Mustafa Al-Qaisi

Mustafa Queisi (; 10 October 1937 – 1 December 2019) was a Jordanian intelligence officer and government official who served as the Director of the General Intelligence Directorate (GID) from 1989 to 1996. During his tenure, he managed security operations at a time of regional and domestic political changes, including the Gulf War and Jordan's political reforms. He began his career in law enforcement before moving into intelligence work. He initially served in the Public Security Directorate (PSD) before joining the GID, where he held various positions until reaching the role of director. His time in office coincided with major regional events, such as the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and economic changes in Jordan.

After leaving the GID, Queisi took on roles in Jordan's government, including serving as Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs in the early 2000s. His experience in intelligence shaped his involvement in national security and policy discussions. He remained active in political affairs as a member of the Senate. After his death, several newspapers described him as a legend of security and national work.

Personal life and education

Queisi's full name is Mustafa Abdul Karim Abdel Qader Queisi, (). He was Born in 1937 in the town of Dhiban in Madaba, Jordan. However, he grew up in the Citadel in Amman. Mustafa Queisi began his education at Al-Hussein College in Amman. After graduating, he studied at the Royal Police College.

Not much is known about his personal life. He was married, but the identity of his wife was not publicly disclosed. His son is Makram Mustafa Queisi. He became a diplomat and politician who has held various high-ranking positions, including serving as Jordan's Minister of Youth and ambassador to multiple countries such as France, Austria, and Portugal. He also has represented Jordan in international organizations.

Career in security services

Queisi's journey commenced in the Public Security Directorate, where he served as a police officer. He demonstrated aptitude and dedication. Therefore, he transitioned to the General Intelligence Directorate (GID), Jordan's primary intelligence agency. Within the GID, he advanced through various leadership roles. Ultimately, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant General.

General intelligence

Queisi emerged early in his career as an officer in the General Intelligence Department and played a role in several key security and political events in Jordan. His name became associated with various critical moments in Jordanian history, particularly in the security domain, making him known among political elites and national figures.

During the early 1970s, a period marked by significant security challenges in Jordan, Queisi was active in intelligence operations, particularly during the tenure of Prime Minister Wasfi Al-Tal's third government (October 1970 – November 1971). His involvement during this period included reporting security and political developments to Al-Tal until the latter's assassination in Cairo in November 1971. At the time, Queisi held the rank of major in the Jordanian intelligence services.

Queisi continued to play a role in key security incidents, including leading crisis units that disrupted operations threatening Jordan's national security. One notable event attributed to him was the prevention of an attempted bombing of the Prime Ministry during the tenure of Prime Minister Ahmad Lozi. He was also involved in thwarting an attempt to target King Hussein’s aircraft in 1977, alongside his colleague, Marwan Qutaishat.

Director of general intelligence (1989–1996)

In 1989, Queisi was appointed Director of the GID, a position he held until 1996. It is the highest security position in Jordan. His tenure coincided with a pivotal era in Jordan's modern history characterized by significant political, social, economic, and security developments. This period included the Gulf War, which had substantial regional implications. Domestically, Jordan witnessed the reinstatement of parliamentary elections in 1989 and the subsequent political liberalization, events that required astute security oversight.

His role involved managing the security implications of shifting diplomatic relations and international negotiations. He was also involved in security preparations leading up to the Madrid Peace Conference and later the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty of 1994. Although his involvement was not public, the intelligence apparatus played a supporting role in Jordan's diplomatic and national security efforts.

Observers noted that Queisi's role demonstrated an approach where security and political considerations were integrated rather than conflicting. His prominence during this period led to speculation about his potential candidacy for the position of prime minister. However, King Hussein chose to retain him in his intelligence role, emphasizing the strategic importance of continuity in national security leadership.

Counterterrorism remained a priority during this period, particularly in response to global developments such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the return of Afghan fighters, some of whom became involved in ideological and political movements that posed security threats. The Jordanian intelligence services, under Al-Queisi's leadership, were engaged in countering such threats and preventing attacks on Jordan's security and stability.

Government service

In recognition of his pivotal role and contributions during that period, King Hussein appointed him, on February 4, 1996, as his advisor and rapporteur for the State Security Council, with the rank of minister. This advisory position is considered sensitive from both a security and political perspective.

In 2001, Queisi was appointed a member of the 19th Jordanian Senate, which plays a legislative and advisory role at the national level, due to its inclusion of a select group of politicians and national figures. This council is known as the "King's Council."

Between 2002 and 2003, Queisi served in the government as Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs. He and former Intelligence Director Natheer Ershaid are the only two intelligence directors to have held ministerial positions in Jordanian governments. During his tenure as Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs, Queisi oversaw important issues, most notably the banking facilities case and numerous other issues related to national security and the fight against corruption.

Death

He passed away on December 1, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service. His last public appearance was at the reception of King Abdullah II, who visited him at his home in Mahis in May 2019 to check on his health, which had been a result of his illness.

After his passing, the King honored him by attending the funeral with his son, Crown Prince Hussein, to share his condolences with his family and clan. His funeral was solemn, attended by both officials and the public, reflecting the esteem, respect, and appreciation he enjoyed. Thousands of mourners accompanied his body in a solemn military funeral procession, carried on the shoulders of soldiers from the Jordanian Armed Forces after the afternoon prayer on Monday, December 2, 2019. The body was carried from the Medical City to the Sahab Mosque, where prayers were performed, and then transported to its final resting place in the family cemetery in Sahab.

Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, King Abdullah II's Senior Advisor for Cultural and Religious Affairs and Personal Envoy, participated in the burial ceremony, where he was accompanied by his sons as they carried the coffin on his shoulders and lowered it into the grave in appreciation and gratitude for Pasha Queisi's continuous service to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

References

{{Reflist

1937 births
2019 deaths
People from Amman
Jordanian politicians
Politicians from Amman