The Situation in Jordan

The Security Situation in JordanHassan A. Barari (expert on Jordan security)

Unsurprisingly, terrorists have been planning to hit more than onecountry in the region and Europe especially after the publicity theygained in the wake of September 11. Like all countries in the MiddleEast and some European countries, Jordan is one of the targetedcountries. After what happened in London on July 7, all places aretargeted. Yet, by all yardsticks, the security situation in Jordan isfar better than the rest of the Middle Eastern countries and far better than the situation in the United States. Over the last twodecades only two foreigners were killed including Folly from USAID.

Seen from this perspective, the rocket attack in Aqaba in itself isinsignificant and has no repercussions on the security situation inJordan. Life is going as normal and Amman is full of foreign tourists.I have been to big malls and talked to some individuals and people are notpanicking and many said that these things are always expected everywhere.

The attack in Aqaba was carried out by Iraqis and against an Americanwarship and Israel. Had they sought to harm Jordan, they would havetargeted Jordanian civilians. Furthermore, the terrorists' ability tohit Jordan is far less than their ability to hit any other country inthe region or Europe. It is well known, that the Jordanianintelligence department is closely following terrorists activitiesall over the region. These fundamentalist groups are penetrated by theJordanian security apparatus and they have not managed to hit Jordan overthe last two decades.

Terrorists' main activities are directed against American and Britishtargets in Iraq. Jordan is watching closely these activities and ithas managed with great success to man its borders and prevented allterrorists from coming to Jordan. The security apparatus in Jordan andparticularly the intelligence department is probably the mostefficient and successful security apparatus in the region. It hasmanaged to foil several attempts in the past and frequently warns othercountries from possible attacks.

Additionally, Jordan is not a tempting place for terrorists as they regularlyseek places that give them prominence and visibility. Egypt is seen asa strong country that can check the Americans but does not do it. Forterrorists, this country should be 'punished' and that is why they focuson Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, there is a unifying front in Jordanwho all believe: the security situation is an asset tothe country that should be safeguarded.

For this reason terroists focus on the United States, Britain and Israel.In the Middle East, the focus is on Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. If Iwere an American, knowing the situation as I do now, I would cometo study in Jordan with less risk than studying in New York. Putdifferently, the possibility of a student being hurt is very low. Iwould strongly suggest that this program carry on as planned.