In episode 52 of Tahrir Podcast, Aaron Magid tuned in to discuss his book, The Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan (Universal Publishers, 2025), as well as commentate on Jordanian politics.
Drawing on interviews with over 100 people—including King Abdullah’s classmates, former Jordanian ministers, and even CIA directors—Aaron offers a deeply reported portrait of one of the Middle East’s most enduring leaders. The first comprehensive biography on Jordans King Abdullah, the book traces his rise from a Massachusetts prep school and British military training to the Jordanian throne, and explores how he’s managed to stay in power for over 25 years amidst regional wars, economic pressures, and mass protests. It also examines his strategic alliance with Washington, his cooperation with the CIA, and the domestic controversies that have shaped his reign—from a $15 billion gas deal with Israel to Jordan’s quiet role in the 2003 Iraq War.
Aaron Magid is an analyst and former Amman-based journalist. His analysis on the Hashemite Kingdom has appeared in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Al-Monitor, the Atlantic Council, France 24, Al-Jazeera, and the Middle East Institute. He hosts the podcast On Jordan.
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