Former Jordan PM, intelligence chief Ahmad Obeidat passes away

• Ahmad Obeidat, a key Jordanian figure born in 1938, served in the kingdom’s highest security and political roles, including Director of the General Intelligence Department (1974) and Prime Minister (1984).
• Beyond his military and executive career, he was celebrated for leading the drafting of the 1990 National Charter and founding the National Reform Front, leaving a lasting impact on Jordan's political and anti-corruption frameworks.

Former Jordanian Prime Minister and ex-Director of the General Intelligence Department Ahmad Obeidat passed away on Monday night after a long illness.

Obeidat held some of the kingdom’s highest offices, including forming a government, and was regarded as a prominent national leader and intellectual figure.

Early life and education

Ahmad Obeidat was born in the town of Hartha in Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan in 1938.

After completing his secondary education in Nablus, he traveled to Iraq to study law at the University of Baghdad, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1961.

He began his professional career as a schoolteacher, then worked in the Customs Department before moving to the Public Security Directorate.

Career in state and security institutions

Obeidat joined the General Intelligence Department upon its establishment in 1964, rising through the ranks until attaining the rank of lieutenant general.

He was appointed Director of the department in 1974.

During his tenure, he undertook a comprehensive restructuring of the agency along modern lines.

In 1980, he entered government as Minister of Interior, a role in which King Hussein described him as “a good citizen, a loyal soldier, and a competent official committed to moral values and integrity.”

Prime ministership and historic circumstances

King Hussein tasked Obeidat with forming a government on January 10, 1984.

His 15-month tenure coincided with major developments, including the convening of the 17th Palestinian National Council in Amman and the signing of the Jordanian-Palestinian agreement.

He was also known for combating corruption in state institutions and for overseeing by-elections widely described as among the most transparent.

Royal committee and the National Charter

After leaving office, King Hussein appointed him in April 1990 to head the Royal Committee tasked with drafting the Jordanian National Charter, which produced one of the most significant documents regulating political life in the kingdom.

He also served multiple terms as a member of the Senate.

National Reform Front and legacy

Obeidat later founded the National Reform Front, which brought together a broad coalition calling for reform, and remained active in public life.