Jordan Times
Saturday, January 23, 1999

On His Majesty King Hussein's return

Hind-Lara Mango

AMMAN — The thunderous enthusiasm with which His Majesty King Hussein was received on his return from the United States closed the door on a sad and worrying chapter in Jordan's history, but through six dark months, members of the Royal family rediscovered the profound impact the Monarch has had on their own lives as well as those of all Jordanians.

King Hussein, viewed as a pillar of stability throughout his 46 years of rule in a region fraught with regional termoil, is the longest-ruling monarch in the world, King Hussein. At home, he is looked upon as a patriarch whose return was received as a father coming back home to head his family once again.

"It's almost difficult to describe the many emotions I feel at a time like this," said Princess Aisha Bint Al Hussein about her father's return to the Kingdom.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have him as a father. But mostly, I'm in awe of this human being who brings together and unites Jordanians, Palestinians, Muslims and Christians in their love for him," Princess Aisha told the Jordan Times in a recent interview.

King Hussein left the Kingdom on July 14, 1998, for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where he was diagnosed and treated for non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

King Hussein underwent six rounds of chemotherapy treatment for his lymphatic cancer. He was absent for half a year; the longest he has ever been away from the country.

The King's absence generated a general atmosphere of unease and worry among the population of 4.2 million, but last Tuesday, he returned to a rapturous welcome from Jordanians and the Royal family, who describe the last six months as some of the most trying in their lives.

"I feel as if the general feelings of depression and worry have been lifted and that we are all working together to welcome our King home with love, respect, and great affection," the Princess said.

Princess Aisha, a lieutenant colonel in the Armed Forces and head of the Directorate of Women's Affairs at the Jordanian Armed Forces, described the last six months as extremely challenging for herself and the Royal family.

Her Majesty Queen Noor was quoted recently as saying that the King's struggle with cancer had been the most daunting personal challenge in their 20-year marriage.

Despite all the difficulties and struggle, Princess Aisha believes there was a bright side to all the difficulty and struggle.

"We were able to spend so much time with him at the Mayo Clinic, to help and to support him for a change," she says. "Usually, he is always been the one to help and support us throughout our lives and careers."

Princess Aisha, third eldest daughter to King Hussein, said

her sisters and herself had commuted between Jordan and the United States on a monthly basis to stay in close contact with their father.

"My sisters and I spent one month here with our children then one month with our father. Our children were very, very supportive. I'm grateful to them and to their support of each other and their cousins," the Princess said.

His Majesty is father to 11 children and grandfather to 13 grandchildren.

According to princess Aisha, the "grandchildren have been in constant contact with their `Jido'."

"Our children have been sending him gifts and cards trying to let him see what's been happening in their lives while he was away," says the mother of two, adding that the grandchildren had prepared "something special for the king's return."

Princess Aisha feels this experience has changed her life.

"It was difficult to explain to the children what cancer was and how it could affect a family," she explained.

"I have so much respect for my father for having fought his way through this experience and for everyone who has gone through an experience like this," the Princess said.

Princess Aisha believes the strength exhibited by her father in his fight against cancer stem from love and support.

"The incredible sense of love and support from all Jordanians and people around the world gave him the courage and the strength to fight," she said.

The Princess believes that another source of determination stemmed from the King's own belief that "[he] still has a lot to do and his mission has not been completed."

"His faith in God has always kept him going throughout his career and his life, and that is the same thing that brought him through this experience as well," she said.

International leaders have hailed King Hussein's courage and transparent approach to the disease.

American President Bill Clinton said the King's influence in the October Wye River negotiations was crucial to the agreement that finally emerged.

During the course of his treatment King Hussein was asked by Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to attend the Wye River Plantation negotiations.