Fighting terrorism together

The State Security Court, mandated to deal with cases viewed as threats to the security of the state, has confirmed Tuesday that it will try eight Jordanians for “joining, promoting and recruiting” people to serve the Islamic State group.

The eight are charged with using the Internet to further their mission.

The arrest and trial of these people is yet another proof that Jordan is seriously committed to combating terrorism, radicalism and extremism on its soil.

The capture of these and other such people also sends the clear signal that the watchful eyes of the authorities will make sure that no individual bent on perpetrating unlawful acts on Jordanian soil will escape their dragnet.

The country is determined to deal with terrorism in a preventive way, rather than wait until it becomes a serious threat to security, but in order for any trial of this sort to serve its purpose, it should be open to the public, TV networks and the media at large, so that would-be terrorists can become aware of the extent the security agencies are prepared to go to frustrate their sinister plans.

Airing such trials to the public would also help raise awareness about the homegrown dangers to our security and encourage public support for the ongoing efforts to combat the Islamic State and its ilk.

The security agencies alone could benefit a lot from the cooperation of the citizens in the fight to uproot terrorism.

Jordan has always been a safe oasis of stability and security. No sane Jordanian would want it any other way.