Rhetorical strategies and discursive power: analyzing King Abdullah II’s posts on X during the Israeli-Gaza war

This study conducts a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of tweets, composed in Arabic, from King Abdullah II’s official X account. Employing Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework alongside the rhetorical communication tradition, the study examines written verbal communication addressing the Gaza crisis between 6 November 2023 and 16 January 2025. While previous research has predominantly examined King Abdullah II spoken linguistic structures, this research shifts the focus to his written discourse on social media. Key themes identified include Jordan’s pivotal role in the Palestinian cause, the significance of Arab solidarity and unity, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the urgency for decisive action. The analysis reveals a frequent use of rhetorical devices such as appeals to kinship, emotions and morals, coupled with religious invocations and repetitive structures, to enhance persuasiveness and solidarity. The study concludes with some recommendations for future research.