On the changes in Jordan
Jordan, Politics, 2/24/1999

The British daily "The Times" said on Tuesday that the changes King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein made in Jordan "flexed his political muscle" by making changes in the Jordanian Army's leadership.

The paper added that King Abdullah has forced the retirement of four generals in the largest reshuffle in the Jordanian armed forces since the death of King Hussein.

The paper continued that the Western diplomats said the decision of King Abdullah to make such changes can be regarded as a signal of his determination to win utmost support inside the Jordanian armed forces.

The paper said King Abdullah's decision came after publications were circulated in several Jordanian cities expressing support for the former Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan who was removed by his brother, King Hussein, in his last days.

The paper added that the army generals who came under the change were Gen. Tahsin Shardam, commander of the land forces in the Jordanian Army whose numbers reach 100,000 soldiers, chief of military intelligence Eid Rweidan, Gen. Muhammad al-Azab and Gen. Muhammad Abbadi.

The paper said that what is notable in these changes was that Lt. Gen. Abdul Hafez al-Ka'benah kept his post as the army's chief of staff after Prince Hassan had tried to remove him from his post during the absence of King Hussein for medical treatment in the US.

Previous Stories:
  Jordan for better relations with Syria   (2/23/1999)
  Jordanian king carries out first army reshuffle   (2/22/1999)
  Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff starts regional tour in Amman   (2/20/1999)

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