Editorial

The King's Legacy

King Hussein was a courageous leader in the turbulent Middle East for almost 50 years. During his lifetime, he transformed Jordan into an island of stability and made significant contributions to the quest for peace throughout the region. In light of the many challenges he faced, his rule can inspire – and instruct – those who share a desire for peaceful relations in the Middle East.

Hussein maintained his vision of achieving a peaceful region, especially in recent years, despite the vociferous objections of many others across the Middle East and even within his own country. He persevered through wars, near breakdown in the peace process, and escalations of violence during a period when much seemed to be in jeopardy in regional relations. King Hussein counseled patience, recognizing the inevitability of the outcome: Israel as a permanent part of the landscape and the emergence of a Palestinian entity – even a state. That patience was necessary because the results would not come quickly, the benefits would not be immediate, and the path would surely not be easy.

King Hussein led Jordan with dignity and confidence, giving it a degree of political autonomy that far outweighs its size or military strength. His position during the Gulf War exemplified this independence of action. As a result of difficult decisions such as this, he became an influential voice in Arab politics, called by some Arab commentators the "King of the Arabs."

Looking forward, we lament the passing of a King. Yet we also seek his wisdom to enlighten those who must now deal with the new challenges on the horizon. Those challenges are formidable. On May 4, for example, the stated deadline will be reached for the end of final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority – negotiations that have not even begun. Soon after that, Israelis will elect their next Prime Minister. In addition, the confrontation with Iraq continues and the Kurdish situation has taken center stage. These and many other matters occupy the minds of leaders throughout the Middle East.

Meeting these challenges will take patience and courage – qualities that King Hussein came to embody – in order to achieve a truly peaceful Middle East. Indeed, his life could provide valuable lessons not only for those in the region who must make difficult decisions but also for those around the world who share his vision of peace for future generations. It is this vision that defines, for many, the greatest legacy of Hussein Bin Talal.