIC&pg=PA25|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9781851098422}}</ref>

[[Death and state funeral of Hussein of Jordan|The king died]] of complications of [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]] on 7 February 1999.<ref name="ad" /> His 47-year reign extended through four turbulent decades of the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]] and the [[Cold War]].<ref name="ad"/> Several hours after the announcement of his father's death, Abdullah appeared at an emergency session of the [[Jordanian parliament]].<ref name="ad" /> Hussein's two brothers, Hassan and [[Prince Muhammad bin Talal|Mohammed]], walked ahead of him as he entered the assembly.<ref name="ad" /> In Arabic, he swore the oath taken by his father almost fifty years earlier: "I swear by Almighty God to uphold the constitution and to be faithful to the nation".<ref name="ad" /> Speaker of the Senate [[Zaid Al-Rifai]] opened the session with [[Al-Fatiha]] (the opening chapter of the [[Quran]]), his voice cracking with emotion as he led the recitation. "God, save His Majesty... God, give him advice and take care of him."<ref name="ad">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-08-mn-6119-story.html|title=Jordan Mourns King as Leaders Gather at Funeral|first1=Tracy|last1=Wilkinson|first2=Rebecca|last2=Trounson|date=8 February 1999|access-date=1 November 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031705/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/feb/08/news/mn-6119|archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> Abdullah's investiture took place on 9 June 1999.<ref name="jcnkbbc" /> A reception at [[Raghadan Palace]] attended by 800 dignitaries followed a motorcade ride through Amman by the 37-year-old king and his 29-year-old wife, Rania—the then youngest queen in the world.<ref name="jcnkbbc">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/364466.stm|title=Jordan crowns new King|access-date=22 February 2017|date=9 June 1999|work=BBC News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222121930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/364466.stm|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/14/o.women.changing.world/index.html|title=What Queen Rania wants for the world|date=14 July 2008|access-date=3 January 2018|publisher=CNN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119003652/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/14/o.women.changing.world/index.html|archive-date=19 January 2013}}</ref>

===First year===
As king, Abdullah retains wider executive and legislative authority than is normally the case for a [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarch]]. He is one of the few monarchs in the world who both rules and reigns. He is [[head of state]] and [[commander-in-chief]] of the Jordanian Armed Forces and appoints the [[Prime Minister of Jordan|prime minister]] and the directors of security agencies.<ref name="freedom-2013">{{cite web|url=http://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2013/jordan|title=Jordan|work=[[Freedom in the World]]|publisher=[[Freedom House]]|year=2012|access-date=16 June 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619221348/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2013/jordan|archive-date=19 June 2016}}</ref> The prime minister is free to choose his [[Cabinet of Jordan|cabinet]].<ref name=euroforum /> The [[Parliament of Jordan]] consists of [[Bicameralism|two chambers]]: the appointed [[Senate of Jordan|Senate]] and the elected [[House of Representatives of Jordan|House of Representatives]], which serve as a check on the government. However, according to [[Freedom House]], most seats in the House are held by pro-palace independents, and the crown's authority is such that it is extremely difficult for a party to win power solely via the ballot box.<ref name="freedom-2013" /><ref name=euroforum>{{cite web|url=https://www.europeanforum.net/countries/jordan|title=Jordan|work=European Forum|access-date=10 February 2017|date=1 January 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214002740/https://www.europeanforum.net/countries/jordan|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> The Senate is appointed by the king, and the House of Representatives is [[Direct election|directly elected]].<ref name=euroforum />
[[File:Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|alt=Abdullah shaking hands with former US defense secretary William Cohen outside a limousine|Abdullah welcomed by [[United States Secretary of Defense|US Secretary of Defense]] [[William Cohen]] during his first visit to the United States as king in 1999]]
When Abdullah ascended to the throne as Jordan's fourth king, observers doubted his ability to manage the country's economic crisis—a legacy of the [[Gulf War|1990 Gulf War]].<ref name="theaer" /><ref name="wpkaa" /> The king maintained his father's moderate pro-Western policy, supporting the 1994 [[Israel–Jordan peace treaty]], and the royal transition prompted the United States and [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf]] to increase their aid.<ref name="theaer">{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/185928|title=Jordan's new king|date=11 February 1999|access-date=13 February 2017|newspaper=The Economist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214003036/http://www.economist.com/node/185928|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> In the early years of Abdullah's reign, which then ruled over a population of 4.5 million, it was reported that he frequently went undercover to see Jordan's challenges firsthand.<ref name="wpkaa">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/aug99/jordan9.htm|title=Jordan's Monarch Goes Undercover|first=Lee|last=Hockstader|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=10 February 2017|date=9 August 1999|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909041829/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/aug99/jordan9.htm|archive-date=9 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1114.html|title=Death of a King; Cautious King Took Risks in Straddling Two Worlds|work=The New York Times|access-date=4 January 2018|date=8 February 1999|first=Judith|last=Miller|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216143237/http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1114.html|archive-date=16 December 2017}}</ref> In 2000 he said about his incognito visits to government institutions, "The bureaucrats are terrified. It's great."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/06/magazine/learning-how-to-be-king.html|title=Learning How To Be King|work=The New York Times|first=Jeffery|last=Goldberg|access-date=10 February 2017|date=6 February 2000|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164921/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/06/magazine/learning-how-to-be-king.html|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah cracked down on the [[Hamas]] presence in Jordan in November 1999 after pleas from the United States, [[Israel]] and the [[Palestinian Authority]].<ref name="jch" /> The crackdown occurred during peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.<ref name="jch" /> The king exiled four Hamas officials to Qatar and barred the group from political activity, closing their offices in Amman.<ref name="jch">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/nov/22/israel|title=Jordan curbs Hamas|work=The Guardian|first=David|last=Hirst|date=27 November 1999|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165951/https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/nov/22/israel|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref> The peace talks collapsed into a violent Palestinian uprising, the [[Second Intifada]], in September 2000.<ref name="BBCkaa" /> As a result, Jordan faced dwindling tourism; tourism is an economic cornerstone of Jordan, a country with few natural resources.<ref name="BBCkaa">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1506902.stm|title=Jordan's pragmatic king looks to future|access-date=13 February 2017|date=24 August 2001|publisher=BBC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214004923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1506902.stm|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah reportedly spearheaded efforts to defuse the political violence.<ref name="bbckap">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1632651.stm|title=King Abdullah Profile|publisher=BBC|access-date=13 February 2017|date=2 November 2001|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730091444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1632651.stm|archive-date=30 July 2016}}</ref>

===2000s===
On 23 June 2000, while vacationing in the [[Greek Islands]], Abdullah received a phone call from the director of Mukhabarat (the country's [[General Intelligence Directorate (Jordan)|Intelligence Directorate]]) warning of an assassination attempt against him by [[Al-Qaeda]].<ref name="ab" /> The plot was to target Abdullah and his family's rented yacht with explosives.<ref name="ab">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cy9IIm0JzvQC|title=Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril|author=Abdullah II of Jordan|access-date=8 May 2017|year=2011|publisher=Penguin UK|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=Cy9IIm0JzvQC|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9780141960395}}</ref> The [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001 on American targets were fiercely condemned by Abdullah.<ref name="sgovjr" /> Jordan responded quickly to American requests for assistance, enacting counterterrorism legislation and maintaining a high level of vigilance.<ref name="sgovjr">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2001/html/10247.htm|title=Patterns of Global Terrorism|date=21 May 2002|access-date=13 February 2017|publisher=U.S. Department of State}}</ref> The country's Mukhabarat foiled similar plots the following year against Western targets, including the American and British embassies in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/meast/11/19/inv.jordan.intelligence/index.html|title=Jordanian intelligence helped thwart attacks, sources say|access-date=13 February 2017|date=19 November 2001|publisher=CNN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005227/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/meast/11/19/inv.jordan.intelligence/index.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>[[File:President George W. Bush and King Abdullah of Jordan hold a joint press conference in the Oval Office.jpg|thumb|right|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] in the [[Oval Office]], 28 September 2001]]
[[File:Abdullah II of Jordan visit Tehran - Mohammad Khatami - September 2, 2003.png|thumb|Abdullah and Iranian President [[Mohammad Khatami]] in Tehran, 2 September 2003]]

With the [[George W. Bush]] administration planning an attack on Iraq, accusing Saddam Hussein of possessing [[weapons of mass destruction]], Abdullah opposed American intervention.<ref name="bbciw" /> "A strike on Iraq will be disastrous for Iraq and the region as a whole and will threaten the security and stability of the Middle East", he warned during American vice president [[Dick Cheney]]'s 2002 visit to the Middle East.<ref name="bbciw">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1868914.stm|title=Cheney warned over Iraq attack|access-date=13 February 2017|date=12 March 2002|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1868914.stm|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> In March 2003, during a meeting with George W. Bush at the White House, Abdullah tried to dissuade the president from invading Iraq.<ref name="NYTIW" /> During the 1990 Gulf War, King Hussein's wariness of war was seen as siding with Saddam Hussein, which alienated Jordan from its Arab allies in the Persian Gulf region and the Western world;<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iraq/1990-12-01/jordan-and-gulf-crisis|title=Jordan and the Gulf Crisis|date=1 December 1990|access-date=6 January 2018|author=Stanely Reed|magazine=Foreign Affairs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106174939/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iraq/1990-12-01/jordan-and-gulf-crisis|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> his stance precipitated an economic crisis triggered by the suspension of foreign aid and investment to Jordan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/03/13/gulf-war-support-for-losing-side-devastating-for-jordans-economy/|title=Gulf War, Support For Losing Side Devastating For Jordan's Economy|author=Ray Moseley|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|date=13 March 1991|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106203931/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-03-13/business/9101230105_1_saudi-arabia-jordanians-gulf-war|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> Failing to persuade Bush, Abdullah broke with domestic opposition.<ref name="NYTIW" /> He allowed American [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot batteries]] to be stationed in the Jordanian desert along its border with Iraq, but did not allow coalition troops to launch an invasion from Jordan.<ref name="NYTIW">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/world/threats-and-responses-allies-jordan-s-king-in-gamble-lends-hand-to-the-us.html|title=Threats and Responses: Allies; Jordan's King, in Gamble, Lends Hand to the U.S.|work=The New York Times|author=John F. Burns|date=9 March 2003|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164154/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/world/threats-and-responses-allies-jordan-s-king-in-gamble-lends-hand-to-the-us.html|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan had received subsidized oil from Saddam Hussein's Iraq at a savings of about $500 million per year, equal to American aid to Jordan at the time.<ref name="NYTIW" />

The [[2003 Jordanian general election]] was the first parliamentary election under Abdullah's rule.<ref name="2003je" /> Although the election was supposed to be held in 2001, it was postponed by the king due to regional political instability in accordance with the Jordanian constitution (which authorizes the monarch to postpone an election for a maximum of two years).<ref name="2003je" /> His postponement was criticized by the largest Islamist opposition party in the country, the [[Islamic Action Front]] (the political arm of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]]), who accused Abdullah of impeding the democratic process.<ref name="2003je" /> He inherited a controversial [[single non-transferable vote]] electoral system, implemented by his father in 1991, which hobbled Islamic political parties after they obtained 22 of 80 seats in the [[1989 Jordanian general election|1989 elections]].<ref name="2003je" /> Abdullah issued a royal decree before the election, introducing an amendment to the election law giving women a six-seat quota in Parliament.<ref name="2003je">{{cite web|url=https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/f/Ryan_C_2004_Return.pdf|title=Return To Democratization or New Hybrid Regime?: The 2003 Elections in Jordan|first1=Curtis|last1=Ryan|first2=Jillian|last2=Schwedler|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|access-date=13 February 2017|date=1 June 2004|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808184839/http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/f/Ryan_C_2004_Return.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>

In 2004, Abdullah coined the term "[[Shia Crescent]]" to describe a [[Shia Islam|Shia]]-dominated region from Damascus to Tehran (bypassing Baghdad) which promoted sectarian politics.<ref name="tgsc" /> His warning received international attention, leading Abdullah to clarify that he meant a shift in political (not sectarian) alignment.<ref name="tgsc" /> The king's observation was validated after the rise of Shia [[Nouri Al-Maliki]] to the Iraqi government in 2006 and subsequent events.<ref name="tgsc">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jan/26/worlddispatch.ianblack|title=Fear of a Shia full moon|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 February 2017|date=26 January 2007|first=Ian |last=Black|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214103816/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jan/26/worlddispatch.ianblack|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>
[[File:King Abdullah, Queen Rania, Klaus Schwab, Hilde Schwab - World Economic Forum on the Middle East Dead Sea Jordan 2007.jpg|thumb|alt=Abdullah, Rania and two other people applauding in an audience|Abdullah and Queen Rania ''(third and fourth from left)'' during the [[World Economic Forum]] in Jordan, 20 May 2007]]

[[Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn|Al-Qaeda in Iraq]] founder [[Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi]] claimed responsibility for [[2005 Amman bombings|a terrorist attack]] in Amman on 9 November 2005.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1128209,00.html|title=Behind the Amman Hotel Attack|date=10 November 2005|access-date=6 January 2018|author=Scott MacLeod|magazine=Time|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622114959/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1128209,00.html|archive-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> It was the deadliest attack in Jordan's history;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/10/AR2005111002074.html |title=Zarqawi's Network Asserts It Launched Attacks in Amman|date=11 November 2005|access-date=6 January 2018|first1=Jonathan|last1=Finer|first2=Craig|last2=Whitlock|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173922/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/10/AR2005111002074.html|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> suicide bombers targeted three hotels, one of which was hosting a wedding.<ref name="ahbbnyt" /> The attack killed 60 people and injured 115.<ref name="ffff" /> Prior to the attack, Al-Zarqawi had threatened: "What is coming is more vicious and bitter".<ref name="ahbbnyt" /> In 2006, [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi|Al-Zarqawi]] was killed in an airstrike with the aid of Jordanian intelligence agents.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5058304.stm|title=Zarqawi killed in Iraq air raid|access-date=13 February 2017|date=8 June 2006|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613061532/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5058304.stm|archive-date=13 June 2006}}</ref> Abdullah and Jordan are viewed with contempt by Islamic extremists for the country's peace treaty with Israel and its relationship with the West.<ref name="ahbbnyt">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/world/middleeast/3-hotels-bombed-in-jordan-at-least-57-die.html|title=3 Hotels Bombed in Jordan; At Least 57 Die|first1=Hassan|last1=Fattah|first2=Michael|last2=Slackmannov|date=10 November 2005|access-date=13 February 2017|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819230258/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/world/middleeast/3-hotels-bombed-in-jordan-at-least-57-die.html|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> Jordan's security was tightened, and no major terrorist attacks have been reported in the country since then.<ref name="ffff">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/jordan/2016-02-17/isis-meets-its-match|access-date=13 February 2017|date=17 February 2016|title=ISIS Meets Its Match? How Jordan Has Prevented Large-Scale Attacks|magazine=Foreign Affairs|first=Aaron|last=Magid|publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222044928/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/jordan/2016-02-17/isis-meets-its-match|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] visited Jordan for the first time in February 2007 and was welcomed by Abdullah.<ref name="bbcvpka" /> The leaders discussed prospects for the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, Iran's nuclear program and violence in Iraq.<ref name="bbcvpka">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6355937.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Jordan talks conclude Putin tour|date=13 February 2007|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219110817/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6355937.stm|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah established [[King's Academy]] near [[Madaba]], the Middle East's first boarding school, in 2007 in appreciation of the education he received at [[Deerfield Academy]].<ref name="kamj" /> He hired Deerfield headmaster [[Eric Widmer]] to oversee the school, which has students from throughout the region.<ref name="kamj">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html|title=Jordan Plans to Start Its Own New England-Style Prep School|access-date=17 February 2017|date=1 March 2006|work=The New York Times|first=Katie|last=Zezima|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131193941/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html|archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>

In 2007, it was reported that Jordan hosted 800,000 Iraqi refugees who fled the insurgency following the American invasion;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6470425.stm|title=World 'ignoring Iraqi refugees'|access-date=22 February 2017|date=20 March 2007|publisher=BBC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223132324/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6470425.stm|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref> most have returned to Iraq.<ref name="JTC" /> The [[2007 Jordanian general election]] was held in November, with secular opposition groups accusing [[Government of Jordan|the government]] of using rising [[Islamism]] as an excuse for "autocratic rule".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/world/middleeast/11jordan.html|title=Jordan, Fearing Islamists, Tightens Grip on Elections|access-date=22 February 2017|date=11 November 2007|work=The New York Times|first=Thanassis|last=Cambanis|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222113508/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/world/middleeast/11jordan.html|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> In 2008, Abdullah became the first Arab head of state to visit Iraq after the 2003 American invasion.<ref name="fivvba" /> The visit was amid Sunni Arab concerns of growing Iranian influence in Iraq.<ref name="fivvba">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7554590.stm|title=Jordan's king in first Iraq visit|publisher=BBC|date=11 August 2008|access-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301065017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7554590.stm|archive-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>

=== 2010s ===

====Arab Spring 2010–2014====
The [[Tunisian Revolution]] in December 2010 (which unseated that country's president) brought Egyptians into the streets, and by January 2011 they overthrew president [[Hosni Mubarak]].<ref name="fofam">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/world/middleeast/ali-abdullah-saleh-strongmen.html|title=Five Strongmen, and the Fate of the Arab Spring|date=4 December 2017|access-date=7 January 2018|author=Rick Gladstone|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233935/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/world/middleeast/ali-abdullah-saleh-strongmen.html|archive-date=5 January 2018}}</ref> Protests in other Arab countries soon followed, resulting in civil wars in Libya, Syria and Yemen.<ref name="fofam" /> In Jordan, opposition groups including the Muslim Brotherhood, leftists, and retired army generals protested throughout the country.<ref name="tas" /> By 1 February 2011, domestic unrest prompted Abdullah to sack [[Samir Rifai]]'s government and pledge to follow a democratic trajectory.<ref name="tas" />

[[File:Jordan protests November 2012.PNG|thumb|upright=1.3|right|alt=Large street demonstration, with speakers addressing the crowd|16 November 2012 [[Arab Spring]] demonstration in Amman against a later-revoked government decision to cut fuel subsidies]]
The [[2011–12 Jordanian protests]] were driven by complaints about a troubled economy: soaring prices, widespread unemployment and a relatively low standard of living.<ref name="tas" /> Although some called for an end to the monarchy, most protesters' anger was directed at politicians viewed as undemocratic, corrupt and unaccountable.<ref name="tas" /> Demonstrators called for the dissolution of the parliament which had been elected three months earlier in [[2010 Jordanian general election|November 2010]], when pro-regime figures won a majority of seats.<ref name="tas" /> The Jordanian monarchy was the first Arab regime to offer political concessions during the Arab Spring.<ref name="tas">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/8296589/King-Abdullah-II-of-Jordan-sacks-government-amid-street-protests.html|title=King Abdullah II of Jordan sacks government amid street protests|access-date=14 February 2017|date=1 February 2011|work=The Telegraph|first=Adrian|last=Blomfield|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702040342/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/8296589/King-Abdullah-II-of-Jordan-sacks-government-amid-street-protests.html|archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref> [[Marouf Bakhit]] was appointed prime minister, but protests continued throughout the summer; Bakhit was seen as a conservative unlikely to push for reform.<ref name="nytak" /> Dissatisfied with the pace of reform, Abdullah sacked Bakhit's government and appointed [[Awn Khasawneh]] to form a cabinet.<ref name="nytak">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-fires-his-government.html|title=Government of Jordan Is Dismissed by the King|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 February 2017|date=17 October 2011|first=Ranya|last=Kadri|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214102742/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-fires-his-government.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Khasawneh abruptly resigned in April 2012, and the King appointed [[Fayez Tarawneh]] as interim prime minister; it was the third government reshuffle in 18 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/26/jordan-prime-minister-awn-khasawneh-resigns|title=Jordan's prime minister suddenly quit|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2017|date=26 April 2012|first=Ian|last=Black|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214175611/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/26/jordan-prime-minister-awn-khasawneh-resigns|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>

In November 2012, the government cut fuel subsidies, driving up prices.<ref name=oxbiz /> The decision, later revoked, triggered large-scale protests across the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20357743|title=Political and economic problems fuel Jordan protests|work=Dale Gavlak|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 January 2018|date=16 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514095408/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20357743|archive-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> The regime calmed the unrest by introducing reforms, amending about one-third of the constitution and establishing a Constitutional Court and the [[Independent Election Commission (Jordan)|Independent Election Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/king-abdullah-jordan-reform-protests.html|title=King Abdullah Seeks to Champion Jordanian Reforms|work=Osama Al Sharif|publisher=Al Monitor|access-date=7 January 2018|date=18 March 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121815/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/king-abdullah-jordan-reform-protests.html|archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> Abdullah called for an early parliamentary election and appointed [[Abdullah Ensour]] to form a cabinet of intermittent government.<ref name="ajki" /> In the [[2013 Jordanian general election|January 2013 election]], pro-regime figures were victorious as opposition groups continued a boycott,<ref name="ajki">{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201312317511517880.html|title=New parliament elected in Jordan polls|access-date=14 February 2017|date=24 January 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214175540/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201312317511517880.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> with [[Islamic Action Front]] claiming earlier that election was performed in absence of actual opposition.<ref name="ajki" /> Since December 2012, the king has published seven [[White paper|discussion papers]] outlining his vision of democracy and reform in Jordan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kingabdullah.jo/en/vision/discussion-papers|title=Discussion Papers|access-date=22 February 2017|date=29 December 2012|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221215533/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/vision/discussion-papers|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Barack Obama and Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Abdullah and U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] in the [[Oval Office]] in Washington, D.C., 26 April 2013]]

==== West Bank ====
In December 2012, Abdullah was the first head of state to visit the [[West Bank]] after a [[United Nations General Assembly]] vote upgraded the [[Palestinian Authority]] to a [[United Nations General Assembly observers|nonmember observer state]].<ref name="nytpajk">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-visits-west-bank-to-show-support-for-un-vote.html|title=Visit to West Bank by King Gives Palestinians a Lift|access-date=17 February 2017|date=6 December 2012|work=The New York Times|first=Isabel |last=Kereshner|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318054214/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-visits-west-bank-to-show-support-for-un-vote.html|archive-date=18 March 2017}}</ref> Jordan sees an independent Palestinian state, with the [[Green Line (Israel)|1967 borders]], as part of the [[two-state solution]] and of supreme national interest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/palestinian-state-highest-national-interest-jordan-%E2%80%94-gov%E2%80%99t|title=Palestinian state of highest national interest for Jordan – gov't|first=Khetam|last=Malkawi|access-date=17 February 2017|date=16 February 2017|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216230108/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/palestinian-state-highest-national-interest-jordan-%E2%80%94-gov%E2%80%99t |archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan, the only country bordering the West Bank other than Israel, [[Jordanian annexation of the West Bank|ruled]] it after the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]] and lost in the 1967 [[Six-Day War]]. Its annexation of the West Bank was not recognized, and in 1988 the kingdom [[Jordanian disengagement from the West Bank|ceded its claim]] to the territory.<ref name="nytpajk" />

An interview with Abdullah by [[Jeffrey Goldberg]], published in ''[[The Atlantic]]'' in March 2013, sparked controversy when the king criticized local and international figures and parties. He called the Muslim Brotherhood a "Masonic cult" and "wolves in sheep's clothing", described ousted Egyptian president [[Mohammad Morsi]] as a man with "no depth" and said that Turkish prime minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdogan]] saw democracy as "a bus ride".<ref name="kajcfa" /> Abdullah also criticized American diplomats, some of his country's tribal leaders and members of his family.<ref name="kajcfa">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-of-jordan-has-criticism-for-all-concerned.html|title=Jordan's King Finds Fault With Everyone Concerned|access-date=22 February 2017|date=18 March 2013|work=The New York Times|first=David|last=Kirkpatrick|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222113554/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-of-jordan-has-criticism-for-all-concerned.html|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

Another 2013 article in ''The Atlantic'' advised him to address governmental corruption, saying that there "is a growing perception that the degeneracy reaches the palace". According to the article, Abdullah was accused of "illegally appropriating 'tribal' lands" shortly after his accession and members of 36 Jordanian tribes issued a statement denouncing Queen Rania's "publicized and extravagant" 43rd birthday party in 2013.<ref name="takacnc">{{cite web |url= https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/01/will-jordan-be-the-first-arab-monarchy-to-fall/266897/ |title= Will Jordan Be the First Arab Monarchy to Fall? |work= The Atlantic |first=David |last=Schenker |access-date=10 March 2017 |date=8 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170312062137/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/01/will-jordan-be-the-first-arab-monarchy-to-fall/266897/ |archive-date=12 March 2017}}</ref>

====Regional turmoil 2014–2019====
{{quote box
| quote  = I was asked many questions by Jordanians that were getting just as frustrated seeing that 20 per cent of their country are now Syrian refugees, the impact it has on jobs, on property, on unemployment. And they ask me, "stop the Syrians coming into the country", and I say "How?" When you have a mother, a pregnant mother with a child in the hand trying to cross the border, how are we going to stop her? Do we sort of point bayonets at these people that are running away from horrible and threatening lives? There is a level of humanity that we have to reach out to each other.
| source = Abdullah's 23 November 2016 interview with the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/king-of-jordan-discusses-is-threat/8050908|title=Jordan's King Abdullah says Donald Trump could be a catalyst for change in Middle East|access-date=17 February 2017|date=23 November 2016|work=ABC News (Australia)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217045101/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/king-of-jordan-discusses-is-threat/8050908|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref>
| align  = right
| width  = 35%
}}
The March 2011 outbreak of the [[Syrian Civil War]] forced masses of refugees across Jordan's border with Syria, about 3,000 refugees per day in the war's early stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/flow-of-syrian-refugees-into-jordan-intensifies/|title=Flow of Syrian refugees into Jordan intensifies|first=Dale|last=Gavlak|access-date=17 February 2017|date=22 January 2013|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219032711/http://www.timesofisrael.com/flow-of-syrian-refugees-into-jordan-intensifies/|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> When asked about the Syrian conflict in an interview with the BBC in November 2011, Abdullah said that he would resign if he was in [[Bashar al-Assad]]'s shoes. "Whenever you exert violence on your own people, it's never going to end well and so as far as I'm concerned, yes, there will be an expiration date, but again it is almost impossible for anybody to predict whether that is six weeks, six months or six years."<ref name="abcsci">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/king-abdullah-says-syrian-leader-should-go/|title=King Abdullah Says Syrian Leader Should Go|date=11 November 2011|access-date=7 June 2017 |work=ABC News|first=Jean-Nicholas |last=Fievet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012003620/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/king-abdullah-says-syrian-leader-should-go/|archive-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

About the unrest in [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|Iraq]], Abdullah told a delegation of US congressmen in June 2014 about his fear that the turmoil would spill across the entire region. He said that any solution to the problems in the war-torn countries must involve all the people of Iraq and Syria.<ref name="toijka">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-we-fear-spread-of-iraq-chaos/|title=Jordan's king: We fear spread of Iraq chaos|date=30 June 2014|newspaper=The Times of Israel|first=Stuart|last=Winer|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003011437/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-we-fear-spread-of-iraq-chaos/|archive-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Jordan began erecting barriers along its arid {{convert|175|km|0|adj=on}} border with Iraq and {{convert|379|km|0|adj=on}} border with Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordan-to-erect-barrier-on-iraq-syria-border-to-stop-is/|title=Jordan to erect barrier on Iraq-Syria border to stop IS|access-date=17 February 2017|date=11 August 2015|first=Avi|last=Lewis|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219015628/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordan-to-erect-barrier-on-iraq-syria-border-to-stop-is/|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Since then, [[Jordanian–Syrian border incidents during the Syrian Civil War|hundreds of infiltration attempts]] have been foiled by Jordanian border guards who were also occupied with the flow of refugees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/border-guards-face-mounting-challenges-northeastern-front|title=Border Guards face mounting challenges on northeastern front|access-date=17 February 2017|date=5 May 2016|work=The Jordan Times|first=Raed|last=Omari|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219000932/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/border-guards-face-mounting-challenges-northeastern-front|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan was involved in the CIA-led [[Timber Sycamore]] covert operation to train and arm [[List of armed groups in the Syrian Civil War|Syrian rebels]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mazzetti|first1=Mark|last2=Apuzzo|first2=Matt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/24/world/middleeast/us-relies-heavily-on-saudi-money-to-support-syrian-rebels.html|title=U.S. Relies Heavily on Saudi Money to Support Syrian Rebels|work=The New York Times|date=23 January 2016|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>

In April 2014, the [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL), an al-Qaeda affiliate which emerged in early 2014 when it drove Iraqi government forces out of key cities, posted an online video which threatened to invade the kingdom and slaughter Abdullah (whom they saw as an enemy of Islam). "I have a message to the tyrant of Jordan: we are coming to you with death and explosive belts", an ISIL fighter said as he destroyed a Jordanian passport.<ref name="jtka">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/isis-spreads-terror-with-plundered-us-weapons-jmsn72nbbxd|title=Isis spreads terror with plundered US weapons|date=24 June 2014|access-date=18 March 2017|work=[[The Times]]|author1=Tom Coghlan |author2=Catherine Philp|author3=Sara Elizabeth Williams}}</ref> In August 2014, thousands of [[Iraqi Christians]] fled ISIL and sought shelter in [[Christianity in Jordan|Jordanian churches]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-christians-refugees-jordan-hopeless-islamic-state.html|title=Iraqi Christians find safe haven in Jordan's churches|work=Al Monitor|first=Brenda|last=Stator|access-date=17 February 2017|date=19 March 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219003916/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-christians-refugees-jordan-hopeless-islamic-state.html |archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> 
[[File:Abdullah II of Jordan and Vladimir Putin (2015-11-24) 02.jpg|thumb|Abdullah meets with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] and Russian Foreign Minister [[Sergey Lavrov]] in Sochi, 24 November 2015]]

Shortly after Jordan joined the [[Military intervention against ISIL|international coalition against ISIL]] in mid-September 2014, the country's security apparatus foiled a terror plot targeting civilians in Jordan.<ref name="kaoii">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-says-borders-secure-from-islamic-state/|title=Jordanian king says borders 'secure' from Islamic State|work=The Times of Israel|first=Adiv|last=Sterman|access-date=17 February 2017|date=22 September 2014|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218151609/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-says-borders-secure-from-islamic-state/|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, Abdullah said in an interview that the country's borders with Iraq and Syria were "extremely safe".<ref name="kaoii" /> In late December 2014, a Jordanian [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighter jet crashed near [[Raqqa]], Syria, during a mission.<ref name="nytkaia" /> A video was posted online on 3 February 2015, showing captured Jordanian pilot [[Muath Al-Kasasbeh]] being burned to death in a cage;<ref name="nytkaia" /> throughout January, Jordan had negotiated for Al-Kasasbeh's release.<ref name="nytkaia" /> The terrorist group reportedly demanded the release of [[Sajida al-Rishawi]] in return, a suicide bomber whose belt failed to detonate in the [[2005 Amman bombings]].<ref name="nytkaia" /> Al-Kasasbeh's killing spurred outrage in the country, while the King was away in a state visit to the United States.<ref name="nytkaia" /> Before returning to Jordan, Abdullah swiftly ratified death sentences previously handed down to two imprisoned Iraqi jihadists, Sajida al-Rishawi and [[Ziad Al-Karbouly]], who were executed before dawn of the next day.<ref name="aakrcc">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/world/middleeast/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-returns-home-to-cheers-after-swift-executions.html |title=Jordan's King Abdullah II Returns Home to Cheers After Swift Executions|author=Rod Nordland|access-date=7 January 2018|date=February 2015|work=The New York Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109064136/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/world/middleeast/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-returns-home-to-cheers-after-swift-executions.html|archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> The same evening, Abdullah was welcomed in Amman by cheering crowds who lined along the airport road to express their support.<ref name="aakrcc" /> His decision also garnered international support.<ref name="nytkaia">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/world/middleeast/isis-said-to-burn-captive-jordanian-pilot-to-death-in-new-video.html|title=Jordanian Pilot's Death, Shown in ISIS Video, Spurs Jordan to Execute Prisoners|work=The New York Times|first1=Ranya|last1=Kadri|first2=Rod|last2=Nordland|access-date=17 February 2017|date=3 February 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305014539/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/world/middleeast/isis-said-to-burn-captive-jordanian-pilot-to-death-in-new-video.html|archive-date=5 March 2017}}</ref> As commander-in-chief, Abdullah launched [[Operation Martyr Muath]], a series of airstrikes against ISIL targets during the following week targeting weapons caches, training camps and [[Extraction of petroleum|oil-extraction]] facilities.<ref name="tgkar">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/09/jordan-says-it-has-carried-out-56-air-strikes-against-isis|title=Jordan says it has carried out 56 air strikes against Isis|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 February 2017|date=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218150143/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/09/jordan-says-it-has-carried-out-56-air-strikes-against-isis|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> His retaliation was praised on the Internet, where he was dubbed "The Warrior King".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/videos/1.641617|access-date=17 February 2017|date=9 February 2015|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=Haaretz|title=WATCH: Meet the Hashemites, Jordan's 'Warrior-king' at the Center of the Fight Against ISIS|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218152124/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/videos/1.641617|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> Rumors had circulated that he personally led the sorties,<ref name="kaofhi">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/11394038/King-Abdullah-of-Jordan-a-warrior-and-a-biker-but-is-he-a-statesman.html|title=King Abdullah of Jordan: a warrior and a biker but is he a statesman?|access-date=17 February 2017|date=5 February 2015|work=The Telegraph|first=Richard|last=Spencer|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218144803/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/11394038/King-Abdullah-of-Jordan-a-warrior-and-a-biker-but-is-he-a-statesman.html|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> although the government officially denied this.<ref>{{cite web|work=Snopes|title=The King of Jordan Is Personally Leading Combat Missions Against ISIS?|first=David|last=Mikkelson|date=5 February 2015|url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2015/02/06/strike-y-air-jordan/}}</ref>

During a January 2016 BBC interview, Abdullah said that Jordan is at the "boiling point" because of the Syrian refugee influx, Jordan claims more than a million Syrians have sought refuge in Jordan.<ref name="jkbbcr" /> The king noted pressure on the country's economy, infrastructure and services.<ref name="jkbbcr" /> "Sooner or later, I think, the dam is going to burst", he warned.<ref name="jkbbcr"/> Jordan has historically welcomed refugees—[[Palestinians in Jordan|Palestinians]] in [[1948 Arab–Israeli War|1948]] and [[Six-Day War|1967]], Iraqis during the American invasion and now Syrians, who make up about 20 percent of Jordan's then 9.5 million population—and, according to Abdullah, "For the first time, we can't do it any more."<ref name="jkbbcr">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35462698|title=Syria conflict: Jordanians 'at boiling point' over refugees|publisher=BBC|date=2 February 2016|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217224135/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35462698|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="JTC">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/population-stands-around-95-million-including-29-million-guests|title=Population stands at around 9.5 million, including 2.9 million guests|first=Mohammad|last=Ghazal|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=4 January 2018|date=30 January 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019071224/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/population-stands-around-95-million-including-29-million-guests|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref> 

[[File:P20210719AS-0988 (51420126253).jpg|thumb|right|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] in the [[Diplomatic Reception Room]], 19 July 2021]]
The [[2016 Jordanian general election|November 2016 Jordanian general election]] was the first election since [[1989 Jordanian general election|1989]] primarily using a form of [[proportional representation]]; intervening elections had used the [[single non-transferable vote]] system. Reforms encouraged opposition parties, including the [[Islamic Action Front]] (who had boycotted previous elections, including 2010 and 2013), to participate.<ref name="ysnv">{{cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/jordan-election-seen-small-step-toward-democratic-reform-060607360--politics.html|title=Jordan election seen as small step toward democratic reform|access-date=23 September 2016|date=20 September 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923180413/https://www.yahoo.com/news/jordan-election-seen-small-step-toward-democratic-reform-060607360--politics.html|archive-date=23 September 2016}}</ref> The election was considered fair and transparent by independent international observers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/european-observers-commend-integrity-transparency%E2%80%99-elections|date=20 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Jordan Times|title=European observers commend 'integrity, transparency' of elections|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922135048/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/european-observers-commend-integrity-transparency%E2%80%99-elections|archive-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> Proportional representation is seen as the first step toward establishing parliamentary governments in which parliamentary blocs, instead of the king, choose the prime minister. However, the underdevelopment of political parties in Jordan have slowed down such moves.<ref name="jtjka">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/stage-not-mature-parliamentary-gov%E2%80%99t-analysts-say-gov%E2%80%99t-says-road-paved|title=Stage not mature for parliamentary gov't, analysts say; gov't says road paved|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=7 January 2018|date=5 June 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010124114/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/stage-not-mature-parliamentary-gov%E2%80%99t-analysts-say-gov%E2%80%99t-says-road-paved|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah established a close cooperation between Jordan and the [[International Labour Organization]] (ILO).<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 June 2003|title=His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan addresses the 91st International Labour Conference|url=http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_005283/lang--en/index.htm|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=www.ilo.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421122305/http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_005283/lang--en/index.htm |archive-date=21 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 June 2017|title=Kingdom wins three-year deputy seat on ILO governing body|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1114791/saudi-arabia|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=Arab News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614080205/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1114791/saudi-arabia |archive-date=14 June 2017 }}</ref> Between 2013 and 2015, the ILO started programs in Jordan to support working opportunities for refugees in Jordan. In 2016, Jordan signed the Jordan Compact, which improved legal employments opportunities for refugees.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ILO Response to Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan (Arab States)|url=https://www.ilo.org/beirut/areasofwork/employment-policy/syrian-refugee-crisis/jordan/lang--en/index.htm|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=www.ilo.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930082555/http://www.ilo.org:80/beirut/areasofwork/employment-policy/syrian-refugee-crisis/jordan/lang--en/index.htm |archive-date=30 September 2019 }}</ref>

After [[Donald Trump]]'s [[First inauguration of Donald Trump|inauguration]] as [[United States president]] on 20 January 2017, Abdullah traveled to the US on an official visit.<ref name="amai" /> He was worried about the new administration's positions on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], specifically, issues relating to [[Israeli settlements]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-06/jordan-says-moving-us-embassy-to-jerusalem-is-red-line/8165102|title=Jordan warns of 'catastrophic' repercussions to Trump plan to move US embassy to Jerusalem|date=6 January 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|agency=Associated Press|work=ABC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216131913/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-06/jordan-says-moving-us-embassy-to-jerusalem-is-red-line/8165102|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah met Trump briefly at the [[National Prayer Breakfast]] on 2 February, and reportedly convinced him to change his policy towards Israeli settlements.<ref name="nytai" /> This was substantiated by White House press secretary [[Sean Spicer]], who said two days later that the expansion of Israeli settlements may not be helpful in achieving peace.<ref name="amai">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/02/israel-palestinians-jordan-king-abdullah-donald-trump-abbas.html|title=What Jordan's king told Trump|access-date=15 February 2017|date=7 February 2017|work=Al Monitor|first=Shlomi|last=Eldar|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216211651/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/02/israel-palestinians-jordan-king-abdullah-donald-trump-abbas.html|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', the "encounter put the king, one of the most respected leaders of the Arab world, ahead of Mr. [[Benjamin Netanyahu|Netanyahu]] in seeing the new president."<ref name="nytai">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/world/middleeast/iran-missile-test-trump.html|title=Trump Embraces Pillars of Obama's Foreign Policy|access-date=14 February 2017|date=2 February 2017|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214000707/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/world/middleeast/iran-missile-test-trump.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Senator [[Bob Corker]] confirmed Abdullah's influence in an interview: "We call him the Henry Kissinger of that part of the world and we do always love to listen to his view of the region."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.771402|title=Trump Planned on Moving Embassy to Jerusalem 'At 12:01 on Inauguration Day'|work=Haaretz|access-date=15 February 2017|date=14 February 2017|first=Amir|last=Tibon|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214233121/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.771402|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah criticized United States' decision to [[United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel|recognize Jerusalem]] as the capital of Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Who's Speaking Out Against Trump's Jerusalem Move |url=https://jstreet.org/experts-speak-trumps-jerusalem-move/ |work=J Street |date=12 December 2017}}</ref>

On 4 June 2018, Prime Minister [[Hani Mulki|Hani Al-Mulki]] resigned from office.<ref name=":1" /> Large protests against corruption, the economic policies and austerity plans as well as the tax increases, occurred before Hani Al-Mulki resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 June 2018|title=Jordan PM Mulki resigns amid anti-government protests|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180604-jordan-king-abdullah-resign-summons-pm-mulki-over-anti-government-protests|access-date=29 December 2020|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> Abdullah moved former education minister [[Omar Razzaz]] to the position of the new Prime Minister<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=6 June 2018|title=Jordan's King Abdullah appoints new reformist PM in bid to quell unrest|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180606-jordans-king-abdullah-appoints-new-pm-razzazz-unrest|access-date=29 December 2020|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> and ordered him to conduct a review of the controversial tax system.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 June 2018|title=Jordan's King Abdullah calls for tax review after largest protests in years|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44375827 |access-date=14 March 2021}}</ref>

On 25 June 2018, Abdullah made another official visit to Washington, DC. He was hosted by President Trump at the [[White House]] and they discussed "terrorism, the threat from Iran and the crisis in Syria, and working towards a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 June 2018|title=Trump cites Middle East progress, hosts Jordan's King Abdullah|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2018/06/26/Trump-cites-Middle-East-progress-hosts-Jordan-s-King-Abdullah|access-date=14 March 2021|website=Al Arabiya English|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Trump Meets Jordan's Abdullah as US Prepares to Unveil Middle East Peace Plan |url=https://www.voanews.com/usa/trump-meets-jordans-abdullah-us-prepares-unveil-middle-east-peace-plan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019031740/https://www.voanews.com/usa/trump-meets-jordans-abdullah-us-prepares-unveil-middle-east-peace-plan|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2019|access-date=14 March 2021|website=Voice of America|language=en}}</ref> In August 2018, after the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] had announced to end all US funding for [[UNRWA]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 August 2018|title=US confirms end to funding for UN Palestinian refugees|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/31/trump-to-cut-all-us-funding-for-uns-main-palestinian-refugee-programme|access-date=23 January 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Abdullah sought to replace the US funds. Jordan convened meetings of the [[Arab League]] and Western countries.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schwartz|first=Felicia|date=19 September 2018|title=Jordan Scrambles to Recoup Funds for Palestinians Lost to U.S. Cuts|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/jordan-scrambles-to-recoup-funds-for-palestinians-lost-to-u-s-cuts-1537358400|access-date=23 January 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharif|first=Osama Al|date=30 August 2018|title=Jordan can't afford to lose UNRWA battle|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/08/jordan-support-unrwa-budget-palestinian-refugees.html|access-date=23 January 2021|website=Al-Monitor|language=en}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
[[File:President Joe Biden walks alongside King Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|Abdullah and [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince Hussein]] with US President [[Joe Biden]] in February 2024]]
In an interview with ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' in May 2020, Abdullah criticized Donald Trump's plans for peace in the Middle East including Israel annexing parts of the [[West Bank]]. He stated, "The two-state solution is the only way for us to be able to move forward", and noted a possible Israeli annexation of the West Bank causes conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 May 2020|title=Jordan's King Abdullah II: "The Danger of People Starving to Death Is Greater than the Danger from the Virus Itself" |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/jordan-s-king-abdullah-ii-the-danger-of-people-starving-to-death-is-greater-than-the-danger-from-the-virus-a-4b220928-7ff9-4219-a176-ec380ec16cf3|access-date=9 January 2021|website=Der Spiegel |language=Ar}}</ref> In October 2020, Omar Razzaz resigned from his position due to the criticism of his handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan|COVID-19 pandemic]]. In addition, Abdullah dissolved the parliament and instructed his chief policy adviser, [[Bisher Al-Khasawneh|Bishr Al-Khasawneh]], to form a new government as the new Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=AP|date=8 October 2020|title=King of Jordan Abdullah II names his policy adviser country's new PM|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/king-of-jordan-abdullah-ii-names-his-policy-adviser-country-s-new-pm-120100800082_1.html|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> After [[Joe Biden]] won the [[2020 United States presidential election]], Abdullah was the first Arab leader to congratulate Biden for his victory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharif|first=Osama Al|date=22 January 2021|title=King Abdullah engaged regional leaders in preparation for Biden's presidency|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/jordan-biden-egypt-abbas-uae-meetings.html|access-date=23 January 2021|website=Al-Monitor|language=en}}</ref>

In April 2021, Abdullah ordered the arrest of his half-brother, Prince [[Hamzah bin Hussein]], and twenty other courtiers for what was called "sedition".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Warrick|first1=Joby|last2=Dadouch|first2=Sarah|last3=Hendrix|first3=Steve|title=Nearly 20 arrested in alleged plot against Jordan's King Abdullah II|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/jordan-coup-abdullah-plot/2021/04/03/2a517ed2-9498-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html|access-date=21 April 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Hamzah's removal as crown prince by Abdullah has been cited as a possible factor. 18 other Jordanian figures were also arrested,<ref name="details">{{cite news|date=7 April 2021|title=Jordan's King Abdullah says 'sedition' quashed|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/7/jordan-king-says-palace-crisis-is-over|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> including Abdullah's controversial former Chief of Staff, former Saudi Arabian envoy and Royal Court Chief [[Bassem Awadallah]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 April 2021|title=Former head of Jordanian royal court, other senior officials arrested: Jordan News Agency|publisher=Arab News|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1836961/middle-east|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="main2">{{cite news|last1=Khoury|first1=Jack|date=3 April 2021|title=Alleged Jordan Coup: Former Crown Prince Says He Is Under House Arrest|newspaper=Haaretz|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/jordan/jordan-s-former-crown-prince-reportedly-arrested-on-suspicion-of-plotting-coup-1.9678978|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> Royal family member Sharif Hassan Bin Zaid, who is hardly known in Jordan and whose father now resides in Saudi Arabia, was also among those arrested.<ref>{{cite news|date=4 April 2021|title=What Do We Know About the Two Men Arrested in Jordan Last Night?|publisher=Al Bawaba|url=https://www.albawaba.com/node/what-do-we-know-about-two-men-arrested-jordan-last-night|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> On 7 April, King Abdullah II spoke publicly for the first time since the alleged coup and hinted that the Jordanian royal feud was over, stating that the "sedition" that caused him "pain and anger" was now buried and that Hamzah was now "in his palace under my protection."<ref name="details" /><ref>{{cite news|date=7 April 2021|title=After alleged coup attempt, Jordan's King Abdullah signals end to royal feud|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/jordan-hamzah-coup-plot-royal/2021/04/07/3021a2a0-97a5-11eb-8f0a-3384cf4fb399_story.html|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> Abdullah also stated that the crisis began when Jordan's military chief of staff paid a visit to Hamzah and warned him to stop attending meetings with critics of the government.<ref name="details" />

On 19 July 2021, during a two-week visit to the US, Abdullah was received at the [[White House]] by [[Presidency of Joe Biden|President Joe Biden]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Resets Ties with Key Arab Ally Jordan After Bumpy Ride |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_us-resets-ties-key-arab-ally-jordan-after-bumpy-ride/6208525.html|access-date=29 July 2021|website=Voice of America|date=21 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref> They discussed the Middle East conflict, the battle against COVID-19, and the [[Jordan–United States relations|relationship between Jordan and the US]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Remarks by President Biden and His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Before Bilateral Meeting|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/07/19/remarks-by-president-biden-and-his-majesty-king-abdullah-ii-ibn-al-hussein-king-of-the-hashemite-kingdom-of-jordan-before-bilateral-meeting/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Biden meets Jordan's King Abdullah to discuss Middle East issues|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-host-jordans-king-abdullah-broad-array-middle-east-talks-2021-07-19/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/19/readout-of-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-meeting-with-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref> Abdullah was the first leader from the Middle East to visit the White House since [[Inauguration of Joe Biden|Biden's inauguration]] on 20 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2021|title=King Abdullah II: Jordan previously attacked by Iranian-made drones|url=https://arab.news/czypp|access-date=29 July 2021|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:President Donald Trump hosts an expanded bilateral meeting and working lunch with King Abdullah II of Jordan (54321920293).jpg|thumb|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] in Washington, D.C., 11 February 2025]]
On 3 October 2021, Abdullah held a telephone conversation with Syrian president [[Bashar al-Assad]], the first contact since the start of the [[Syrian civil war]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|date=3 October 2021|title=Jordan's Abdullah receives first call from Syria's Assad since start of conflict|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-abdullah-receives-first-call-syrias-assad-since-start-conflict-2021-10-03/|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> They discussed bilateral relations after Amman fully opened borders with Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jordan's king receives first call from Syria's al-Assad in decade|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/3/jordans-king-receives-first-call-from-syrias-assad-in-decade|access-date=17 December 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, Abdullah condemned Israel's [[October 2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip|blockade of the Gaza Strip]] and the "collective punishment" of Palestinians in Gaza during the [[Gaza war]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt's Sisi, Jordan king condemn 'collective punishment' in Gaza |url=https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2023/10/969122/egypts-sisi-jordan-king-condemn-collective-punishment-gaza |work=The Straits Times |date=19 October 2023}}</ref> In February 2024, Abdullah called for an immediate [[ceasefire]] in the war, and called upon the US to restore funding to UNRWA. He also warned against the proposed [[Rafah offensive]], arguing it would "produce another humanitarian catastrophe".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kelley|first=Laura|title=At White House, Jordan's king calls for 'lasting cease-fire now' in Gaza|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4463861-at-white-house-jordans-king-calls-for-lasting-cease-fire-now-in-gaza/|work=The Hill|date=12 February 2024}}</ref> In conjunction with several other nations, Abdullah and the Jordanian government arranged for aid packages to delivered to Gaza via [[airdrop]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/27/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news#jordan-air-drop-gaza-france|title=A Second Day of Aid Airdrops Underscores the Urgency of Gazans' Need|newspaper=The New York Times|date=27 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/02/gaza-aid-airdrops-palestinian-territories-israel-uk-us|title=Analysis: Gaza airdrops might not be necessary if Israel faced more pressure on aid|first=Patrick|last=Wintour|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/03/01/1235277071/gaza-jordan-airdrop-aid|title=Aboard Jordan's aid airdrop over Gaza, a last resort for relief to Palestinians there|work=NPR|date=1 March 2024|first=Jane|last=Arraf}}</ref> A video filmed by Jordanian TV station [[Al-Mamlaka]] depicted Abdullah personally taking part in one of these airdrops, which delivered food aid and medical supplies to affected areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-participates-gaza-aid-airdrop|title=King participates in Gaza aid airdrop|newspaper=Jordan Times|date=28 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-king-abdullah-participates-gaza-aid-airdrop-2024-02-11/|title=Jordan's King Abdullah joins aid airdrop to Gaza as humanitarian crisis grows|work=Reuters|date=11 February 2024|first=Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi}}</ref>

King Abdullah rejected President [[Donald Trump]]'s proposal for Jordan [[Potential American ownership of the Gaza Strip|to absorb]] Palestinians living in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |title=King Abdullah rebuffs Trump's push for Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/11/trump-jordan-egypt-palestinians |work=The Guardian |date=12 February 2025}}</ref> On 26 February 2025, he met with Syria's interim President [[Ahmed al-Sharaa]] in Amman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jordan, Syria leaders agree to bolster border security |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordan-king-tells-syrian-interim-president-he-condemns-israeli-attacks-2025-02-26/ |work=Reuters |date=26 February 2025}}</ref> Abdullah condemned [[Israeli invasion of Syria (2024–present)|Israeli attacks on Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel bombs 'military targets' in southern Syria, outside Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/26/israel-bombs-military-targets-in-southern-syria-outside-damascus |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 February 2025}}</ref>