A judge has postponed sentencing in the terrorism trial of al Qaeda-linked cleric Abu Qatada a.k.a. Omar Mahmoud Othman until Sept. 24. Qatada has continued to denounce the Islamic State, saying its caliphate is a “bubble that will soon burst.” A government spokesman recently claimed that Jordan’s borders are secured from terrorists and smuggling, and […]
The Parliament has amended the Constitution to allow the monarchy to appoint the top military and intelligence officials. Jordan has agreed to shelter about 1,000 Iraqi Christian refugees for one year until they are resettled to Western countries; their transport and sustenance is being paid for by a Catholic NGO.
Militant Salafist leader Mohammad Shalabi, who has urged Islamists to fight in Syria and indicated his support for the Islamic State as well as other groups, said his followers will not take action in Jordan unless “we felt … that injustice is going to befall us or that the circle of injustice is expanding.” A […]
Islamic State’s appeal presents Jordan with new test
Islamic State: Arab leaders reluctant to heed US call for ‘allies against Isis’
Jordanian authorities arrested over 40 people suspected of membership in the Islamic State or the Al Nusrah Front, as “precautionary measures” to deter others from joining the terrorist groups. A lawyer for Jordan’s Salafist movement said that over the past week 46 members of the movement had been arrested for pledging alliegiance to the Islamic […]
US Mobilizes Allies to Widen Assault on ISIS
The Jordanian Armed Forces denied reports that Syrian jets had violated Jordanian airspace. A JAF source warned against the publication of “false news” that can result in harm to the national security.
Lebanon – Arsali and refugee relations tense
Disrupt ISIS’s Cash Flow in Iraq
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 […]
Jordan denied Iraqi press reports that its territory is being used by US forces to target the Islamic State in Iraq. Over 15,000 Muslim Brotherhood supporters demonstrated in Amman against the Israeli campaign in Gaza; many of the protesters shouted “Death to Israel,” and some wore the uniform of Hamas’ military wing, the Al Qassam […]
Hamzah Mansour, head of the Islamic Action Front, and Zaki Bani Rsheid, the deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, praised Palestinian gains in Gaza. Islamists marched in support of Hamas at the Islamic University in Amman. A rights group criticized Jordan for reportedly denying entry to Palestinians escaping from Syria. On Aug. 2, Mohammed Shalabi […]
Imprisoned radical cleric Abu Qatada issued a 21-page statement calling the Islamic State’s “caliphate” void and accusing IS emir Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi of heresy. Protests organized by the Muslim Brotherhood were held in Amman and Irbid, denouncing Israel’s Gaza offensive.
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing the delivery of humanitarian aid through four Syrian border crossings all controlled by rebel groups.
Maher Rahhal, the head of the Syrian rebel group Liwa al-Mujahideen Brigade, was shot dead in Amman by two Syrian suspects in an alleged “family feud.” Authorities discussed how to calm tensions between police and residents in Maan, said to be a hotbed of Islamist activity. A government spokesman reiterated Jordan’s intention not to host […]
Jordan is reluctant to host an expanded US program to train and equip Syrian rebels. On July 9, Jordanian soldiers fired at and wounded three Islamic State gunmen who were trying to cross into Jordan from Syria for medical treatment; jihadist sources say about 2,200 Jordanians are fighting in the ranks of Islamist rebels in […]
Jihadis Tug at Edges of a Staunch American Ally
Western help, boosted cooperation behind security successes
Jordan Salafi leader warns of chaos
Obama’s Blueprint for Fighting Terrorism Collides With Reality in Iraq
Abu Muhammad al Maqdisi fears that the Islamic State will use its recent land grab and claim of ruling over a caliphate to go after its jihadist rivals.
Could Jordan be at risk from ISIS violence?
The Syria disconnect in US Iraq policy
Over the past week, two rallies in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham were held in Maan, the first such public demonstrations for the group in Jordan. Salafi jihadist leader Mohammad Shalabi a.k.a. Abu Sayyaf reportedly convinced the ISIS demonstrators to tone down their activities. Al Qaeda and other jihadist groups […]
Abu Qatada acquitted of conspiracy in Jordan
Obama Administration Deepens US Role in Syria and Iraq
Iraq asked Jordan to support the Maliki government’s fight against Sunni insurgents; Jordan expressed concern but said it does not interfere in Iraq’s affairs. Al Qaeda-linked cleric Abu Qatada was acquitted of a charge of conspiracy to commit terrorism; he faces another trial in September for allegedly planning terrorist acts in Jordan in 2000. The […]
Jordan shaken by threats from ISIS, Iraq, Syria
Jordan on alert after ISIS seizes border crossing