Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammad al Shalabi a.k.a. Abu Sayyaf has indicated his support for the Islamic State, and said efforts are being made to resolve the differences between the IS and the Al Nusrah Front. Over the past two weeks, Jordanian authorities have arrested 20 Jordanian Salafists in Amman and Zarqa who are suspected of supporting the IS. Tribal elders and families in Maan turned over four wanted “outlaws” to authorities. When asked for a statement on Iraq, a government spokesman said “Jordan welcomes any step that will enhance the stability of Iraq.” Another government official warned that demographic changes are in store for Jordan due to the influx of 2.5 million non-Jordanians, of whom over 1.4 million are Syrian refugees.
