King Abdullah warned Arab Leaders: Take the lead on reform or face headache, New British documents reveal

The King Abdullah of Jordan warned other Arab leaders to take the lead on initiating reform—or risk having it imposed on them, newly declassified British documents reveal.  The United States and the United Kingdom relied on Abdullah to encourage other Arab governments to adopt “home-grown” comprehensive reforms rather than delay action until external forces demanded it. Abdullah’s warning came in early 2004, following the launch of the US-led Greater Middle East Partnership (GME) initiative, supported by the UK. According to records released by the UK Prime Minister’s and Cabinet Offices, Britain viewed Jordan as a model of reform for other Arab nations to follow, rather than letting the Palestinian cause serve as a pretext for delay. Less than a year […]