Everyone is Gushing Over This Silver-Tongued Middle Eastern Strongman — and It Needs to Stop
The world rightly reacted with horror last week to the immolation of Jordanian pilot Mouath al-Kasaesbeh at the hands of ISIS. The execution has, at least for the time being, united Jordanians against the Islamic State, and with their hereditary monarch, King Abdullah II.
That the Jordanian king would wrap himself in his country’s flag during a time of national tragedy should come as no surprise; that so many American pundits would lap up the kingdom’s rhetoric is, on the other hand, a little puzzling.
Several websites have published fawning listicles and photo galleries in recent days depicting the charming and media-savvy dynast in combat gear. These media outlets have lauded his tough talk and pledges of revenge against ISIS. He’s “kind of a badass,” according to BuzzFeed; a “warrior king,” says Business Insider.
Source: theweek.com