Topic: King Abdullah

Donald Trump expressed a commitment to the U.S. "buying and owning" the Gaza Strip to prevent the return of Hamas. During a meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, Trump suggested the area is currently a "demolition site" that could be rebuilt under U.S. auspices. Legal experts and regional leaders have questioned the authority and feasibility of such a plan, which would involve the relocation of Palestinians.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced questions regarding the U.S. refusal to call for a ceasefire despite the rising death toll of children in Gaza. King Abdullah of Jordan criticized the international community, stating that Palestinian lives appear to matter less than others. Blinken reiterated that every life has equal worth but placed the ultimate responsibility for the suffering on Hamas.

King Abdullah II of Jordan tells Charlie Rose that the fight against ISIS is a "Third World War by other means" and a generational struggle. He emphasizes that Muslim countries must take ownership of the problem, calling the extremism a "Muslim problem" and "evil." Abdullah also notes the global nature of the threat, mentioning fighters traveling to Syria from the Caucasus and Western China.

An anecdote describes King Abdullah II's frequent visits to San Francisco, where his security detail reportedly brandishes automatic weapons from SUVs in Union Square. The King is noted for his fondness for Morton's Steakhouse and his education at Georgetown and in the UK. The hosts compare the Western media's shifting portrayal of Middle Eastern leaders like Bashar al-Assad to corporate treatment of fired employees.

Following the release of a video showing the execution of a Jordanian pilot, Jordan launched retaliatory airstrikes against ISIS targets in Raqqa. The hosts critique CNN's coverage of the conflict, which they claim uses unverified file footage and propaganda from both sides. They also discuss Prince Charles's visit to Jordan to express solidarity with King Abdullah and the potential for increased military aid.

King Abdullah II of Jordan met with the US Armed Services Committee in Washington on the same day the execution video went viral. Senators John McCain and Joe Manchin call for expedited military aid to Jordan, leading the hosts to theorize that Jordan is being positioned as the regional proxy to take out the Assad regime in Syria under the guise of fighting ISIS.

The hosts review Russia Today's (RT) coverage of the death of Saudi King Abdullah. RT highlighted the kingdom's poor human rights record and showed footage of Prince Charles performing a traditional sword dance with the Saudi royals. The hosts discuss the "flavor saver" facial hair of the new Saudi leadership and the hypocrisy of Western leaders mourning the monarch.

The death of King Abdullah may lead to instability within the massive Saudi royal family, as hundreds of princes vie for influence. The hosts discuss the origins of the House of Saud, noting that the family essentially "made up" their royalty after taking control of the region. They suggest that the lack of a clear "heavyweight" successor could lead to internal friction and volatile oil prices.

Curry presents a theory that ISIS may be directed to invade Jordan, which would threaten King Abdullah and force a massive military response to protect Israel. They discuss Jordan's history as a buffer state and the potential for "Hollywood-style" media coverage of such an escalation. Dvorak counters that ISIS is likely intended to remain a buffer between Iraq and Iran to protect Kurdish oil interests.

Protests erupt in Jordan over rising fuel prices and government corruption, with demonstrators calling for the fall of the regime. The hosts discuss King Abdullah II's lineage and the use of U.S.-supplied non-lethal weapons against protesters. A tangent explains the origin of the band name "Steely Dan" from a William S. Burroughs novel.

Video footage from the G20 summit shows President Barack Obama bowing to Saudi King Abdullah, sparking a debate over international protocol. Critics argue the gesture implies subservience, while others view it as a standard diplomatic greeting. The segment briefly mentions other minor scandals, including Michelle Obama hugging the Queen and a cease-and-desist order for an "Obama Burger" restaurant.