King Abdullah & Queen Rania Current Events 3: March-July, 2005

[Humera]

Whose carrying him in that picture?
I think he looks like Princess salma and Iman,or is it too early to tell...

I have no idea...must be one of the people greeting the Queen.
I think Hashem looks like P. Hussein when he was a baby, they've got the same nose, mouth, eyes..
Both boys looks like their dad.

 

[amina1]

Thanks Humera.
I always thought that salma and Iman look blonde like their dad (and to PMuna and so do PFaisal twin daughters, very blonde) and Hussein looks like QRania who's brunette.

 

[rchainho]

Jordan's King lauds ties with KuwaitCorrected Repeat of
just moved story
MDA-JORDAN-KUWAIT-TIES Jordan's King lauds ties with Kuwait (With photos) AMMAN, June 28 (KUNA) -- Jordan's King Abdullah II commended on Tuesday the strong brotherly ties with Kuwait.

While receiving Amman's Director of Kuwait Information Office (KIO) Falih Al-Mteiri, the monarch expressed appreciation for the role played by KIO in supporting and enhancing overall Kuwaiti-Jordanian relations.

In statements to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Mteiri said that King Abdullah II demonstrated further interest in constantly developing bonds with Kuwait. (end) mms.

ayh

KUNA 290005 Jun 05NNNN


http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=747117

 

[Reina]

This is from the Jordan Times

Queen joins students in promoting Jordan, welcoming overland visitors

By Mohammad Ghazal

Her Majesty Queen Rania chats with students from the Hashemite University Queen Rania Institute for Tourism and Cultural Heritage (right) and greets visitors at the checkpoint (left) during a visit to the Jaber border crossing on Wednesday (Photo by Nasser Ayoub)JABER CROSSING — Her Majesty Queen Rania joined Hashemite University students in promoting Jordan and welcoming arrivals to the Kingdom at the Jaber crossing on Wednesday.

During a tour of the border crossing with Syria yesterday, to take a firsthand look at the facilities and services offered at the checkpoint, Queen Rania launched a programme of coordination between the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and the Hashemite University.

Under an agreement signed between the university and the JTB last week, 40 students from the Queen Rania Institute for Tourism and Cultural Heritage, have been assigned to assist visitors coming overland to the country.

The students, half of them assigned at Al Emari entry point on the border with Saudi Arabia, were trained to answer tourist inquiries and hand out brochures about cultural activities and historical sites in the Kingdom.

At the crossing, Queen Rania met with several visitors, border staff and officials, and enquired about the procedures.

During a meeting with the students, attended by several senior officials, the Queen commended the efforts of all those concerned in promoting Jordan, noting that what has been achieved thus far reflects the true Jordanian spirit of generosity and hospitality.

She added that such an initiative is important as it enhances students' practical experiences, reflecting realities on the ground, alongside their academic experiences.

Addressing the students, the Queen said: “You reflect the spirit of Jordan marked by hospitality, generosity and a warm welcome for the visitors.”

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Alia Hattough-Bouran underlined the importance of the programme, which is designed not only to acquaint visitors with the Kingdom's tourism sites but also with other facilities such as hotels and restaurants.

She said the Tourism Ministry had already taken the necessary measures to facilitate visa procedures at entry points with the concerned authorities and expects a large number of tourists this year.

During the summer, the Kingdom is a major destination for Gulf and Arab tourists who come here to escape the sweltering heat in their own countries. Around 850,000 visitors from the Gulf countries travelled to Jordan last year.

Observers in the industry expect their numbers to rise this year as unstable conditions in neighbouring countries are expected to divert many tourists to the Kingdom.

JTB Managing Director Mazen Hmoud said the initiative was part of the JTB's strategy for the summer, which started with coordination between tourism agencies in Jordan and their counterparts in the Gulf countries.

This was followed by a media campaign in the Gulf states showcasing the Kingdom's tourism sites.

Announcing new measure taken to encourage tourists, Hmoud said visitors' purchases from the Kingdom would be exempted from Sales Tax.

Sultan Maani, dean of the Queen Rania Institute, said the students are trained on all tourism-related subjects and receive a bachelors degree when they graduate.

Dressed in uniforms provided by the JTB, the students are paid a monthly stipend and work under the direction of a supervisor.

Omar Qaqish, one of the students assigned at the Jaber crossing, told The Jordan Times that most of the tourists he met were not aware of the diverse cultural activities and historical sites available in the Kingdom. “They think the only thing we have is the Jerash Festival,” he said.

“But we tell them about the different religious and therapeutic tourist sites like the Dead Sea, Maain, Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site, among others,” he added.

Thursday, 30, 2005
​

 

[Reina]

This pic is from alrai

 

[Humera]

now why didnt we see any of pictures of that visit on Petra?

 

[ap3]

Nice coat, like the color.

 

[Reina]

Does anyone know how to get in the archives of alrai. My arabic is a bit limited.

 

[rchainho]

INTERVIEW: Jordan's Queen Rania on U.S.-Arab relations
NBC Today show, June 3, 2005

http://www.royalarchive.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=815&Itemid=2

 

[cute_girl]

you should click on where it's written الارشيف.

 

[Reina]

Thank you so much!

 

[Frothy]

I would like to see a pic of Princess Muna if anyone has one.

 

[Bubbette]

Look at the wedding photos of Princess Badia--Muna is in pink in the far right; or just search on these boards.

 

[Reina]

From the Jordan Times

Photography exhibition opens in Irbid
IRBID (Petra) — A three-day exhibition displaying photographs of His Majesty King Abdullah opened in the Public Security Department in Irbid on Thursday. The 150-photo exhibition focuses on the King's activities, visits to remote areas and meetings with citizens. The exhibition, which was first held in Amman, is to tour the Kingdom's 12 governorates.

Abbadi visits Mafraq Governorate

 

[Reina]

Don't know if this was posted
http://www.alrai.com/image.php?id=11370

Same here
http://www.alrai.com/image.php?id=11232

I think I've seen this one
http://www.alrai.com/image.php?id=11228

 

[rchainho]

Jordanian King stresses importance of Palestinians'' unity to serve their

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=747773

http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=109749

Jordan king reshuffles cabinet, appoints fin min


http://news.monstersandcritics.com/mediamonitor/article_1029553.php/Jordanian_king_calls_for_emergency_parliament_session_on_policy_statement

Jordanian king calls for emergency parliament session on policy statement

http://www.spa.gov.sa/newsview.php?extend.274356

Jordan king reshuffles cabinet ​

http://www.jordantimes.com/mon/homenews/homenews1.htm

King swears in new ministers

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

King Opens the First International Islamic Conference</FONT></STRONG>

​

King Opens the First International Islamic Conference
Amman, July 4 (Petra)--His Majesty King Abdullah II has called
for confronting the unjust campaigns to which Islam is presently
subjected, rejecting discord and uniting Muslims words and their
positions, noting that these noble objectives form
the essence of the Amman Message, which was launched by Jordan in
the holy months of Ramadan last year.
The King said in his address to the first International Islamic
Conference, which opened in Amman today with the participation of
170 Islamic scholars and intellectuals, that Muslims has the
obligation to present to the world the true essence of Islam-the
religion of moderation, forgiveness, mercy and rational, and
scientific dialogue.
"The division between the children of the Ummah, acts of violence
and terrorism practiced by some groups and organizations, the
accusations of apostasy and the killing of Muslims in the name of
Islam, do not correspond to the principles and spirit of Islam and
Islam disavows them," King Abdullah added.
Prominent Muslims scholars and intellectuals will discuss
during this three-day event issues and topics outlined in the "Amman
Message". These include basic aspects and characteristics of Islam
in its dealings with the Human community, hurdles and difficulties
that Islam faces in contemporary society and how to overcome them
and correcting the image of Islam in contemporary society.


​

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

King Abdullah's full speech in the FIrst International Islamic Conference

In the name of God, the most merciful, the compassionate,
And praise be to God, Lord of all worlds, prayers and peace be upon
our master, Muhammad, and on all his house and companions,
Distinguished scholars,
Honored ladies and gentlemen,
Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,
It is a real pleasure for me to welcome you at your meeting today
in Amman, to discuss the different issues and challenges facing the
Muslim Ummah (nation). You are most welcome,
guests and scholars, for whom we hold respect and appreciation.
Dear Brothers,
Over the ages, Islam has established a basis for
better human relations between individuals, nations and people,
irrespective of difference in religion, color or gender, on the
principles of tolerance and dialogue with others, this was meant for
the good of mankind, everywhere, at all times. Yet today, the Ummah
is defamed, abused and falsely accused when it comes to discussions
of the Ummah's role in this age.
As a start, let us confess that we, Muslims, have not always
fulfilled our obligations towards ourselves. Some Muslims, or those
who promulgate "Islamic" slogans, have defamed Islam and Muslims,
and harmed Muslims, intentionally and non-intentionally.
The divisions between the children of the
Ummah, acts of violence and terrorism practiced by some groups and
organizations, what is going on in Iraq, Pakistan and other Muslim
countries in the form of accusations of apostasy and the killing of
Muslims in the name of Islam, do not correspond to the principles
and spirit of Islam, and Islam disavows them. Such practices
generate turmoil and corruption on earth, because they give
justification to non-Muslims to judge Islam according to acts that
Islam disavows, and subsequently interfere in Muslims' affairs.
We find it incumbent on us as Muslims, whose hearts are filled with
love to God and His Prophets, to be the first to face these unjust
campaigns to which Islam is presently subjected, and to be the first
to call on fellow Muslims to reject discord and to unite their words
and their positions. Thus came the Amman Message which was launched
by us in the holy month of Ramadan last year, from the Hashimiyyeen
Mosque in Amman. Then we called for convening this conference in
which representatives of the eight Muslim schools of thought
(Madhahib) congregate from different countries to discuss the many
issues and challenges to the Ummah and to specify fundamental basic
solutions to overcome them.
The first, and most important of these challenges, is unifying the
position of the adherents to the eight Islamic schools of thought:
the four Sunni schools, the Ja'fari Shi'I School, the Ibadi school,
the Zaydi school and the Thahiri school. We can begin by
acknowledging that, in the practice of their faith, the adherents to
each of these eight schools of jurisprudence are practicing true
Islam, and that declaring any one of them an apostate is
unacceptable. Disagreement among scholars (ulama) is a blessing. Let
us follow the example of Imam al-Shafi'I's saying: our school of
thought is right, but might be wrong, and other schools of thought
are wrong, but might be right.
Great Muslim scholars and trusted Muslim authorities issued fatwas-
which are familiar to you- affirming that this principle is right
and acceptable, because the adherents to the eight schools of
thought are in agreement on the fundamental principles of Islam,
they all believe in God the Almighty and Sublime, the One and
Unique, that the noble Qur'an is the word of God revealed, and that
our master, Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a Prophet and Messenger
in to all mankind. All agree on the five pillars of Islam: the two
testaments of faith (shahadatayn), ritual prayer (salat), almsgiving
(zakat), fasting the month of Ramadan (sawm), the pilgrimage (Hajj)
to the Sacred House of God, and also on the foundations of belief:
belief in God and His Angles, His Scriptures, His Messengers and the
Day of judgment, in divine providence-good and evil.
Disagreement between scholars is only with respect to some of the
ancillary branches of religion (furu') which came into light after
the death of our master, the Prophet, peace be upon him. These
disagreements originated with matters pertaining to worldly and
political affairs of the Caliphate. The fatwas of the prominent
scholars of the Islamic Ummah also accepted as legitimate all forms
of the worship practiced by adherents to the eight Islamic schools
of thought in accordance with their own Madhab, and the Grand Imam
of al-Azhar's fatwa included that moderate Sufi thought is
acceptable as long as it is based on the two testaments of faith
that God is the Unique and that Muhammad is Allah's messenger, and
as long as it adheres to the five pillars of Islam and the Holy
Quran.
Acknowledgement of the schools of jurisprudence within Islam would
permit the emergence of fundamental methodology in the issuance of
fatwas, and the definition of who is qualified for the undertaking.
This, with God's will, would end the practice of defaming others as
apostates and close the door on ignorant people who practice killing
and terrorism- of which Islam is innocent- in the name of Islam.
Honorable scholars,
You meet today with some many issues and
challenges facing the Ummah on your agenda. You are, with God's
guidance, qualified to deal with these issues and challenges, and to
define Islam's position on each one of them. Primary among our
obligations as Muslims to present to the world the true essence of
Islam-the religion of moderation, forgiveness, mercy and rational,
scientific dialogue. Islam is not the religion of violence and
terrorism, or prejudice and isolation. God Almighty says: "all
unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and
reason with them in the better way. Lo! Thy lord is best aware of
him who strayeth from His way, and He is best aware of those Who go
aright" (al-Nahl:125).
Islam provided us with rules to best protect human rights and to
guard man's freedom and his human dignity, irrespective of his
religion, gender or color. God Almighty says: "O mankind . Lo! We
have created you male and female , and have made you
nations and tribes that yet may know one another, Lo! The
noblest of you , in the sight of Allah, is the best it conduct.
Lo! Allah is knower, Aware" ( al-Hujurat: 13).
Islam emphasized the need to respect the rights of minorities
and non-Muslims who live within Muslim society, It established
for us a clear methodology to honor relations, conventions and
agreements between Muslims and other nations and peoples. God
Almighty says: and keep the covenant , Lo! Of the covenant it
will be asked " (al-Isra' : 34).
Islam does not accept prejudice and isolation, but calls upon us
to seek scholarship and knowledge. God Almighty says: " Are
those who know equal with those who know not" (al-Zumar: 9)
It also calls us to be open to others, and to benefit from their
experiences in all fields of life. God almighty says:
"Ask the followers of the remembrance if ye know not"
(al-nahl:43).
Distinguished Scholars,
I am confident that you are aware of the challenges facing
Muslims today, and of the malicious attack on Islam, through
slander and
misrepresentation, due to some Muslims' lack of understanding
of the essence of their religion, and the ignorance of many
non-Muslims of the nature of and noble values of our religion.
From this arises the importance of your role, and the
responsibility you shoulder in unifying the Islamic Ummah with
all its schools of jurisprudence and presenting the truth about
our fait and its great message .
May God, the Almighty and Sublime grant all of us success in
serving our religion and our Ummah, and unifying the Islamic
nation. Peace, God's mercy and blessing be upon you.
end.

 

[Reina]

RAnia
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Jul/04/4906I.htm

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Jul/04/4907I.htm

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Jul/04/4908I.htm

 

[maryshawn]

Thanks, Reina, for the links to Petra shots of QR. She looks good, rested and I'm just hoping she keeps at this weight and doesn't try to lose more. She's definitely a lot better looking when she is not emaciated.

Baby Hashem is getting so big so fast. I think he looks like his dad, definitely. If you look at baby photos of KA and his sons; the similarities are apparent. I'm no good typically at figuring out who kids most resemble but Hussein and Hashem are dead-ringers for their dad. The girls? Anyone's guess......

Nonetheless, appreciate the links.

I wonder how many times KA is going to reorg his cabinet....and if he's doing that in response to pressures from the US or other countries--or because he feels the other ones were not doing their jobs properly or not being as supportive of him as he'd like. I honestly don't know; haven't paid much attention till recently but this is the 4th time he's done this since being made King? I think that is the accurate number but if anyone knows for sure, please let me know. Just wondering what prompts it?

 

[Reina]

I'm sure that it is not pressure from the US. MAybe he does not feel confident with the ppl in the post.

 

[Humera]

Does anyone else think that the little girl in this pic is Princess Iman?
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Jul/04/4908I.htm

She's not mentioned in the article about this event but I cant help thinking that she reminds me of Iman.

 

[maryshawn]

True. I have read he expects a lot from his cabinet team and can be quite demanding if he feels they are not properly serving the people or doing their duties. As he should! My wondering is based on the amount of aid Jordan receives from the U.S. and other countries and I am curious how much they expect from him in return and if they try to exert influence over his choices and policies. That would be a balancing act!

I'm sure that it is not pressure from the US. MAybe he does not feel confident with the ppl in the post.

 

[Reina]

Well it does not mention her in the Arabic text. But if it was her, they would say it. If they didn't I am sure they'd get in trouble.

Does anyone else think that the little girl in this pic is Princess Iman?

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Jul/04/4908I.htm

She's not mentioned in the article about this event but I cant help thinking that she reminds me of Iman.

 

[julial]

Humera, the woman in your avatar is so gorgeous and classy. Who is she? (even prettier than Rania )

 

[Humera]

Well it does not mention her in the Arabic text. But if it was her, they would say it. If they didn't I am sure they'd get in trouble.

Thats not necessarily true. Petra often doesnt mention members of the royal family in its captions, including Queen Rania.
I just thought that the little girl looks very much like Princess Iman. And did you see how they posted a picture of Rania next to that of the little girl? its not one single pic but two different ones side by side. That also made me suspect that it could've been Iman. Just a thought.

 

[Humera]

Humera, the woman in your avatar is so gorgeous and classy. Who is she? (even prettier than Rania )

heh..thats a Pakistani model/actress named Zara Sheikh.

 

[Reina]

I think the girl in the pic's hair is too curly to be Iman. But I have not seen a recent pic of her.

 

[Reina]

This is from the archive sof al'rai from 2004

 

[cute_girl]

Princess Muna sponsers charity breakfast
http://petra.gov.jo/nepras/2005/Jul/05/4915I.htm
http://petra.gov.jo/nepras/2005/Jul/05/4916I.htm