King Hussein's land had slid into economic crisis with an $8 billion foreign debt.

"King Hussein is a main figure in the peace process," he said.

King Hussein said he still did not understand why his initiative was undermined.

King Hussein, in short, is stepping back but not out.

But King Hussein seems to be playing the same game.

King Hussein has gone further than anyone, offering a cooperative relationship.

"King Hussein always seemed to be carrying the message for him," the official said.

King Hussein, it turned out, knew of his son's problems.

King Hussein wanted "to have the legitimacy go back into his line," he said.

But she and King Hussein had little else in common.