An idea for Bashar's next poster

sam

Friends,

In a misguided attempt to promote readership on the blog, I promised to include a Will Ferrell reference in each of my posts.

I've failed miserably. But here is my attempt to make amends.

Does anyone else notice a likeness between "I think the camera caught him by surprise on this one" King Abdullah and a certain American actor well known for running around in his underwear? Well, if you never noticed it before, all you have to do is turn around (or just scroll down).

"I think the camera caught him by surprise on this one" Will Ferrell from Old School, care of the incomparable Joey Dolbee.

I've been bashing Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad for the lack of variety in his nationalist iconography. But I think it's safe to say that he could redeem himself with one shot like this.

If not, I can only think of one other image that could make up for all of his seriousness and Jean Claude Van Damme grimmaces. More cowbell and a giggling Jimmy Fallon figure prominently in it.

The many faces of King Abdullah, part deux

sam

In an earlier post, I compiled some pictures of King Abdullah posted in Amman. No luck finding one of frogman King Abdullah just yet but, loyal readers, rest assured that I'm hunting, like a frog for flies (that is to say: not really making a conscious effort but taking what comes my way).

Hopefully these selections from around town will suffice for now.

Hashemite majesty King Abdullah. Pictured with the Hashemite male lineage. From left, Sherif Hussein, Sherif of Mecca, King of the Hijaz until 1924, and, very briefly, self proclaimed Caliph of the Muslim world; Abdullah I, Amir of Transjordan 1921-1946, King of Transjordan 1946-1951; Talal, King of Transjordan 1951-1952; and Hussein, King of Jordan 1952-1999.

Note the hierarchical set up of the picture and how Sherif Hussein and Abdullah I sort of fade into the blue on the left. This isn't a picture of these people so much as a picture of the (imagined) arrangement of power and its relationship with collective memory, with Abdullah II undoubtedly the most prominent and yet still visibly linked to the past.

Straight Cash King Abdullah. Though most Jordanians no doubt respect the wan visage on display here, nothing will get you a frown quicker in Jordan than trying to get change for one of these babies.
Family Picture King Abdullah, looking very young on the far right. Abdullah was probably thinking something like "Lousy family pictures. I hope they know that I'm missing Star Trek for this!"
Harley Davidson King Abdullah. Apparently Cody Chestnutt isn't the only one who looks good in leather.

And now for something completely different: I give you mullet-een!
Thanks for reading, folks.

The many faces of King Abdullah

sam

I see King Abdullah. Many places, really. In the back windows of ambulances, amidst the din of boisterous falafel stands, beside family photos atop the mantle in stone-floored living rooms.

The meaning of this widespread iconography is complex. Some people display his picture out of love, others out of respect, some out of habit, still others to fit in. But what is absolutely certain from these images is that in addition to the whole head of state thing, Abdullah is a man of many interests. His website attests to this:

"He is a qualified frogman, pilot and a free-fall parachutist. His other interests include automobile racing, water sports, scuba diving and collecting ancient weapons and armaments."

Now, I have no idea what a frogman is (though I did turn up this helpful primer on defending against frogmen. You can thank me when you successfully thwart an amphibious assault on your military base or beach house) and try as I might, I could not find any pictures of Abdullah scuba diving, wielding ancient weapons and armaments, or scuba diving while wielding ancient weapons and armaments.

But here are a few of my favorites:

Family man King Abdullah with Queen Rania, Princess Salma, Princess Iman, and Prince Hussein. This portrait is from Hardee's.

Urban camo King Abdullah.


Soccer star King Abdullah.

Senior yearbook picture King Abdullah...that's a lie. (the Arabic text reads "We are all Jordan")

Actually, I think this selection is more believable as senior yearbook picture King Abdullah. With the cloud background, large tie knot, and happy-but-not-too-happy smile, sometimes I think I'm looking at the Deerfield Academy Class of 1980 yearbook, right next to Thad and Thatcher, complete with a Pink Floyd quote beside it.

University graduate King Abdullah.

Desert Patrol King Abdullah from the City Hall of Salt.

Steroid King Abdullah...not really.

Romantic comedy King Abdullah. (autographed copy)

Desert Patrol King Abdullah discussing strategy with Desert Patrol Prince Hussein.
(I think the camera caught him by surprise on this one) King Abdullah.
Star Trek King Abdullah. Apparently the King is a big Trekkie and he appeared as an extra back in the day. Ask Tar Heel Travelers' very own resident expert for more details.
And my personal favorite: environmental steward King Abdullah. Posted on an entire wall of the Ministry of Agriculture, this features Abdullah, in full military regalia, watering a sapling.
I would have preferred to see him doing this in the Star Trek outfit, but hey, I'm not the king.