Jordanian Statesman Obeidat Dies at 88
CrossFireArabia- February 3, 2026
Jordan‘s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan offered profound condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat, Monday evening.
Reflecting on a life dedicated to the Hashemite leadership and the Jordanian people, the Prime Minister described Obeidat as a towering figure of the political establishment who served the nation with unwavering integrity during its most formative chapters.
Born in 1938 in Hartha, Irbid, Obeidat’s career was marked by his ascent to the highest echelons of government and security. He served as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense from 1984 to 1985, a tenure preceded by his leadership as Minister of Interior (1982–1984) and Director of the General Intelligence Directorate.
His legislative expertise was further utilized across multiple terms in the Senate, while his international standing was recognized through his role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program.
Obeidat was a foundational architect of Jordan’s modern civil and judicial frameworks. He presided over the Royal Commission for Drafting the National Charter (1990 – 1991) and held vice-presidential roles on the Royal Commissions for Human Rights and Judicial Development in 2000.
From 2003 to 2008, he chaired the Board of Trustees of the National Center for Human Rights. A recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Renaissance (Wisam al-Nahda), First Class, his legacy remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s commitment to public service and institutional reform – Petra News Agency
