Secure at a price

Jordan’s decision to beef up its defences along the borders with Iraq and Syria is a clear message that the country is not about to be caught off guard by any ill-intentioned force.

Wisdom guides the level of preparedness to threats from outside the country, and the one coming from the Islamic State cannot be underestimated.

Scenes of soldiers and military equipment moving towards the country’s northern and eastern borders must give comfort and a sense of security, not only to the citizens of the Kingdom, but also to Jordan’s neighbouring Arab countries.

All these moves, the deployment of forces and equipment around the country, carry a huge price tag, however.

Jordan is already experiencing hardships because of the millions of refugees from Syria and Iraq seeking safe haven here.

Footing the bill for extra precautionary measures adds immeasurably to the financial and economic responsibility the country has to shoulder.

To help alleviate the burden on Jordan, its coalition partners, including the Arab Gulf countries that stand to benefit from Jordan’s first tier of defence, should step in and provide the necessary financial aid.

Jordan should not be left to bear alone the financial, economic or political pressure ensuing from assuming an active role in combating the forces of evil in the region.

Collective security preparedness should also mean sharing the economic and financial burden of the countries playing a role in this effort.