Clear priority

Muath Kasasbeh’s fate — the pilot held hostage by the terrorist group calling itself Islamic State after his plane crashed in an area controlled by it in northern Syria — forms a big part of the conversation among many Jordanians, and for good reason: the group is ruthless and has no compunction about killing in cold blood.

Jordanians fear for the life of the pilot, for whose release the government said it was willing to give Sajida Rishawi, the Iraqi woman condemned to death for her role in the 2005 Amman hotel bombings that left death and destruction in its trail.

The government has been working relentlessly, and quietly, to secure the freedom of the pilot, as well as that of the Japanese captive, journalist Kenji Goto, and is keeping close watch over all developments.

That much Jordanians were informed of, and most trust that the government will do its utmost to see the men free and to return Kasasbeh to his family.

There are some, however, who believe official interest and involvement in the issue is new. That is not true.

The well-being of the pilot has been a priority from the very beginning of this worrisome saga, but like in most cases involving the security of the people and country, authorities prefer to keep things under wraps.

In order to maximise Kasasbeh’s chances of return, the prime minister appealed to the people to not press for information on his status; too much information may compromise the government’s search for effective ways to bring him home.

All negotiations surrounding the fate of the pilot should be viewed as very sensitive and delicate. Therefore, the less is said the better.

Authorities and people know very well that in the process of recovering Kasasbeh, those involved have to deal with a brutal organisation that shows no respect for the sanctity of life and no pity for fellow human beings.

Under the circumstances, the hands of the negotiators must remain free, unimpeded, for thus they may have a better chance of success.

Kasasbeh is one of ours; a fellow Jordanian and a son, just like any of ours. We all want to see him home safe.

So for once the rumour mill should stop, for it may do more harm than believed.