Skip Ahead to the commentary if you’ve read these interviews.
In an interview with CNN…
“Obviously we are going to crack down and take the fight to Zarqawi, but this is part of our coalition … against this … threat,” he said. (Watch exclusive CNN interview with the king — 10:24)
The king expressed particular scorn for the husband and wife team.
“To see a wedding procession and to take your wife or your spouse with you into that wedding and blow yourself up — these people are insane,” he said.
King Abdullah said that while Zarqawi “has been targeting Jordan for quite awhile,” Wednesday’s attack — the deadliest in Jordan’s history — showed a new strategy for the Jordanian-born terror leader.
“We have been very successful on a regular basis in being able to take his groups across because he has used Jordanians,” the king said. “Now he has changed tactics.
“He is using foreigners. That means that our security forces have to change tactics, also.”
King Abdullah said he has spoken to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad about securing the border to prevent terrorists “that have been creating instability here.”
“He has assured me on many occasions that he will take this up and give it his utmost attention, and I hope that he will continue to do that,” the king said.
When asked if Assad had followed up his words with actions, the monarch said, “Well, we still have had problems across our borders.” [full story]
In an interview with Petra News Agency…
”We want, as soon as possible, to see the establishment of the independent Palestinian state.. and we want to see a strong, united and secure Iraq.. and I want to reassure our Iraqi brothers who live amongst us.. you are among your family.. we will not let Zarqawi or any other terrorist to divide us.. Jordan will remain the safe place for you.. Terrorists don’t want us to come closer.. we say to them.. we -and Iraqis- are brothers and one family and that you will not divide us” King reiterated.
The King explained ”Our brothers in Palestine and Iraq were the most outraged for what happened and some of them martyred in this criminal action as well Jordanians.. Iraqis and Palestinians stand with us in fighting terrorism”.
”The Arab world and our friends in the world are strongly supporting us today.. Jordan is not alone in fighting terror” King Abdullah said.
”Terrorists, especially members of Al Qaeda, are fully aware of the ability of our security apparatus in thwarting their plots.. they have tried them more than once.. and if they succeeded this time in deception and shedding the blood of innocents that was because they chose the easiest targets” King said.
”Terrorists have changed their plans this time.. Zarqawi was using Jordanians in the operations that were revealed by security apparatus on the contrary of this time.. where the information of our security apparatus indicates that those who carried out this operation were non-Jordanians” King explained. [in context]
Two important things to note:
First, There is a change in tactics apparently. Had Zarqawi been able to recruit Jordanians he would have considering his connections there and the fact that it makes things a lot easier to do (internally). However going the long way around and sending in foreign terrorists across the border indicates Zarqawi is unable to recruit internally.
Perhaps no Jordanian is willing to blow up his own people?
Second, Iraqis. Some of my friends have been telling me that small fights here and there between Jordanians and Iraqis (most likely teenagers) have ignited since the nationalities were revealed. I fear these types of fights, while a natural occurance but nonetheless unacceptable, might actually increase when the identities of the bombers are revealed in the days to come. This brings me to another point…
A lot of anger comes with such an attack. One feels his beliefs, his existance and his home is under attack. Amman is a small town and the sound of an explosion can be heard as if it were down the streets. Venting one’s anger and frustration takes many many forms but it should never result in violence especially against fellow Arabs and Muslims; be they Iraqi or simply the opposition. That’s not the way we do things.
Anger comes from frustration and the incapacitated feeling of being unable to do anything. And we all want to do something. And we are all in different situations.
So I implore everyone to find a better outlet that can help them deal with this anger.
– Do you have O+ or O- blood? The Amman blood banks have appealed for donors to come forward…go to the Blood Bank in Al Bashir Hospital. Call at: 475 7459 or 477 5111.
– If you live abroad, go to the Jordanian Embassy, they might have a candle light vigil and/or a book of condolences to sign.
– Blog your frustration! Or talk it out with fellow Jordanians at the Mahjoob.com forums.
– Tell everyone what you think of Terrorism and what you think of Fear at No To Terrorism Dot Com
There are many many things one can do depending on their situation but above all…
– Remember these words: “…and I want to reassure our Iraqi brothers who live amongst us.. you are among your family.. we will not let Zarqawi or any other terrorist to divide us.. Jordan will remain the safe place for you.. Terrorists don’t want us to come closer.. we say to them.. we -and Iraqis- are brothers and one family and that you will not divide us”
– Remember this image:
I’m not worried about teenagers fighting, they will eventually get it right. I’m more worried about the big guys taking advantage of what happened to indulge in their worst habit, racism.
But you know what, I have strong faith in the King, not the government but the King himself. We are lucky to have King Abdullah taking care of everything.