#JORDAN: Attempted Coup Was Likely Just Family Squabble, Misunderstanding

[world politics news]

The coup attempt in Jordan this past weekend may well have been simply a family dispute and a series of misunderstandings between the king and his half-brother.  

Mediation between Jordan’s King Abdullah II and his outspoken half brother, Prince Hamzah, successfully de-escalated one of the most serious political crises in the kingdom in decades, the palace and a confidant of the prince said.

The apparent resolution of the unprecedented public feud capped a weekend of palace drama during which the king had placed Hamzah under house arrest for allegedly plotting with foreign supporters to destabilize Jordan, a key Western ally.

On Wednesday, the king issued a statement saying, in part, "Prince Hamzah pledged before the family to follow in the steps of the ancestors, remain loyal to their mission, and to put Jordan’s interest, Constitution, and laws above all considerations." 

He also said an investigation into other aspects of the would-be insurrection have been launched.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#THAILAND: Woman Sentenced To Jail For Insulting The Monarchy

[world politics news] 

A Thai woman convicted of insulting the royal family has been jailed for more than 43 years, a legal rights group said, the harshest punishment ever handed out under the country’s strict lese majeste laws.

The verdict comes as Thailand ramps up its use of the controversial legislation against democracy protesters, whose demands include reforms to the ultra-powerful monarchy.

The woman was charged with 23 counts, which brought a sentence of 87 years in prison. Reports say this sentence was reduced after she confessed.

[FULL STORY HERE] 

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world. 

 

#CAMBODIA: King Pardons Opposition's Kem Sokha At Request Of PM To Cool Tensions

[world politics news]

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has granted a royal pardon to a leader of the main opposition party, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen, holding out hope for compromise after a period of rising political tension. Kem Sokha, a leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was sentenced to five months in jail in September after failing to appear in court in connection with a case against two of his party colleagues.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SAUDIARABIA: King Salman Orders US$30 million In Spending, 2-month Bonus for Civil Servants, Removes 2 Govs.

[world politics news]

In moves seen as attempts to consolidate his power and reassure subjects of a smooth transition, newly elevated King Salman ordered $30 million in new spending, which included generous 2-month salary bonuses for civil servants. He also replaced two of the former king's sons as governors and reshuffled the cabinet.