On February 7, 1999, King Hussein of Jordan passed away at the age of 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer, marking the end of a significant era in Jordanian history. King Hussein, who ruled for nearly half a century, was renowned for his efforts to modernize Jordan and to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape amidst regional conflict and change. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to peace and stability within Jordan and across the Arab world. Upon his death, the throne was passed to his eldest son, Abdullah II, who was educated in the West and had served in the Jordanian military. Abdullah II’s ascension to the throne was welcomed with hope, as many Jordanians pinned their expectations on his ability to continue his father's legacy while also introducing reforms to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving society. The announcement of King Hussein's death was met with an outpouring of grief across Jordan, where he was affectionately regarded as the "King of the People." Mourners gathered outside the Royal Palace and in various cities, paying their respects to a leader who had steered the nation through numerous trials, including the Palestinian conflict and the complexities of regional alliances. Internationally, King Hussein was a respected figure, playing a crucial role in peace negotiations, notably the peace treaty with Israel in 1994. His death not only left a void in Jordan but also sent ripples across the Middle East, where his influence had extended beyond his borders. As Abdullah II embarked on his reign, both the people of Jordan and the international community watched closely, anticipating how he would steer the kingdom through the uncharted waters of the 21st century.