Opinion

King Abdullah's exceptional speech for an exceptional time

The Jordanian king's address to parliament showed his intimate connection with his people, aware of their burdens and in tune with their worries

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Mohannad Mubaideen
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King Abdullah's exceptional speech for an exceptional time

Mohannad Mubaideen
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In his speech at the opening of the Jordanian parliament on 26 October, King Abdullah II offered a comprehensive reflection on the country’s defining positions and on the pivotal moments in its recent memory, moments now anchored in a long and storied national history—one continually shaped by the crises of a turbulent region.

Speeches are usually messages intended for those who are ready to hear them. Delivered from the throne, however, it becomes something far more layered, employing the language of symbols and signals, as well as deliberate vocabulary and chosen imagery. In this context, his words served to chart the state’s direction at a delicate moment, both domestically and regionally.

In Jordan’s political landscape, it's important that the king speaks with clarity and conviction. His speech last week was one of strength and resilience, noting the dedication of the armed forces and the enduring value of the Jordanian people. The country was born into crisis, he said, yet has never been broken by it. Generations have stood firm, allowing the nation to rise with faith in God and belief in the homeland, confronting the region’s many storms.

The tone was unmistakably direct. “I know you wonder how the king feels,” he began. “Is the king worried? Yes, but he fears none but God.” He reflected the gravity of recent regional events since October 7, 2023, that have ushered in a new, fraught reality, emboldening Israel to expand its attacks against those it deems targets.

King Abdullah's speech was markedly more candid and deliberate, engaging directly with questions of power, institutional strength, national cohesion, and society

A sanctuary for the region's crises

Since he succeeded his father, the late King Hussein bin Talal, Jordan has faced some of its biggest crises, he said, but continues on with measured confidence, even as the region remains engulfed in conflict.

Amid these relentless upheavals, Jordan became a sanctuary for those driven from their homes. A population of 4.5 million in 1999 has now grown to nearly 12 million. Throughout, Jordan has stayed the course and now moves steadily toward political reform and economic modernisation.

He acknowledged that the Jordanian public remains burdened by poverty and unemployment, with education, identity, and war in neighbouring countries some of the big concerns. The king acknowledged these and spoke of sharing the same unease as Jordanian citizens, conveying a shared experience. He recognised Jordanians' struggles, aspirations, and support for the Palestinians, which was cast as a reflection of identity and duty. But he did not mention Syria or Iraq—two neighbours whose problems also affect Jordan's stability.

Instead, his gaze remained fixed on the homeland, its accomplishments and challenges, and its unwavering resilience in the face of the Middle East's unpredictable turbulence, in a speech where gestures and hand movements were as important as the words. There was a sense of togetherness and brotherhood. For instance, when speaking of Crown Prince Hussein, he called him "my son and yours".

King Abdullah recognised Jordanians' support for the Palestinians, which was cast as a reflection of identity and duty

Candid and deliberate

King Abdullah II projected authority, competence, and an unwavering rejection of threats, and while royal addresses to parliament rarely aim beyond national borders, this speech was the exception, markedly more candid and deliberate, engaging directly with questions of power, institutional strength, national cohesion, and society.

In a region overflowing with violence, anxiety, instability, and Israeli adventurism, this was a speech shaped by transition and regional context. Phrases such as "over the course of decades," "our Arab Army," "no matter how events escalate," and "we shall stand by your side" were not casual, nor were the accompanying gestures.

The monarchy holds a dear place in the hearts of most Jordanians, and the king's words conveyed a leadership intimately connected to his people, aware of their burdens and in tune with their worries.

By addressing fears, he responded not just to the moment but to the concerns of citizens who participate in the national dialogue. Their engagement—rooted in identity and sustained by a strong Arab consciousness—keeps them closely attuned to Arab causes, often more than to their own daily hardships. Even in the face of adversity, that sense of belonging remains unshaken.

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Related topics Jordan King Abdullah II Jordanian parliament