Al Hayat: How do you view the Houthis’ infiltration of Saudi land and the ensuing clashes?

HM King Abdullah II: We unequivocally condemn the infiltration of Saudi territory and completely support the Saudis’ right to defend their borders, land, and their citizens’ safety. And we are confident of our Saudi brothers’ ability to protect their land and preserve their security and stability, which is a pillar of security in the entire region.

Al Hayat: Do you think that Saudi security and stability being targeted by the recent events in Yemen and by Al Qaeda?

HM King Abdullah II: We have no fears about Saudi Arabia’s security and stability. I believe that under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia is able to protect its land, and this is what is being done. Therefore, there’s no fear about Saudi stability.

Regarding your question about Al Qaeda and certain parties working against Saudi Arabia, these same parties also work against Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and all Arab states. Al Qaeda has an agenda that targets all Arab states.

Al Hayat: Is there a fear of disintegration of Yemen, or if there is a plan to tear it apart as warned by the Yemeni foreign minister?

HM King Abdullah II: There are attempts to do this, but we believe that the Yemeni leadership is in control of the situation, and there are contacts with President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Yemeni government is controlling the situation, and there’s Jordanian and Arab political support for our brothers in Yemen and for its stability.

Al Hayat: Were you concerned by President Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement that he would not run in the presidential election, and do you fear the collapse of the Palestinian National Authority?

HM King Abdullah II: President Abbas has tremendous responsibilities - the responsibility of the future of his people - and he is under immense pressure. We’re aware of the size of the challenges he’s up against, and that we all have had to face with regards to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position and the inability to achieve the progress in negotiations that we all have worked for.

President Abbas is a real partner in the peace process and is devoted to serving his people’s interests and realising their rights and to peace on the basis of the two-state solution. I understand what President Abbas is going through and his sense of disappointment. We hope to see progress in efforts to launch negotiations on the right basis. We also hope that President Abbas would continue to carry out his duties until we reach a settlement that meets the Palestinian people’s aspirations.

We are all disappointed by the lack of progress, and I think Israel had a role to play in embarrassing President Abbas and the Arabs so that negotiations would not be launched and so that the Arabs would find themselves in a position where they would have to say they do not want to negotiate. Then Israel would use the excuse of having no partner.

I have warned more than once that if we don’t move towards a solution and if there is no clear and convincing movement, the region will be susceptible to many dangers. The status quo cannot continue because it will lead the region towards the abyss. And if this opportunity is lost and no peace is achieved within a year or two, then I don’t think our generation will have peace.

Al Hayat: How can negotiations proceed if there is no settlement freeze?

HM King Abdullah II: The international community considers settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace. We demand they completely stop. The question is, if Israel is really committed to the two-state solution, why build settlements on the land of the future Palestinian state?

We have demanded a halt to all settlement construction and for effective negotiations that would lead to the two-state solution within a regional context that achieves comprehensive peace. We do not want a new peace process because people are tired of an open-ended process that does not achieve results. Unfortunately, that has not happened and the United States was unsuccessful in getting Israel to commit to a settlement freeze.

So, if we want to move forward, there has to be a mechanism to ensure the negotiations are not a way to waste time. And if a settlement freeze is not achieved before the start of negotiations, then there should be written American and international guarantees through the United Nations that stress that the negotiations will address all final status issues, borders, Jerusalem and refugees, and lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital and within a clear time frame.

If this were to happen, and if everyone were to know and commit to the starting point and the endgame, and if there was confidence that the negotiations will not be a waste of time and a new endless process where Israel changes realities on the ground in the West Bank and Jerusalem and makes the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible due to the settlement construction and other measures, then we would have overcome obstacles. But if we maintain the status quo, then we should all expect chaos and more tension.

Al Hayat: Have you discussed this with President Mubarak?

HM King Abdullah II: There is constant coordination with President Mubarak and all Arab states. We all work together and with the Americans and Europeans in order to achieve progress on the ground. And we should not allow the Israeli government to achieve its objectives.

Al Hayat: Do you foresee a Palestinian Intifada if the horizon remains blocked?

HM King Abdullah II: If there is no progress, if there is no horizon, I fear for Palestine and the whole region.

Al Hayat: Do you see a serious peace opportunity if we take into consideration the composition of the Netanyahu cabinet?

HM King Abdullah II: The whole world agrees on the need to achieve peace and establish a Palestinian state. The United States considers the establishment of a Palestinian state a strategic American interest; Europe is also committed to this solution. The whole Arab world wants peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative reflects a united Arab position concerning how to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace that ensures real security and stability in the region. It remains for Israel to decide if it really wants peace or not. If it wants peace, then the path is clear: end the occupation and establish an independent and viable Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil within a regional context that leads to full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab Syrian and Lebanese lands. This will ensure Israel’s security and allow it to build normal ties with all Arab and Muslim states that support the initiative. The ball is in Israel’s court, and the inability to achieve peace now is caused by Israeli polices.

I believe there is an opportunity to achieve peace, but the window of opportunity is closing with every day we lose.

Al Hayat: Do you think it is possible to revive the peace process in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative any time soon?

HM King Abdullah II: We have to admit that efforts to revive peace talks are facing tough challenges, and we all feel disappointed by the lack of progress. But we cannot stop working to achieve peace because the alternative to peace is chaos and more conflict and tension. The status quo cannot be tolerated because it means sliding into the abyss. Time is not on our side, and everyone should feel how critical the situation is. Israel should also know that, just like everyone else, it is equally under threat and should take serious steps towards peace. This means stopping all settlement construction and unilateral measures and policies that abort peace efforts. Israel should also enter into effective negotiations that build on what has been achieved and address all final status issues within a specific time frame and in accordance with adopted references in order to reach the two-state solution as soon as possible. Naturally, the US needs to take a lead role in the negotiations.

Al Hayat: It’s been 15 years since the signing of the Jordan-Israel peace treaty. How would you describe peace with Israel?

HM King Abdullah II: I had previously said and will say again that it is a cold peace and it is getting colder. Let us remember here that the peace agreement was signed as part of the effort to achieve comprehensive and lasting regional peace and after the signing of the Oslo Accords when there was great hope of reaching a comprehensive solution to the conflict. Without justice for the Palestinian people, the atmosphere will remain charged and peace between people will not be realised.

Al Hayat: There were reports that your plane was in American airspace during the September 11 attacks. What were your impressions and what did you do?

HM King Abdullah II: True, the terrorist act took place while we were on the plane heading to the US. We were over the Atlantic Ocean. And when we landed we could see the horror and extent of the crime. Our position was to condemn this terrorist act and to warn against its consequences and implications.

Al Hayat: To what extent did the attacks change the priorities of Bush and his view of the Arabs and the region?

HM King Abdullah II: I cannot speak on behalf of the United States, but from my point of view, these attacks had a huge impact on US priorities in the region and the world. As you know, the American society’s view of the Arabs and Muslims changed. Our main concern at the time was to explain that the terrorists, who carried this and other terror attacks that struck other Arab and Islamic states including Jordan, do not represent Arabs and Muslims nor our religion and its values and teachings. Therefore, it is not right to view more than a billion Muslims through the crimes of a few who are misguided and hateful and do not represent them. We also said that the war on terrorism should not be restricted to the pursuit of terrorists but should also address the causes of tension and end the injustice.

Al Hayat: How would you evaluate your experience with George W. Bush and his administration?

HM King Abdullah II: Our relationship with the United States is institutional. We had our differences, especially over the priority of the Palestinian cause and Iraq. We use our ties with the US to serve Jordan’s interests and those of the Palestinians and to achieve peace. We were in touch with the US administration during the Bush era, and we always expressed our views and positions very clearly. Like I said, we agreed on some issues and differed on others.

Al Hayat: You were encouraged by the election of Barack Obama. How do you see his experience so far?

HM King Abdullah II: We welcomed President Obama’s election and were encouraged and hopeful it would reflect positively on the region and US policies towards the region. I had met President Obama during his campaign and when he visited Amman. He was clearly committed to achieving regional peace and to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. There were also very positive signals from the first day he took office, I think, about the type of relationship he wanted with the Arab and Islamic world and about his commitment to regional peace. In fact, Obama’s election gave hope of a new phase in US relations with the Arab and Muslim worlds and even with the rest of the world. We appreciate his keenness to build these ties on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests and look forward to continuing to work with him to achieve comprehensive peace and establish an independent Palestinian state. This should also be translated into tangible results, otherwise all hope will disappear.

Al Hayat: You were the first Arab leader to be received in Washington under the Obama administration. How was the meeting?

HM King Abdullah II: As you know, I was at the time representing the Arab position - our commitment to achieving comprehensive peace on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative. The meeting was extremely positive, frank and straightforward. We talked extensively about the need to move quickly and effectively to achieve peace and establish an independent Palestinian state, and the need for that to take place within a regional context that leads to comprehensive peace. I was encouraged by what I heard from President Obama. The challenge now is to emerge from this deadlock in peace efforts and to move seriously and quickly towards the solution.

Al Hayat: Can we rightly say that Palestinian disintegration is a result of the departure of President Yasser Arafat, in addition to other causes, of course?

HM King Abdullah II: Arafat led the Palestinian people for many years, and there is no doubt that his absence left a huge vacuum. Regardless of the reasons for Palestinian division, the Palestinian people and their cause suffer the most from it. Therefore, they should achieve reconciliation.

Al Hayat: Did Jordan make an effort to break the siege on Yasser Arafat and with whom?

HM King Abdullah II: Yes, we made intensive political and diplomatic efforts to lift the siege on President Arafat, and we clearly opposed his siege. We did everything we could to help him during that time. We placed everything at the disposal of his doctors and tried our best to meet his needs.

Al Hayat: Your relationship with Hamas has witnessed tense times, then breakthroughs and a return to open channels of communication. Were you shocked by the power of Hamas and its regional choices?

HM King Abdullah II: The issue for us is not “which side is stronger than the other” but how to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and the deprivation, siege and injustice they’re subjected to. It is also about how to help them regain their legitimate rights to statehood, independence and peace. There is no doubt that the Palestinians need to be united and to overcome their differences to achieve those rights.

Al Hayat: What is the threat to peace efforts from a continuation of the state of Palestinian division?

HM King Abdullah II: Like I said, the Palestinian people suffer most from this state of division, and therefore efforts must continue to achieve reconciliation. We appreciate and support Egypt’s efforts to achieve that objective.

Al Hayat: Do you fear a collapse of the Palestinian Authority or that Hamas will become the sole Palestinian negotiator?

HM King Abdullah II: I fear for the Palestinian people and their rights and interests and the security and stability of the region. The issue is not that of a power struggle but an issue of restoring rights. I have no doubt that the Palestinian Authority is under tremendous pressure, mostly from the occupation and lack of peace. The international community must support the Palestinian National Authority so it can serve the Palestinian people and meet their aspirations for peace. This can be done primarily through pressuring Israel into ending the occupation, siege and suffering, and establishing the Palestinian state.

There are currents in Israel that use events in Gaza as a pretext not to withdraw from the West Bank. The truth is that the withdrawal from Gaza was a unilateral decision and undertaken without any coordination. I remember being very angry when it happened, because it seemed as if it was meant to create a problem. Then Gaza was isolated, and so of course things were going to escalate. What happened in Gaza will happen in the West Bank if Israel takes the same approach and creates a virtual prison. But if you move to peace and prosperity, you are not going to have that problem. The Palestinians want what all human being want: to live in freedom, dignity and security in their independent state. They want schools and hospitals and job opportunities and better future for their children. What the world should fear and what Israel should fear is for the status quo to continue, because that would mean catastrophe and not peace.

Al Hayat: Were you surprised by the failure of the Camp David summit between Clinton, Arafat and Barak?

HM King Abdullah II: There is no doubt that the negotiating conditions were difficult, as you know, and it is true that there was hope that talks would succeed, but there were many challenges and obstacles. Let me add here that there was disappointment; this happens every time we cannot move towards resolving the conflict through the only solution that we believe will last - a two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent viable Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil.

Al Hayat: Ariel Sharon’s visit to Al Aqsa Mosque contributed to sparking the second Palestinian Intifada that witnessed a high number of suicide attacks. How did you live with those events and their implications?

HM King Abdullah II: Sharon’s provocation triggered the explosive situation and raised tensions in the region. It also jeopardised efforts to achieve peace. Unfortunately, we are now witnessing unilateral Israeli measures in Jerusalem that seek to change the identity of the city and threaten its holy sites, whether through excavation work, home demolitions or policies that aim to empty the city of its Arab Christian and Muslim residents. These measures undermine chances of peace and are opposed entirely. Let me reiterate what I said in an interview a few weeks back with an Israeli newspaper: These measures will not only destabilise the relationship with Jordan, but will also create a tinderbox that will have a major flashpoint throughout the Islamic world.

Jerusalem is a red line, and the Israelis should realise the significance of Jerusalem to Arabs, Muslims and Christians and should not play with fire.

We in Jordan will continue to do everything we can to protect Jerusalem. We constantly raise this issue in all our political meetings in major world capitals and international organisations. We warn of the dangers of Israeli measures in Jerusalem and demand that the international community pressure Israel to halt them. We also do practical, on-the-ground work to empower Jerusalemites and help them stay in their city and protect the Christian and Muslim sites that Jordan is responsible for.

Al Hayat: Ariel Sharon took over as prime minister in February 2001, then peace talks were halted. Was it difficult to deal with Sharon on the peace issue?

HM King Abdullah II: Of course the suspension of the peace process and negotiations had many negative consequences. We tried our best to relaunch the peace process. It was a difficult time.

Regardless of who assumes responsibility in Israel, our position is clear: In order to achieve peace there must be an end to the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state. This position is well known to the Israelis, and every time Israel refuses to advance towards that solution, things become more complicated and difficult, and the threat to the region increases because failure to achieve peace increases the chances of the situation exploding again.

Al Hayat: Who was more difficult to deal with, Barak or Sharon or Olmert?

HM King Abdullah II: It’s not an issue of individuals but policies, and I always say that Israel has to decide if it wants to live in isolation as fortress Israel or it wants peace that ensures real security.

Al Hayat: Is Al Qaeda still a source of concern to Jordan?

HM King Abdullah II: No, not to Jordan particularly. But, like all Arabs we are concerned about takfiris, and we are part of the team that fights this deviant group. We also fight them ideologically and culturally, and the Amman Message is part of this effort. There is also coordination in security among Arab and Islamic states to confront them.

Al Hayat: Terrorism struck Jordan, particularly hotels in Amman, in November 2005. Is it true that Jordanian security contributed to the fall of Zarqawi and the capture of his assistant Karbouli in Beirut?

HM King Abdullah II: The terror attack against Jordan was a heinous crime that clearly reflected the absurdity of terrorism, the deviance of Al Qaeda and Zarqawi and what they represent. For, how can killing innocent children and women and families celebrating their children's wedding be jihad for the sake of Islam and Muslims' issues? All of Jordan stood against this crime and against the terror of Al Qaeda and Zarqawi.

Al Qaeda carried out this operation through non-Jordanian terrorists and weapons that were smuggled into Jordan after our security services, of which I'm proud, had aborted several other plots to kill Jordanians and undermine the country's stability and its people's security. Our security services carried out their duty by pursuing Zarqawi. Without getting into details, yes, our security services had a role in pursuing Zarqawi and also succeeded in bringing Karbouli, who killed a Jordanian citizen in cold blood, from abroad to stand trial for his crime. Our country's security and its citizens' safety are a red line that we won't allow anyone to cross.

Al Hayat: the past 10 years were ripe with Arab and international events and developments. How would you describe this era?

HM King Abdullah II: Absolutely, especially on the regional level. It was a tremendously difficult period, with major transformations and momentous events in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and other countries. But it also required deep and serious thinking about how to deal with these events in a way that preserves Arab interests and achieves security, stability and the development that the Arab people and their countries deserve. We have worked and continue to work to address the consequences of these events. The challenge lies in maintaining coordination and consultation among us as Arabs, not just to overcome the repercussions of these difficult transformations, but to draw lessons from the past and to be better prepared to protect our interests in the future.

On the domestic front, Jordan has witnessed many drastic transformations in terms of development, modernisation, reform, economic development, infrastructure development, improvements in the education and health sectors, citizens' empowerment in terms of the skills and abilities necessary for the future in addition to preserving the security and stability of the country and building on what has been achieved.

Al Hayat: When did you find out that the Bush administration was seeking the fall of the Iraqi regime, and what did you do, especially since the war was going to be near your borders? And did you make any contact with Iraq?

HM King Abdullah II: We were extremely concerned about tensions and were watching events closely. We were afraid that the existing tensions would escalate into a military operation against Iraq. War was not an acceptable option, and we were tremendously concerned about the Iraqi people and the threat that war posed to them. We tried our best to convince all concerned parties that dialogue was the best option and to avert war and resort to UN institutions in order to resolve conflicts. We also urged the Iraqi government to avoid aggravating the situation and to protect Iraqis from the scourge of war. But, unfortunately, what's done is done.

Al Hayat: Were you disturbed by the scene of a US army tank removing the statue of Saddam Hussein and driving victoriously through the streets of Baghdad? Did you fear disturbances in Jordan?

HM King Abdullah II: It was not easy for any Arab to see foreign troops in Baghdad. Indeed, it was bitter to see the Iraqi people suffering from war and destruction. Our main concern was to help the Iraqis overcome this ordeal, and we did everything in our power to achieve that. Iraq is a major Arab state, and the Iraq people are our kin. Their security and the stability of their country and building a secure future for them is necessary for the region's stability. We hope that the Iraqis will be able to achieve security and stability and rebuild their country.

Al Hayat: There are those who believe that the Bush Administration's invasion of Iraq was a gift to Iran which has expanded its role in the region. Do you think that what has happened was a result of miscalculation or more than that?

HM King Abdullah II: There is no doubt that many mistakes have been made. Everyone knows that the results of the war shifted the balance of power in favour of Iran. But, it is in Iran's interest and that of the region that cooperation is increased. No party should try to expand its influence at the expense of others. Now, we are concerned about helping Iraq overcome its ordeal and restore its security and stability. We also oppose any interference in the internal affairs of any state, and the relationship we want with Iran is good neighbourly ties based on mutual respect.

Al Hayat: How would you describe your relationship with Saudi Arabia during the past 10 years and with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz?

HM King Abdullah II: Excellent. Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is stable and solid and constantly expanding. My relationship with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is truly brotherly and deep. We constantly coordinate and consult with each other, and we regularly have candid discussions about issues that are of mutual interest and that concern our bilateral ties and regional and international issues. We also highly appreciate the unwavering support Jordan receives from Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Al Hayat: Did you seek to reduce tensions between Washington and Damascus after the invasion of Iraq?

HM King Abdullah II: I had travelled to Syria to visit the late President Hafez Assad years before the war, and he handed me a message about Israel-Syrian peace negotiations. I believe that every country has a responsibility to reduce tensions among its neighbours and between Arab states in general. At that time, the Syrians felt that Jordan could play a role and help reduce tensions, not just with the United States but with other countries, and we took on that role.

Al Hayat: And your relationship with Bashar Assad that has, at times, been turbulent?

HM King Abdullah II: Our relationship with Syria is strong and warm and based on cooperation. My relationship with President Bashar is very strong, and we're both keen to develop it. The warmth of people-to-people relationship has exceeded that in the political realm, and visits between citizens take place in huge numbers. There have been some political differences; we've agreed and we've differed in politics; friends and brothers can differ. But the ties at all levels - public and official - have remained strong, and there's constant cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, education, training, banks and financial systems and others.

Al Hayat: There was a family iftar in Damascus between you and President Assad. Does that mean warm ties?

HM King Abdullah II: Yes, we sat as friends. My wife was with me, as were my children Salma and Hashem. And his wife and children were there too. We had iftar, and stayed longer than was scheduled before we returned to Amman late in the evening.

Al Hayat: Do you feel that Syria is heading towards more moderation with its developed ties with Turkey?

HM King Abdullah II: I think President Bashar knows what's required for the future of his people, and as you just said, there are developments in its ties with Turkey. Ties with Saudi Arabia have regained strength, and our ties are always strong. There is obviously a new page of ties with America and dialogue with Europe, and it is our duty to stand by Syria. I remember during a meeting last year with Jordanian ambassadors abroad, I had just returned from a visit to Syria, and I told the ambassadors to strengthen the bridges between the countries they serve in and Syria.

Al Hayat: Is it true that Jordan contributed to the idea of the Awakenings in Iraq?

HM King Abdullah II: Our relationship with Iraq is a relationship between two states and their institutions. We are extremely keen on Iraq's security and its stability, and we communicate with the Iraqi government and leadership in order to do whatever we can to serve the interests of Iraq. Let me remind you that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis came to Jordan, where they are welcomed guests. I have personally instructed that they be given all possible facilities and assistance until they're able to return home. We want Iraq to regain its stability and prestige in order for its people to live in their own country where security, peace and equality prevail. For that reason, we have supported the political process in Iraq and have stressed the need for Iraqis to overcome their differences and build their nation in a way that includes all segments of Iraqi society.

Al Hayat: In February 2005 Lebanon witnessed the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. What can you tell us about your relationship with him?

HM King Abdullah II: Prime Minister Hariri was a dear friend and a great leader. With his departure, Lebanon and the region lost an enlightened political leader determined to secure peace, development and security for Lebanon. This was obvious during our conversations. His assassination was a huge crime, and we were extremely pained by his passing. We hope that Lebanon will achieve what the prime minister strived for in terms of building an independent state that is able to secure the best future for its people.

Al Hayat: How would you describe your relationship with President Michel Suleiman? And do you have a relationship with the Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri?

HM King Abdullah II: We are friends. President Suleiman visited me when he was army chief, and we developed a good relationship, possibly because of our military backgrounds. We also met more than once after he became president on the sidelines of conferences, and he also made a very successful visit to Jordan. I have great appreciation and respect for him. The Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is an old friend, and his father was a like a brother to me. We have a family relationship, and always stay in touch.

Al Hayat: Is it correct to say that the Israeli aggression on Lebanon in July 2006 and the aggression on Gaza two years later are the heart of an Israeli-Iranian confrontation about realigning positions in the region?

HM King Abdullah II: There is no doubt that regional issues are interrelated and connected, but I strongly believe that the Palestinian issue is the core conflict in the region and the cause of tension. Its settlement will be key to the resolution of all other regional issues. Regardless of any analyses, we totally condemned and opposed Israel's aggression on Lebanon and Gaza, which increased tensions and human suffering. The victims were innocent and helpless children and women and civilians. I have always said is that Israel will not achieve security through war, occupation, military force or barriers and walls, because there can be no real security without comprehensive and lasting peace. Israel will not have peace unless the Palestinians achieve their security and their right to live in freedom and dignity in their own state, free of occupation, check points, siege and suffering.

Al Hayat: Are you concerned about the possibility of a new Middle East where the Iranian, Turkish and Israeli roles advance at the expense of the Arab side?

HM King Abdullah II: We don't want hostilities with Iran or others. We want the Middle East to enjoy the security and stability it has been deprived of for many decades. What we want are good neighbourly ties and proper friendship based on mutual respect. We as Arabs have a serious responsibility to protect our interests and coordinate our positions in order to preserve our role, status and rights in the region and the world. This will prevent any party from having the opportunity to expand its influence at the expense of Arab interests. In the end, I don't think the region will enjoy real stability and security unless Israel ends its occupation and comprehensive peace is achieved or if one party tries to dominate another or transgresses the rights of others. Therefore, there must be a balance in regional relationships within the framework of mutual respect and cooperation.

Al Hayat: Are you concerned about an Iranian-American deal that gives Tehran a primary role in the region?

HM King Abdullah II: Once again, and as I said before, the more Arab states coordinate and cooperate, the more we're able to protect our interests. It is in no one's interest to have tense regional ties or to allow rights to be overridden by others.

Al Hayat: Will we wake up one day to find that Israel has attacked Iranian military installations and shuffled the cards in the region?

HM King Abdullah II: This should not happen because the consequences will be catastrophic for the entire region. War is neither a solution nor an alternative to dialogue as a way to resolve differences. I always say that there should not be a military strike on Iran because any military operation will have a devastating effect on the region. I told the Bush Administration and Obama that resolving the Palestinian issue is key to reducing all regional tensions. I tried to explain to the West that if Israel opens a war front with Iran, we will all pay the price. It is the West's duty to pressure Israel so it does not lead us into such a trap. We do not need surprises like those in Iraq.

Al Hayat: At the beginning of your reign, you went into the street wearing a disguise in order to find out what people felt and wanted. Can a leader stay close to the pulse of his people despite security measures and busy schedules?

HM King Abdullah II: Yes, a leader who is concerned about his people can remain close to them and aware of the pulse of the people as you call it. My happiest moments are the ones I spend with citizens, listening to them discuss their troubles and ambitions. I am always in touch with large numbers of citizens, receiving and visiting them in their towns, villages, the badia and the refugee camps. You may recall that I spent more than twenty years of my life in the military, where I was in direct contact with my comrades in arms. We used to speak frankly, comfortably and amicably about all issues. We were brothers in arms, and there were no barriers between us.

As for the disguise, let me explain: first Jordan is a state of institutions and I receive information through our institutions, but the objective of the incognito visits is to get a first hand look and motivate people to work and to prompt officials to better serve the people. Actually, the visits that were not discovered exceed the number of the ones that were exposed.

Al Hayat: Do you sometimes have the feeling that Jordan is still threatened as an entity?

HM King Abdullah II: No. Jordan is a secure and stable country. Our institutions are capable and well developed. They're almost 100 years old and have accumulated enough institutionalism, confidence and ability to enable us to overcome any dilemma. What is more important is that Jordanians are devoted to their country and able to protect it and ensure its continued progress.

The fear is not for Jordan. The concern is about the region's future in general if the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues and tensions continue and the Palestinian people do not gain their rights to liberty and independent state, and if a comprehensive peace isn't realised. Because the continuation of the conflict will mean conditions can explode at any time. And this threatens the security and stability of the entire region of which Jordan is part.

Al Hayat: Do you fear a reawakening of the alternative homeland?

HM King Abdullah II: No, the alternative homeland is not part of our dictionary. We do not fear this idea, which unfortunately is raised by sceptics inside Jordan more than others. This issue is non-negotiable. Jordan is able to protect itself and its interests, and we have no fear of the so-called Jordan option or any talk about the alternative homeland. The sole option is the two-state solution which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on national Palestinian soil. In addition to that, and in order to respond to other questionable ideas raised by certain circles from time to time, Jordan won't have any role in the West Bank. We believe that establishing a Palestinian state is not only a Palestinian right but a Jordanian strategic interest and a condition for regional stability. The only role we have had and will continue to have is to help the Palestinians achieve their rights and build their state and institutions.

Al Hayat: What is the most important battle for Your Majesty: stability, reform or improving the economic situation, and did you find that obstacles were greater than you expected?

HM King Abdullah II: Reform and improving the economic situation are linked to stability. Therefore, it is not an issue of prioritising one over the other; stability is a priority, reform is a priority and improving economic conditions is a priority. We are working on establishing mechanisms that allow us to develop our country and improve Jordanians' standard of living and provide our citizens with best opportunities for achievement and creativity. I said several years ago that there's no economic reform without political reform. We are committed to reform in all its aspects out of our conviction of its necessity and the need for development and modernization that stimulate the energies of Jordanians.

We constantly evaluate performance, and take the necessary steps and measures to address errors. Sure there have been obstacles but our determination and will were stronger. We have achieved much. If you look at economic and non-economic indicators, economic growth rate has exceeded 6% during the last ten years. Exports rose 100%. We have achieved 95% of the privatisation program and external investments reached $2b a year. We have signed free trade agreements with the United States, Canada and the European Union; this has opened new horizons for Jordanian exports. In addition, there are more than 23 universities in Jordan and illiteracy rate is less than 8%. The educational development programme has achieved excellent results and has been adopted as a model by several Arab states. You know Jordan well and you know its infrastructure and human resources, as well as the security and stability it enjoys.

We are working now on several mega projects, like the water conveyance project between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, the Disi water conveyance project, water desalination projects, the peaceful nuclear programme and a railway, in addition to other projects that will cost more than $15b over the next years. These projects will revive the economy and will meet Jordan's essential needs in the energy field and other areas.

At the same time, we have updated economic, political and social laws and legislation, and are working on amending other laws to ensure that Jordan is able to cope with world developments and change at all levels.

Naturally, we are still working on overcoming obstacles, and they do exist. Most are related to slowness in execution, or resistance to change or limited resources. In some cases, they are related to regional conditions. But we are determined to move forward; there is a lot of work to do in the future. We operate according to a clear vision, based on specific programmes to reach our main goal which is to achieve the best for our country and people. I am confident of my people's abilities and their strong will power.

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