Islamist groups criticised new draft anti-terror law, saying attempt to control religion is wrong way to prevent future terrorist attacks. New government of PM Marouf Bakhit confirmed 20 December. Court sentenced Jordanian head of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and 2 others to death in absentia for 2004 failed suicide bombing.

Iraqi suicide bombers launched 3 coordinated attacks on Western hotels in Amman 9 November, killing 60 and wounding over 115. Al Qaeda in Iraq, led by Jordanian-born militant al-Zarqawi, claimed attack retaliation for Jordanian assistance to U.S. in Iraq. Fourth would-be bomber detained by police. King Abdullah II dismissed government and top officials of royal court, including national security adviser. Former military intelligence officer and ambassador to Israel and Turkey Marouf Bakhit named PM, given strong mandate to fight Islamist militancy.

Thousands of Jordanian citizens of Palestinian origin marched in Jordan’s refugee camps, mourning death of Yasser Arafat. Jordan said it had reached agreement with Syria on redrawing section of shared border. King Abdullah stripped half-brother Hamzah of crown prince title.

Authorities charged 13 suspected militants, including wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, for involvement in foiled April plot to attack Jordanian and American targets in kingdom. Four of 13 remain at large.

Unusually outspoken report by Jordanian human rights organisation reported severe abuse in country’s prisons.

Court charged 9 militants for alleged role in thwarted April plot to attack Jordanian and American targets in kingdom.

King Abdullah said Amman would consider sending troops to Iraq if asked by interim government - first Arab country to make offer. Militants in Iraq kidnapped 2 employees of Jordanian company working for U.S.; threatened to target Jordanian interests, including road to Iraq, unless Amman ceased cooperation with U.S. forces.

King Abdullah said country ready to help train Palestinian police in Gaza following proposed Israeli pullout.

On visit to Washington, King Abdullah secured assurances from President Bush that U.S. would not prejudice outcome of final negotiations between Israel and Palestinians. In April, Bush had said Israel could not be expected to give up all settlements or accept return of Palestinian refugees, sparking outrage in Arab world and causing Abdullah to abruptly cancel earlier trip.

Authorities said major terror plot foiled. Police seized chemicals and intercepted 3 trucks packed with explosives, destined, according to 2 suspects captured in 20 April raid, for government buildings and U.S. embassy. Suspects reportedly linked with suspected terrorist leader Abu Musab Zarqawi. King Abdullah cancelled meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush after latter endorsed Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from Gaza Strip.