Editing Abdullah II of Jordan (section)

=== 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>