A coalition to contain crises in Ukraine, Middle East

The conflict in east Ukraine and the growing threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant took centre stage at the just-concluded NATO summit in Wales.

These two issues dominated the two days of talks of the alliance’s 28 leaders, to which some 60 others, including His Majesty King Abdullah, took part.

The stand-off over Ukraine started the most serious crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War. As such, NATO leaders, suspicious of Russia’s intentions and attempting to reassure East European countries, approved the setting up of a rapid reaction force, while the US and EU agreed to beef up sanctions against Moscow.

“This decision sends a clear message — NATO protects all allies at all times,” outgoing chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at the alliance’s summit in Wales, describing the Ukraine crisis as a “wake-up call”.

Russia, which warned it would react if the EU imposes more sanctions, accused Brussels of supporting the “party of war” in Kiev.

A short-lived truce backed by Kremlin between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian military was already shattered, with the two sides throwing accusations and blame at each other.

The tenuous situation in Ukraine no doubt warrants all the attention world leaders can give it if Europe is to be spared another destructive war.

As for the IS threat in Iraq and Syria, the US plan to forge a broad international coalition to defeat the group was buttressed after the two days of talk in Wales, with US President Barack Obama saying that there was “unanimity” among NATO members that this extremist group “poses a significant threat”.

A threat it is, indeed, and not only to the Middle Eastern countries, but to humanity at large.

IS’ savage acts of cruelty against various ethnic and religious groups requires a global coalition to which countries should have no reservations to subscribe.

Jordan’s advanced status partnership with NATO makes it pivotal to the efforts to stem IS’ advance.

While the Kingdom does not seek conflict with any side, its central position in the region makes it a bulwark against the advances of any hostile power.

NATO is well aware of this and because of this, cooperation between Jordan and the alliance has to be strengthened and supported.