Book Review: Uneasy Lies The Head - King Hussein of Jordan

A few weeks ago I came upon a dusty, time-worn book buried in the stacks my grandfather used to read. At first, I neglected it as I did with most before, but then the title sparked my attention and I was drawn by the fact that the author was no less than the previous ruler of our country, the founder of modern Jordan, King Hussein.

"Uneasy Lies The Head", an autobiography written by HM King Hussein, tells the story of a young boy of 17, forced to endure the threats and perils of life around him, but predominantly, single-handedly  given the abrupt responsibility of ruling a nation swarmed with disaster, shortly after the assassination of his grandfather the first ruler of Trans-Jordan, King Abdullah I, and merely escaping death himself.

This book recollects the enthralling activities of our beloved King and shows the times of happiness and joy in contrast to those of betrayal, various attempts to overthrow the monarchy, and bitter hate. An adventure beginning  from the few months of Harrow and Sandhurst as an Arab in a foreign territory, continue to the memories of racing a Rover, learning to fly a plane, being crowned as King, disguising himself as a taxi driver, being deceived by close comrades, attempts on his life, and ending with his marriage to Muna Al Hussein. Not to mention the numerous other incidents that took my breath away..

The experience of this autobiography took me on a journey that was far more than fascinating, it made it clear how personal strength and perseverance have a vital role in life, how a collection of events may be so magically assembled as a result of timeless efforts, hard work and wisdom to present a masterpiece.

I honestly found this book, this eye-opening recollection of memories and experiences, a thoroughly entertaining one, rich in value and moral, and would definitely recommend it to each and every individual, regardless of their background and culture. Pleasant reading everyone.

Volunteer Work with KHCC & KHCF

A little while back I applied as a volunteer with King Hussein Cancer Center & Foundation (hereafter KHCC & KHCF). The King Hussein Cancer Center is the only specialized cancer center in the Middle East that treats both adult and pediatric patients. I thought it would be a great way to spend my spare time instead of lazing around at home… and it turns out I wasn’t the least bit mistaken.

After receiving a phone call a few days ago requesting me to be part of an awareness campaign about cancer, I gladly headed to City Mall to find out what exactly I had to do. Upon reaching the booth where my 4 hour shift was to begin, I was greeted with warm arms and my fellow volunteers explained it all. It was quite a surprise to find that the 11^th of February was the worlds cancer day; which I had no idea existed. We were to distribute brochures and leaflets among the people which were about the various types of cancers, how they could be prevented and methods of treatment, with specific emphasis on smoking and its harmful effects. As well as that we were also holding booths for donations to KHCC & KHCF, and for a health insurance program against cancer.


The experience was refreshing; getting to know my fellows in the booth and mingling with the Jordanian society. With no doubt there were some people who did not give us their attention, but on the other hand there were many who did, who shared their opinion about the matter and told us about their own experiences with cancer. It was very interesting to learn so much and at the same time contribute to the people’s knowledge.

To add to that, we even had our own benefits, which included a free meal complement of the center; which was of course “healthy” in their opinion, unlike the junk food we would normally get.

Those 4 hours could have honestly been just 30 minutes with the fascinating time I had - getting to know those wonderful people, learning plenty of new info, and with no doubt contributing to the awareness of society.

King Hussein - The Jordanian Icon

How often do we stop to say, to actually think, what this day actually means in history? How often are we thankful for the community, for the country in which we are embraced? Jordan, as we now know it, has evolved through history, under the few Hashemites who sacrificed their all, to build and maintain a country which prospers in life. We owe it all to our Hussein of Jordan, who was the longest reigning ruler in the world; 5 decades as a matter of fact, to ensure that Jordan became what it has turned out to be on this day.

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan. One might be fascinated by the amount of stress and pressure a person might handle, but at the same time astonished at the kind, warm, welcoming smile that person has drawn upon his bright face. King Hussein was that loving, kindhearted person who underwent those many times of war, revolution, crime and distress. It was this same person, who became an icon for peace in the world and a model for many countries in the Middle East and worldwide.

I can vividly recall the words written in his autobiography, about how his life all began by the disgraceful assassination of his grandfather the founder of Jordan, King Abdullah I, at the doors of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. How Hussein also merely escaped death himself, by a medal he had worn on his uniform across his chest, as requested by his grandfather, which had miraculously blocked the bullet from piercing the very walls of his own heart.

The story of Hussein's life is one which must not be forgotten and bears a huge legacy to every citizen of this country. It shows us how a mere boy of 16 was given the responsibility of ruling a nation and commanding an army. How this boy grew up to become a noble king of great reputation among his people.

As Wikipedia states: "Hussein guided his country in the context of the Cold War, and through four decades of Arab-Israeli conflict, balancing the pressures of Arab nationalism and the allure of Western-style development against the stark reality of Jordan's geographic location. His commitment to democracy, civil liberties and human rights helped to make Jordan a model state for the Middle East, and the kingdom is internationally recognized for having the most exemplary human rights record in that region. He worked tirelessly and continuously throughout his life to advance the cause of peace between Jordan and Israel (which he successfully achieved in 1994), as well as between Palestinians and Israelis."

To this day, a Jordanian still remembers the incident of Hussein's sickness while he was in Britain, where upon being requested to remain a while until the symptoms had declined, he insisted that he wanted to be with his people and "to feel their warmth surrounding him". He then flew his own plane to the grounds of the Kingdom, where he was greeted with the loving smiles and waving arms of the Jordanian people.

With no doubt, I must also praise our King Abdullah II, who has continued the work of his beloved father to ensure the prosperity and development of the Jordanian society. Who has maintained the stability of a Kingdom in the midst of a region swarmed with war and disastrous events, and prevented any harm from touching this nation.

I sincerely hope time will not forget the great achievements King Hussein has achieved and all the effort he has put in making Jordan the wonderful nation it is today.