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Osama Al Sharif is a veteran journalist and political commentator based in Amman who specializes in Middle East issues. He can be reached at alsharif.osama@gmail.com. On Twitter: @plato010
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![Jordan's King Abdullah (R) walks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif befor their meeting at the Royal Palace in Amman January 14, 2014 REUTERS/Jordanian Royal Palace/Yousef Allan/Handout via Reuters (JORDAN - Tags: POLITICS ROYALS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - GM1EA1F08CI01](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2018/01/RTX17E45.jpg/RTX17E45.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=x6eDl22e)
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![Protestors chant slogans during a demonstration near the Israeli embassy in Amman, Jordan July 28, 2017. The poster reads "Close the terrorist embassy, dignity for the people". REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed - RC1D89B3BBD0](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/12-1/RTX3DAB2.jpg/RTX3DAB2.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Ea4raIHb)
![The Roman Amphitheatre is seen in the doan town during tourists visit to the Amman Citadel, an ancient Roman landmark in Amman, Jordan, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed - S1BETFTJPLAA](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/11-1/RTSFLM8.jpg/RTSFLM8.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=5Elocgt5)
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![A Jordanian woman casts her ballot at a polling station for local and municipal elections in Amman, Jordan, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed - RTS1BV1M](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/08/RTS1BV1M.jpg/RTS1BV1M.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ojL9E3Pz)
Osama Al Sharif is a veteran journalist and political commentator based in Amman who specializes in Middle East issues. He can be reached at alsharif.osama@gmail.com. On Twitter: @plato010