Being King and all, the streets were being patrolled by countless armed men for, including city police, traffic police, and various branches of the military. Basically there were 200+ military and police officers, plus who knows how many Mukhabarat (General Intelligence Directorate...secret police) in Irbid to guard his red carpet. Oh and 2 army helicopters.
Local news articles; King meets Irbid dignitaries and tribal elders --
http://www.petra.gov.jo/Artical.aspx?Lng=1&Section=8&Artical=195624
So exciting to see King Abdullah II and a big fat 'check' on my 'to do list' for Jordan!
