Prince El Hassan And Princess Sarvath

[Safaa Batin]

on behalf of HM Queen Noor, Princess Sumaiya bint al Hassan opened the annual show of the Arts and Dance Department with the title of " History of The Art of Dance", Princess Sarvath and Princess Rahma attend the show.

عروض أدائية لتاريخ فن الرقصSeptember 30, 2004الغد- نسرين منصور

أقامت دائرة الفنون والرقص مساء أول من أمس في مركز الحسين الثقافي في رأس العين العرض السنوي لهذا العام بعنوان "تاريخ فن الرقص"، حيث افتتحت الأميرة سمية بنت الحسن بالنيابة عن جلالة الملكة نور الحسين العرض الأول بحضور الأميرة ثروت والأميرة رحمة بنت الحسن وحشد من الحضور.

و"تاريخ فن الرقص" عرض يلقي الضوء على المراحل التاريخية التي مر بها فن الرقص كأحد الفنون الأدائية التي أثرت على الحركة الفنية الإنسانية في الشرق والغرب، وهو من تصميم وإخراج الفنانة رانية قمحاوي بمشاركة 110 طالبة وطالب من دائرة فنون الرقص التابعة لمركز الفنون الأدائية / مؤسسة نور الحسين.

وعلى أنغام أحد الموشحات الأندلسية التي كان مطلعها " لما بدا يتثنى بدأ العرض الراقص الأول بمجموعة من الرقصات التي اتخذت نمط الرقص في العصر الأندلسي، حيث كان هناك توافق بصري سمعي بين حركة الأجساد الراقصة وبين الإيقاع الموسيقي ضمن مشهد تعبيري أخاذ، وبدا انسجام الجمهور واضحاً مع الأجواء الأندلسية القديمة.

وإلى أجواء الحقول البولندية أخذتنا مجموعة من البراعم الصغيرة من خلال لباسهم الفلكلوري إلى أيام الرقص الفلكلوري، حيث كانت الناس تجتمع في الحقول القديمة ترقص وتغني، وأثار إبداع البراعم الصغار الذين لا تتجاوز أعمارهم الخمس سنوات من خلال حركات أقدامهم التي ارتفعت بانسجام مع أنغام الموسيقى إعجاب الحضور وتصفيق الأهالي الحار لهم.

وتخلل الحفل فقرات متنوعة اشتملت على مجموعة من أنماط الرقص في عصور مختلفة ومنها عصر الباروك، وعصر الباليه، حيث قدم المشاركون عرض باليه راقص توافقت فيه حركات دوران الأجساد مع الايقاع الموسيقي، وأثارت حركات التوازن مثل الوقوف على رؤوس الأصابع إعجاب الحضور.

وعلى أنغام موسيقى الجاز قدمت مجموعة من الفتيات عرضا راقصا تخللته حركات إيقاعية سريعة جاءت متناغمة مع إيقاع الجاز.

وقدم مجموعة من الأطفال عرض مسرحي راقص على أنغام المقطوعة الموسيقية "آني"، والعرض يجمع ما بين التقنيات المرئية والدراما والرقص.

واختتم الحفل بعرض راقص قدمته مجموعة من الفتيات مثلت أنماط الرقص الحديث.

ويذكر أن دائرة الفنون والرقص تقدم تدريباً محترفاً للأطفال والشباب، وهي معتمدة من قبل الأكاديمية الملكية البريطانية للرقص، حيث تعقد الحصص التدريبية في مجالات متعددة كالباليه، الرقص الحديث، الجاز، والفنون الشعبية في قاعات الباليه الخاصة في المركز والمجهزة وفق أحدث التقنيات العالمية.

[Sean.~]

Has this recent article on Hassan's (inappropriate, imo) comments about the mental faculties of the American President been posted on the group yet? If so, I apologize for re-posting it. Although amussing, I don't think it was wise of him to make this kind of commentary, especially since the the US is his nephew's (and his late brother's) benefactor. I have my theory as to why he made the comments now. I'm just interested in hearing what others think. Here's the article:



"Jordanian prince requests Bush brain viewing

Reuters
South Africa, October 4

A prominent member of Jordan's ruling royal family has used a trip to
France to take issue with the official US attitude to his country and
to question US President George W Bush's mental capacities.

"We need respect, intellectual tolerance, Mr President of the United
States, of a meeting of minds...and if you actually have one, I'd
like to see it," Prince Hassan bin Talal said.

The prince, an uncle to Jordan's King Abdullah II and an active
member of intercultural committees, spoke at an international
geography festival in eastern France.

He was invited to speak to the event along with a former Israeli
ambassador, Elie Barnavi.

Prince Hassan accuses the Bush administration of "wanting to treat us
like they own us".

Jordan is seen in the US as a key ally in promoting the US vision for
Israel and for Iraq.

Mr Bush is fighting for re-election on November 2 largely on the way
he carried out the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. "

[almahboubah]

How amusing. I sure admire his guts!

[Sean.~]

Originally Posted by almahboubah

How amusing. I sure admire his guts!

I'm glad you got a laugh out of it. Part of me can't help but think that he's still bitter about being sidelined by his brother, and then not getting the top-job in Iraq.

And the US does own them. If it wasn't for US support, I doubt very much t hat the family would still be in power today. The Americans are their chief benefactor in exchange for Hashemite 'support' of US foreign policy.

In any case, I wonder if he's going to be 'grounded' by his nephew. Lol.

[shelley]

Originally Posted by Sean.~

And the US does own them. If it wasn't for US support, I doubt very much t hat the family would still be in power today. The Americans are their chief benefactor in exchange for Hashemite 'support' of US foreign policy.

.

I think in this statement you probably have the essence of what the whole 'problem' with P. Hassan was. He never was in favour of huge dependence just on American aid for his country, and I believe this was a basic difference in approach between him and his brother. When P. Hassan started on the reconstruction of Jordan in the early seventies, he sought and received aid from Germany, Taiwan, Japan Korea, of course as well as the US. In fact he was the guiding force in opening and developing diplomatic relations for Jordan with all those countries. His vision of Jordan, with its always limited resources, was for it to be small, perhaps not very glamourous, low key, rather like Switzerland or Singapore, where its one abdundent natural resource, its people , was the basis of its financial stability. He is on record as objecting to his brother's increasing personal dependence on US financial support. It would be unfair to label him as 'anti'American', but he is anti being unnecessarily beholden to anyone forever, and to aspiring to a lifestyle that cannot be sustained through the country's own resources. Hence his championship of things like the potash and phosphate plants in Jordan, and building dams all over the place, and working on what he felt was mutually beneficial 'honourable peace' with Israel. He felt this sort of development was much more sustainable in a volatile middle east where things like toursim can so easily be blighted by outside forces. One also has to remember that P. Hassan was not at all 'pro' Saddam at time when the US was busy cosying up to him, and was quite upfront about that too, and rapped across the knuckles. Basically, I guess the guy has his own ideas, and they don't always fit in with some other peoples', particularly recent American administrations !

[shelley]

Originally Posted by Sean.~

In any case, I wonder if he's going to be 'grounded' by his nephew. Lol.

Why would that be so funny ? I personally find the whole situation in Jordan rather sad, and dangerous. Have you had the chance to read an article on Jordan from the Haaretz newspaper that was posted on another similar forum to this one ? Here is the link but I don't want to post the whole article for fear of being told its too poltical and I am going off topic !

w w w. h a a r e t z. c o m
Last update - 05:30 28/09/2004
A false quiet in Jordan
By Amir Oren

[Humera]

I wonder how secure the Jordanian monarchy is. I mean, what if the Americans decide not to support it anymore..perhaps sometime in the distant future.
Its been known to happen.

[Safaa Batin]

Originally Posted by shelley

I think in this statement you probably have the essence of what the whole 'problem' with P. Hassan was. He never was in favour of huge dependence just on American aid for his country, and I believe this was a basic difference in approach between him and his brother. When P. Hassan started on the reconstruction of Jordan in the early seventies, he sought and received aid from Germany, Taiwan, Japan Korea, of course as well as the US. In fact he was the guiding force in opening and developing diplomatic relations for Jordan with all those countries. His vision of Jordan, with its always limited resources, was for it to be small, perhaps not very glamourous, low key, rather like Switzerland or Singapore, where its one abdundent natural resource, its people , was the basis of its financial stability. He is on record as objecting to his brother's increasing personal dependence on US financial support. It would be unfair to label him as 'anti'American', but he is anti being unnecessarily beholden to anyone forever, and to aspiring to a lifestyle that cannot be sustained through the country's own resources. Hence his championship of things like the potash and phosphate plants in Jordan, and building dams all over the place, and working on what he felt was mutually beneficial 'honourable peace' with Israel. He felt this sort of development was much more sustainable in a volatile middle east where things like toursim can so easily be blighted by outside forces. One also has to remember that P. Hassan was not at all 'pro' Saddam at time when the US was busy cosying up to him, and was quite upfront about that too, and rapped across the knuckles. Basically, I guess the guy has his own ideas, and they don't always fit in with some other peoples', particularly recent American administrations !

thanks shelley, I was to post similar, but I was sure that you well contribute with more comprehensive knowledge.

[shelley]

Originally Posted by Safaa Batin

thanks shelley, I was to post similar, but I was sure that you well contribute with more comprehensive knowledge.

But please do give you point of view as well. I am sure everyone can contribute to a meaningful discussion. And I assume you are Jordanian, which I am not, which will make your opinions very valid .

[Sean.~]

Originally Posted by shelley

Why would that be so funny ? I personally find the whole situation in Jordan rather sad, and dangerous.

It would be funny insofar as nothing would surprise me with this family. The previous post found it kind of amussing and I was kind of joking along with him. Sorry if it offended you. :( Yes, the situation in Jordan is sad and dangerous. There we concur.

[Sean.~]

Originally Posted by shelley

I think in this statement you probably have the essence of what the whole 'problem' with P. Hassan was. He never was in favour of huge dependence just on American aid for his country, and I believe this was a basic difference in approach between him and his brother. When P. Hassan started on the reconstruction of Jordan in the early seventies, he sought and received aid from Germany, Taiwan, Japan Korea, of course as well as the US. In fact he was the guiding force in opening and developing diplomatic relations for Jordan with all those countries. His vision of Jordan, with its always limited resources, was for it to be small, perhaps not very glamourous, low key, rather like Switzerland or Singapore, where its one abdundent natural resource, its people , was the basis of its financial stability. He is on record as objecting to his brother's increasing personal dependence on US financial support. It would be unfair to label him as 'anti'American', but he is anti being unnecessarily beholden to anyone forever, and to aspiring to a lifestyle that cannot be sustained through the country's own resources. Hence his championship of things like the potash and phosphate plants in Jordan, and building dams all over the place, and working on what he felt was mutually beneficial 'honourable peace' with Israel. He felt this sort of development was much more sustainable in a volatile middle east where things like toursim can so easily be blighted by outside forces. One also has to remember that P. Hassan was not at all 'pro' Saddam at time when the US was busy cosying up to him, and was quite upfront about that too, and rapped across the knuckles. Basically, I guess the guy has his own ideas, and they don't always fit in with some other peoples', particularly recent American administrations !

Yes, these are things that people don't always remember or do overlook, myself included. In any case, thanks for well put together, thoughtful and insightful post. Although I recognize his good works, I've never been completely taken with him completely either, particularly some of his business dealings (eg. his alleged dealings with the likes of Chalabi). I also don't think he's taken being sidelined by his nephew very well. Power struggles in the family are legendary. I will elaborate more later, as it's now 330AM and I'm falling asleep! :)

[shelley]

Originally Posted by Sean.~

Although I recognize his good works, I've never been completely taken with him completely either, particularly some of his business dealings (eg. his alleged dealings with the likes of Chalabi). I also don't think he's taken being sidelined by his nephew very well. Power struggles in the family are legendary. I will elaborate more later, as it's now 330AM and I'm falling asleep!

I hope you had a good night ! Are you in Australia ? :)

Regarding Chalabi; I have read several reports on this matter. But the ones which seems to ring true to me are where P. Hassan does not deny having taken a large loan from the Petra Bank, over a period of several years, I read somewhere. But he said very clearly ( I must try and find the most recent piece - I saw it somewhere not long ago) that it was a straightforward loan taken from a bank as loans are taken, and with the knowledge of the King and certain senior palace officials, to fund official projects. Apparantly there was a shortage of money available in the Jordanian court ( I assume even worse than usual) and P. Hassan chose to solve it by taking a loan from what was then a well regarded bank in the country, and his brother chose to take handouts from the CIA. I am not entirely sure which is better or worse but I personally lean towards taking a loan rather than the other solution. The loan was paid off. I really do not think that if the man had been venal as sometimes it has been said or implied, he would enjoy the respect he still obviously is held in, both in Jordan and abroad. People can and do turn a blind eye to people's faults when they are in power, but eventually their true opinion of someone becomes apparant when the chips are down. And from all accounts, P. Hassan is in demand even more than before to mediate, discuss, give advice, and only presumably because of his integrity and intellectual prowess as he has nothing else to offer.

I am sure that P. Hassan didn't take kindly to being sidelined by his nephew, especially in the manner that it happened. I guess the man is a mere mortal ! Did you read my post some weeks/months ago in which P. Alia, sister of the king, is quoted by a Kuwaiti newspaper as saying that her uncle hads tried several times over the past to stand down from being crown prince, and every time K. Hussein had brushed off his offer. If that was indeed the case, it must then have been even more galling to then be trashed and dismissed in the very unceremonious way that the change took place.

I have found my own post...this forum is easy to navigate !

"Further to my earlier post. I have just been shown an interview given to the Kuwaiti Al Qabas newspaper, by P. Alia bint Al Hussein yesterday (?). When asked about her uncle, she says she regards him more as a brother than an uncle as they are so close in age. They ask her if she was distressed about the change in succession and she says that everyone accepted the late king's decision , no one more so than P. Hassan himself. Interestingly, she goes on to say that what was sad/strange/whatever was that she knew for a fact that P. Hassan offered to step down as crown prince when his nephew reached the age of 21, and on several subsequent occasions, suggesting that the ititle be returned to P. Abdullah, but each time he was refused by her father. She says that she continues to see her uncle as often as she can, perhaps even more than before as he has more free time now than previously. I regret I cannot read Arabic, but I think this puts an interesting slant on things, and is the first time any member of the family not directly involved in the whole issue has spoken out . " Sorry if I am being repetitious but it is relevent to our discussion.

[wittykitty]

This is a bit OT but while I was on the offical website I noticed that the 2 son-inlaws are listed as "His Excellency" did his older daughters ( gergeous women IMO) get permission from the late King to upgrade the hubbys or did Prince Hassan decided to do it on his own at the time of their marriages because the men are only commoners ?
Wittykitty

[shelley]

Originally Posted by wittykitty

This is a bit OT but while I was on the offical website I noticed that the 2 son-inlaws are listed as "His Excellency" did his older daughters ( gergeous women IMO) get permission from the late King to upgrade the hubbys or did Prince Hassan decided to do it on his own at the time of their marriages because the men are only commoners ?
Wittykitty

Re your remark that the men are only commoners ? What exactly do you mean by that ? Excellencies are not born, they are given the title as a courtesy to the position they hold. I have checked about this before now with reference to all the men married into the JRF having seen them referred to as H.E., and was amused to find that all royal sons in law in Jordan are referred to as His Excellency when attending official dinners etc. ( I suppose that is because they cannot be made princesses ) However, in the case of both of P. Hassan's sons in law, they are actually senior civil servants - Nasser Judeh held various posts in the government, amongst them was head of televison which is a ministerial rank, and eventually minister of information, and Alaa Bataynah is Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport, and therefore both hold the honorifics on their own merit. According to the Dictionary , 'Excellency' is accorded to someone who is either high in rank or high in government office, so I suppose being a royal son in law makes you high in rank. In Jordan, all former ministers, ambassadors, governors etc remain excellencies forever. So one way or another, these two are actually in the Jordanian official context, excellencies by right, not only marriage . On another note, both P. Hassan's sons in law come from what a previous member ( Alia Musallam ) referred to as the Jordanian elite. Their fathers were ministers and senators etc. so their fathers are also excellencies andnot due to who their sons are married to .

[wittykitty]

Thank you Shelley, I appreciate it when someone on the forum takes the time to answer a question!
Wittykitty

[Safaa Batin]

Originally Posted by shelley

But please do give you point of view as well. I am sure everyone can contribute to a meaningful discussion. And I assume you are Jordanian, which I am not, which will make your opinions very valid .

my opinion is the same what prince hassan said, and that is why i did not comment on the article because i assumed it was clear enough, and did not assume that there would be different opinion, I assume that all the world knows that America is trying to treat the world as if it is owning it. the problem in Jordan is that it is following the American vision of the middle east, because they think that USA is strong enough and Jordan is weak enough to face it, and may be because they think - the king and the prime minister and many others - that USA will succeed in its project which makes it wise to follow them and so that our interests is with them which is completely not correct, because America is suiciding if it go on in its policy, and it is not wise at all suicide with it.
America wants a complete submission and jordan has interests with america no one can deny that, but that does not mean to own us because I think we have a wide margin to move in independence. I know that jordan is using a part of that margin, and I was surprised of actions away from the American choice, but it is wrong not to go to the extreme.