Link to Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-palace-says-estranged-prince-apologies-over-plot-unseat-monarch-2022-03-08/
Former Crown Prince Hamza delivered an apology to Jordan’s current King Abdullah as he was accused last year of attempting to replace the monarchs position. In the apology Hamza pledged to never repeat his actions of acting against the countries rulers. The palace released text of the letter which basically entails Hamza asking half- brother Abdullah for forgiveness. Hamza had been placed on house arrest after his actions against the king but avoided punishment after pledging allegiance with the king after some convincing talks with royal family members. The Palace said Hamza’s apology paved the way for his rehabilitation and acceptance back into the Royal family.
With the U.S. and Western allies backing King Abdullah calling Hamas actions wrong, may be the cause of Hamza caving in and siding to never sway the kingdoms rule. However, authorities have started to claim that Hamza’s actions were originally influenced by foreign powers at an attempt to destabilize the Kingdom- this claim has since been denied but causing more tension within the Jordan palace. Now the history between the half- brothers can explain today’s tensions, Prince Hamzah was Jordan’s crown prince for five years after his father, King Hussein, died in 1999. In 2004, King Abdullah stripped him of his title as heir apparent, and later named his then-teenage son Prince Hussein bin Abdullah as crown prince. So some may argue Hamza’s actions are justified because of this claiming his rightful spot had been taken.
This situation represents differences between Authoritarian regimes compared to a democratic way of Government. In Jordan whether someone approves of it or not, the next king will never have the say of the people or be the people’s choice. For example, In a democracy, a legislature is intended to represent the diversity of interests among citizens, whereas authoritarian regimes use legislatures to aid their interests as well as condemn other elites who pose a challenge to the regime. With this in mind it is important to understand that Jodan citizens may feel a certain way regarding King Abdullah and may evenfavore a Hamza ruled Jordan but there’s not much they could do if felt this way.