A Middle East void

Not only did King Hussein serve for a long time as head of the state of Jordan, he did so with a type of grace and wisdom that is not seen enough from national leaders. The respect that Jordanians and the world showed to King Hussein as his illness worsened was sincere. He earned that respect. The Middle East is still tense. But it has been free of war for years.

Despite setbacks and problems, the countries of the region are largely agreed to continue on a path of peaceful coexistence while searching for a rock-solid agreement. That optimistic situation exists because of a handful of dedicated and visionary men and women, who have committed their lives to peace. None did so more inventively, more consistently and more helpfully than King Hussein.

Life in the Mideast now will proceed without one of its most fervent and successful champions of statesmanship. The next king of Jordan will be the son of King Hussein, Prince Abdullah. He is a military man, but he has told Arab neighbors and Western newsmen alike that he will continue his father's policies.

When he finally takes the throne, Abdullah will have to keep peace with a sometimes fractious and outspoken Jordanian public. And he must match the moves of wily rulers in neighboring Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq. Israel is certain to test the new monarch with political demands, however grateful Tel Aviv may be to Jordan for its implicit support against radical states such as Syria and Iran. Life without King Hussein will not be the same, and many are apprehensive about that.

-- The Bangkok Post