King Hussein’s legacy
Asad Kiyani

Last Sunday, King Hussein of Jordan died after suffering complications from cancer.

Renowned throughout the world as one of the true believers in peace, King Hussein’s death shocked and disheartened many.

The man who had ruled Jordan for 46 years and was widely hailed as an ambassador of peace - a difficult title to gain in the Middle East - suffered brain and heart failure on Sunday.

He slipped into a coma last week, which came as a surprise for it had been thought he was recovering well after his treatment in the United States.

The funeral was held on Monday, and drew innumerable mourners. The streets were lined with so many mourners the cortege was actually stopped at one point.

Police with tears in their eyes thought it useless to try and restrain the crowd.

Perhaps even more indicative of the respect for King Hussein were the presence of Israeli and Syrian delegations.

Israel sent the largest delegation of any country. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was accompanied by four other prominent political figures, including former premiers Yitzhak Shamir and Shimon Peres.

As for the appearance of Syrian President Hafez Assad, it was easily the biggest shock of the day.

Assad was an avowed enemy of Hussein, having tried to assassinate him in the 60’s.

His presence signalled an appreciation of the man Hussein was and gave hope that the tensions of the region might take a significant step towards resolution.

One glaring absentee was Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chretien.

On a ski trip in Whistler, he felt he couldn’t have made the funeral in time. However, Canadian Forces officials said while it would have been tight, they could have had him in Jordan on time.

The ailing monarch had recently name his eldest son as successor to his throne. King Abdullah, faces a difficult period.

He does not have the international clout his father did, and this could be a worry in the coming months.

Palestinian leader may declare a Palestinian state as soon as May 4, the Israeli elections are upcoming and Saudi Arabia and Syria both have sick, elderly rulers.

While it appeared, for one day at least, opponents could gather together, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into a lasting peace.