Jordan's Threat: Iran, Hamas & al-Qaeda

Jordan Fears Power Vacuum of an Israeli West Bank Pullout, Calls Iran A Threat as al-Qaeda Assembles

By Steve Schippert

Jordanian Parliament Speaker Abdel Hadi Majali warned that Iran is a threat to Jordanian security, regardless of whether US military strikes take place or not. Citing Iranian involvement in Iraq and their support for Hamas, Majali said, “Iran is threatening Jordan’s security and it is targeting the stability of the country and not ousting its regime. Iran poses a real threat on Jordan. Jordan will be harmed whether Iran was the target of a military operation or not.”

Jordan has long accused Hamas of using Jordanian territory and citizens for terrorist activities, including the capture of weapons stashes and Hamas arrests. Iran has openly supported Hamas, especially since their election victory and dominance in the PA, seeking increased influence in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Today, Jordan is urging President Bush to reject Olmert’s planned Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank. Jordan fears that the vacuum created would inflame the region and create serious instability within the Hashemite Kingdom, largely comprised of their own Palestinian population. According to an unnamed Bush Administration official, “The bottom line from the Jordanians was: ‘We have enough of a problem with al-Qaeda and Hamas. This makes it worse?’” Read on.