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| As Prime Minister, Wasfi Al-Tal prioritized the strengthening of Jordan’s economy and the enhancement of its military capabilities. He also worked towards improving relations with both Western and Arab nations. His foreign policy was characterized by a delicate balancing act between maintaining close ties with the United States and other Western powers while preserving Jordan’s position within the Arab world. After dismantling armed groups in Jordan and safeguarding the country's prestige and stability, Wasfi al-Tal's popularity surged, and he was widely regarded by Jordanians as a national hero.<ref name=":AlMamlaka TV" /> | As Prime Minister, Wasfi Al-Tal prioritized the strengthening of Jordan’s economy and the enhancement of its military capabilities. He also worked towards improving relations with both Western and Arab nations. His foreign policy was characterized by a delicate balancing act between maintaining close ties with the United States and other Western powers while preserving Jordan’s position within the Arab world. After dismantling armed groups in Jordan and safeguarding the country's prestige and stability, Wasfi al-Tal's popularity surged, and he was widely regarded by Jordanians as a national hero.<ref name=":AlMamlaka TV" /> | ||
| Al-Tal's domestic policies were centered around economic development, infrastructure projects, and maintaining internal security. He recognized the importance of addressing the grievances of both Jordanians and Palestinians within the country, although tensions between these two groups remained high. However, his role in the handling of Palestinian issues, particularly during the ] and the ] conflict, made him a controversial figure.<ref name=":AlMamlaka TV" /> While he was seen as a protector of Jordan’s sovereignty, many Palestinian groups and their supporters viewed him as a symbol of the monarchy's opposition to Palestinian rights. Because of what Wasfi did to the PLO, hostility arose between Wasfi and some Arab rulers and leaders.<ref name=":AlMamlaka TV" /> | |||
| == References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 21:32, 25 December 2024
| Assassination of Wasfi Al-Tal | |
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| Part of Palestinian resistance movements, Jordanian-Palestinian tensions, and Arab Cold War | |
 Wasfi al-Tal, right, Few moments before his Assassination in Cairo, Egypt, on November 28, 1971. | |
| Location | Sheraton Hotel, Cairo, Egypt |
| Date | November 28, 1971; 53 years ago (1971-11-28) Approx. 5:30 pm (local time) (UTC+2) |
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| Perpetrators | Palestinian Black September organization
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| Motive | Revenge for the Black September conflict, during which the Jordanian military, under his leadership, violently suppressed Palestinian militant groups |
On November 28, 1971, Wasfi Al-Tal, the 15th Prime Minister of Jordan, was assassinated by a Palestinian gunman while he was on his way to an important meeting at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. Al-Tal, a prominent military and political figure, was shot at close range by a member of the Palestinian Black September organization, a group seeking revenge for his role in suppressing Palestinian militants during the 1970 Black September conflict. His death sent shockwaves through Jordan and the broader Middle East, marking the end of a distinguished career that had been central to the stability of Jordan during a tumultuous period.
The assassination of Wasfi Al-Tal is one of the most significant and tragic events in the modern history of the Middle East. Wasfi Al-Tal was a prominent Jordanian military officer and statesman who held crucial positions within the government and military. He was a symbol of Jordanian strength and leadership, particularly during turbulent times marked by political instability and conflicts involving neighboring countries. While Wasfi was a figure of stability for many Jordanians, he was also seen as a key player in the monarchy's policies toward Palestinians, which many saw as oppressive. This, combined with his perceived association with the ruling establishment, made him a target for those opposed to Jordanian policies.
The assassination of Wasfi was part of a larger cycle of violence and political maneuvering within the region. It reflected the deepening rift between the Jordanian monarchy and Palestinian factions. Al-Tal’s killing was a direct response to his role in the Jordanian government’s military crackdown on Palestinian groups, which had been seen as a betrayal by some members of the Palestinian resistance. While his death further complicated Jordan's internal political landscape, it also underscored the volatile relationship between Jordan and Palestinian factions that would continue to shape the country’s politics for years to come.
Background
After the assassination of Hazza' Majali in 1960, an audio recording of Wasfi al-Tal emerged, in which he predicted his own death. He said:
The battle is against nonsense and forgery, and the battle cannot afford mistakes. There must be casualties in the battle. As for Jordan specifically, one of its victims was Hazza' Majali, and I might be a victim, and someone else might become a victim; this is a battle. If we are right, it is our duty to make this sacrifice. The conspiracy that killed Hazza' Majali did not weaken us, and the one that will kill me will not weaken us. The list will continue; if a master dies, another master will rise. There is inevitability for goodness, truth, and integrity.
Prime ministership
Wasfi Al-Tal’s political career took a decisive turn in the late 1960s. His role as a political leader gave him significant influence over national security and defense policy. In 1967, Jordan became embroiled in the Six-Day War, a conflict between Israel and several Arab states, including Jordan. During the war, Jordan was heavily defeated by Israel Defense Forces, and Jerusalem was captured by Israel. This loss significantly affected Jordan's political landscape, leading to tensions between the Jordanian government and Palestinian factions, as well as domestic discontent.
After the 1967 war, King Hussein sought to reorganize Jordan's political leadership. In 1970, following the outbreak of civil conflict between the Jordanian government and Palestinian militant groups, Al-Tal played a crucial role in helping to stabilize the country. This period, known as "Black September", saw a violent confrontation between the Jordanian Army and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), resulting in the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan.
King Hussein and Wasfi al-Tal tried to negotiate with the PLO (the Fedayeen). But the war continued for many months and hostility towards the Jordanians continued to overthrow the Hashemite rule. Several Jordanian homes were killed and looted. Eventually, Wasfi al-Tal allied with Habis Majali, Prince Hassan bin Talal, King Hussein bin Talal and Zia-ul-Haq. Wasfi issued decisions to end the war and under the instructions of Wasfi and Habis Majali (the army commander at the time), the armed groups in Jordan were eliminated, where 3,400 people from the PLO were killed, and 600 Syrians, and 120 tanks and APCs and carriers were lost. On the Jordanian side, 537 people were killed.
Following the suppression of the Palestinian uprisings, Wasfi Al-Tal became one of King Hussein’s closest advisors. His leadership in the military and his handling of the political crisis led to his appointment as the Prime Minister of Jordan in 1970. Al-Tal’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to stabilize Jordan’s internal situation and rebuild the country's economy and military infrastructure. He was known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his efforts to modernize Jordan.
Wasfi's policies
As Prime Minister, Wasfi Al-Tal prioritized the strengthening of Jordan’s economy and the enhancement of its military capabilities. He also worked towards improving relations with both Western and Arab nations. His foreign policy was characterized by a delicate balancing act between maintaining close ties with the United States and other Western powers while preserving Jordan’s position within the Arab world. After dismantling armed groups in Jordan and safeguarding the country's prestige and stability, Wasfi al-Tal's popularity surged, and he was widely regarded by Jordanians as a national hero.
Al-Tal's domestic policies were centered around economic development, infrastructure projects, and maintaining internal security. He recognized the importance of addressing the grievances of both Jordanians and Palestinians within the country, although tensions between these two groups remained high. However, his role in the handling of Palestinian issues, particularly during the 1967 war and the Black September conflict, made him a controversial figure. While he was seen as a protector of Jordan’s sovereignty, many Palestinian groups and their supporters viewed him as a symbol of the monarchy's opposition to Palestinian rights. Because of what Wasfi did to the PLO, hostility arose between Wasfi and some Arab rulers and leaders.
References
- ZweinaTv (2015-11-28). وصفي التل يتحدث عن اغتياله واغتيال هزاع المجالي. Retrieved 2024-12-25 – via YouTube.
- ^ AlMamlaka TV - قناة المملكة (2018-11-28). وثائقي | وصفي التل. Retrieved 2024-12-25 – via YouTube.
- Massad, Joseph Andoni (2001). Colonial Effects: The Making of National Identity in Jordan. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 342. ISBN 0-231-12323-X.
- Bailey, p. 59, The Making of a War, John Bulloch, p. 67. Longman Publisher. First Edition
- Katz, Samuel M. (1995). Arab Armies of the Middle East Wars 2. New York: Osprey Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 0-85045-800-5.
- Shlaim 2008, p. 334.
- "Duty Martyrs". JAF. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
Sources
- Shlaim, Avi (2008). Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace. Vintage Books. ISBN 978-1-4000-7828-8.
External links
- Jordan Prime Minister Wasfi Al-Tall published by AP.
- Trial of Men Accused of The Assassination of Wasfi Al-Tal published by AP.
- Reaction to Assassination published by AP.
- Wasfi Al-Tal Assassins Released on Bail published by AP.
- Wasfi Al-Tal on the Day of the Incident published by AP.
- Palestinian Assassins Released on Bail published by AP.