Wasfi Tal

during mid 1930s. His father is often described as Jordan's most prominent poet. Tal was born in Arapgir, Turkey to prominent Jordanian poet Mustafa Wahbi Tal Sources differ with reference to the place and date of birth of Wasfi Tal. Some sources mention that he was born in 1919 in Arapqir. Other sources mention that Tal was born in 1920 Tal obtained his elementary education in Jordan. He later continued his education at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon where he studied philosophy and sciences. == Career ==

Tal was a teacher in Karak. He joined the British Army in Mandatory Palestine after being trained in a British-run military academy, and joined the irregular Arab Liberation Army to fight against Israel during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Due to his experience in the British army, he started off with the rank of captain. After the Arab Liberation Army was dissolved in 1948, his unit was reassigned to the Syrian Army for the remainder of the war under the new name Yarmuk Forces. By May 1949, he had risen to the rank of major. Following the war, he served various positions in the Jordanian government, rising to higher positions after his abilities captured King Hussein's attention. His first tenure as prime minister in 1962 was short-lived, he resigned in 1963 over widespread criticism of his perceived pro-Western views. He was appointed prime minister again in 1965, which saw an improved climate of economic activity, but resigned just before the onset of the Six Day War in 1967. He was appointed again as prime minister in 1970 during Black September, the conflict which saw Palestine Liberation Organization fighters (fedayeen) expelled from Jordan. Earning the ire of PLO leaders for his role in the conflict, he was assassinated by the Black September group outside a Cairo hotel hosting an Arab League conference. Tal was succeeded by Ahmad Lozi as prime minister immediately after the incident. Tal's policies As Prime Minister, Wasfi Tal prioritized the strengthening of Jordan’s economy and the enhancement of its military capabilities. He also worked towards improving relations with both Western and Arab nations. His foreign policy was characterized by a delicate balancing act between maintaining close ties with the United States and other Western powers while preserving Jordan’s position within the Arab world. Tal's domestic policies were centered around economic development, infrastructure projects, and maintaining internal security. He recognized the importance of addressing the grievances of both Jordanians and Palestinians within the country, although tensions between these two groups remained high. After dismantling armed groups in Jordan and safeguarding the country's prestige and stability, Wasfi Tal's popularity surged, and he was widely regarded by Jordanians as a national hero. However, his role in the handling of Palestinian issues, particularly during the 1967 war and the Black September conflict, made him a controversial figure. One of his achievements was establishing the University of Jordan. The New York Times reported that "he was hated and feared most of all by the extremists because he was a rational man who sought a practical accommodation with Israel." ==Assassination==

and Wasfi Tal On 28 November 1971, four Black September gunmen assassinated Tal in the lobby of the Sheraton Cairo Hotel in Egypt while he was attending an Arab League summit in the city. The shooting happened at 3:45 p.m. Cairo time. Gen. Muhammad Maher Hassan, the Egyptian prosecutor, said the assassins belonged to a group called "the Black Hand of September." Tal was 51 years old. As Tal lay dying, "one of the assassins knelt and lapped with his tongue the blood flowing across the marble floor." Tal was the first victim of the newly formed Black September Organization, a more militant offshoot of the Palestinian militant organization Fatah. Yasser Arafat, Fatah's leader, claimed responsibility for the killing. There were reports of celebration among Palestinians on the Israeli-occupied West Bank of Jordan in response to news of Tal's assassination. ==Personal life==

Tal was married to Sadia Jabri, who had been former wife of the Palestinian leader of the 1940s, Musa Alami. They had no children. ==Honour==

Foreign honour • Malaysia: • Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (SMN (K)) – Tun (1965){{cite web ==See also==