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‘Most disturbing’

Sep 06,2014 - Last updated at Sep 06,2014

Some 21 lawmakers submitted a hasty memo calling on the government to refrain from taking part in any regional or international effort to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The rationale of the deputies is that action against IS contemplated by the NATO-based global coalition of nations is not Jordan’s war.

Jordan has not decided yet how to deal with the threat from IS, but it is incorrect to say that the war against IS is not or could not become Jordan’s war as well some time in the future.

Given the fact that the dangers emanating from IS are already in Jordan’s backyard and are spreading like wildfire in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, it would be reckless not to prepare for the worse by joining regional efforts to combat this new threat and prevent it from crossing into Jordan as well.

From what we know already, IS’ designs have no limits and aim to spread to as many Middle Eastern countries as possible.

Jordan must be prepared to join a coalition of regional nations to preempt any military action that can affect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, even as remote as it may appear for the time being.

Jordan is not declaring war on anybody, nor does it seek a quarrel with any foreign movement. Why, then, do the 21 MPs want Jordan to drop its guards and wait when it should work to preempt any danger from the outside?

Fortunately, support for this initiative is dwindling; it is not likely to have any traction in any case.

Still, the mere thought of doing anything that might preempt IS’ dangers is most disturbing.

Presumably, any decision on a joint action that Jordan would support would be taken in close concert with Arab capitals. 

Jordan would never go alone on strategic decisions affecting the entire Middle East.

What affects Jordan’s security affects the security of neighbouring Arab countries and vice versa.

The said deputies would be well-advised not to prejudge any course of action that the government could be considering on IS and open up the subject for a parliamentary debate once that decision is taken.

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