Jordan and The War on Terrorism

Jordan 's position has been steadfast in denouncing all forms of terrorism. Jordan strongly condemned the eleventh of September terrorist attacks in New York and Washington .

Jordan, its citizens, officials and interests has been a target of terrorism due to its principled position and effort in rejecting and combating all forms of terrorism. A cell of Al Qaeda terrorist organization who was trying to carry out terrorist attacks in Jordan has been sentenced under Jordanian law. Jordan will continue to fight terrorism and its perpetrators with all possible means. Security and stability are the country's top priority and no terrorist individual or organization will be tolerated.

Jordan stresses the need to confront all ill motivated attempts aiming at connecting Islam with terrorism, and at holding Arabs and Muslims responsible for terror attacks or for any other form of international terrorism In this regard, Jordan maintains that terrorism is a global phenomenon and that its causes and motivations are religiously and culturally neutral.

Jordan views Terrorism as defying the teachings of Islam and the culture of modern society. Islam is not only a religion but also a way of life, where the principles of tolerance and dialogue prevail. The bond between religion and peace should be strengthened as a key for eradicating fundamentalism.

His Majesty the Late King Hussein once said, "Terrorism is not the ultimate sacrifice. The killing of innocent people is not Jihad. Jihad in the service of faith requires respect for human life, and respect for treaties and charters. Islam strictly forbids the killing of civilians".

Jordan takes the view that resorting to military means will not be enough to uproot international terrorism. Economic and social factors and other root causes for this abhorrent phenomenon need to be taken into consideration and to be sufficiently addressed in order to fully eradicate the terrorism.

Jordan has taken concrete steps in fighting terrorism at the national legislative level, practical security measures, and international conventions and treaties on combating terrorism.

The National Legislature

An amended penal law emphasized and increased the punishment on any act deemed to be an act of terrorism. It penalized individuals that seek to establish groups and gangs with the aim of conducting criminal and terrorist acts. It also emphasized, that those who assist these groups financially or with weaponry will receive the same sentence and punishment by law.

Furthermore, stricter border controls were introduced, and the Jordanian customs law granted custom officers new authority to investigate and handle any illicit trafficking.

Practical Security Measures

Instructions were delivered to all banks operating in the Kingdom to comply with UNSC resolutions pertaining to combating terrorism, and specifically to freeze funds of terrorist organizations and transactions. Instructions were also issued to check suspicious bank accounts and freeze them according to the request of the government and in compliance with U.N Security Council resolution no. 1373. Additional instructions were issued to combat money laundering.

New passports and national identity cards were issued in line with international standards in order to prevent fraud.

The security apparatus in Jordan is following closely all activities in the country that may relate to terrorism. It maintains a high degree of transparency and cooperation with friendly states including the Interpol. Intelligence data is constantly being exchanged with many countries to facilitate combating terrorism. There are also several bilateral security cooperation agreements in force. Strict measures have been introduced to monitor any transactions that include the purchase of materials used in the making of explosives and bombs.

Jordan takes all necessary measures to prevent the entry of terrorists and those affiliated with terrorist organizations into its territory.

** Jordan's reports submitted to the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) in pursuance to Resolution 1373 (2001):

International Conventions & Treaties on Combating Terrorism

Jordan is party to seven international treaties relevant to combating terrorism:
- The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, Including Diplomatic Agents.
- The International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages.
- The Convention on Offences and Certain other Acts Committed Onboard Aircraft.
- The Convention for the suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft.
- The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation.
- The Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports serving International Civil Aviation.
- The Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection.

Jordan also signed the International Convention of the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Jordan is studying the signing of additional International conventions regarding the fight against terrorism.

Official Statements Made in Relation to the Official Jordanian Position on Terrorism:

In remarks at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. on March 21st, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “When I talk to people in need, they tell me they want to hope; they are eager for opportunity; they are ready for better days. And I can tell you that every time their hopes are disappointed, all nations lose. Because earth's dispossessed are vulnerable targets for extremists: those who teach that global justice is meaningless; that satisfaction can come only in violence, division, and intellectual isolation.” - (see full text)

During an interview with Israel Channel 2's Ehud Yaari on March 7th, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “The reason for the Amman Message was to identify throughout the Islamic world and also to the West this is what Islam means, this is what our tenants, this is what our beliefs. All those that take the lives of innocent people that live on destruction and hatred they have nothing to do with it. Then in a fact or in a way the word extremist is wrong. You can't be a Muslim extremist or Christian extremist or Jewish extremist because if you are Jewish, Christian or Muslim you believe in the rule of God and that does not allow you to do the crimes that these extremists do. So what we're trying to say is get the moderate majority of Muslims to stand up and say this is what's right and this is what's wrong.” - (see full text)

In remarks at Matthiae-Mahlzeit Dinner banquet in Hamburg , Germany on February 25^th, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “We cannot celebrate tonight, without being aware that there are groups which have a very different vision. Extremists, who thrive on conflict; who do not tolerate diversity; who seek power through division and destruction. The global system they hope to create is one of new walls and new isolation, and radically smaller horizons. It is an anti-democratic, anti-economic-growth, and anti-progress agenda… There is only one defense, and that is to stand together. To keep the global gateways open. To enlarge the sphere of dialogue and cooperation. To bring the opportunities of the 21st Century to those who are alienated, who are vulnerable to extremist recruiting. And to use our utmost efforts to achieve peace in critical conflict zones.” - (see full text)

In remarks to the World Affairs Council of Northern California Commonwealth Club of San Francisco on December 11^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Some of you may know that last month, we issued the Amman Message, a major statement on Islam. It spells out the clear Qur'anic authority for moderation, tolerance, and peace. A Jordanian conference on the Amman Message brought in religious leaders and teachers from around the world. In Europe , Muslim leaders told me the Message was essential to counter the false teachings of extremists. These are just a few steps toward giving moderate Islam the worldwide voice and pre-eminence it deserves.” - (see full text)

During an interview with MSNBC's Chris Matthews in Washington , D.C. on December 8^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “I think there are more terrorists in the world today because the Israeli-Palestinian situation is not being resolved. The battle against terrorism is not killing terrorists it's trying to solve the root cause of terror. The root cause of terror in our part of the world is the core problem which is the Israeli/Palestinian issue.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Foreign Press Association in London on November 23^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Let me say a special word about terrorism and the tools of communication. Modern extremism depends heavily on its ability to deliver its message. But let's remember what kind of communication this is. It is not a message of reason or dialogue, but of terror and command. Terrorists do not submit to free and open questioning. They do not respect media independence or the safety of journalists. In the world they seek, there is no right to press freedom; it is not even a goal. This is why a free and responsible press serves both humanity and its future when it refuses to be used as a tool - when it refuses to incite hatred and violence - and when it reaches for the truth of our common humanity.” - (see full text)

In remarks to the News Xchange 2004 in Algarve , Portugal , on November 18^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “In the past few years, I've talked often about Islam as a religion of peace, rooted in core values of tolerance and respect for others… I've tried to express what the vast majority of today's Muslims expect themselves to be: full partners in our 21st century, on the basis of peace and shared respect… Extremists don't seek dialogue; they seek platforms and exposure. Responsible journalists deny it to them, just as they deny the hatred and violence terrorists incite.” - (see full text)

In the Op-Ed “The Road From Here” published on November 12th, 2004 in the New York Times, His Majesty King Abdullah wrote, “We can't win the war on terror if we don't act together. We Muslims were the first targets of the extremists, whose stated goal is to bring down moderate governments and stop the growth of democratic civil society. My country has played a significant role in the global alliance against terrorism…” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Brookings Institute in Washington , D.C. on September 30^th, 2004, His Excellency Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “We believe in Jordan that the silent majority cannot stay silent anymore and cannot suffice just with mere condemnation of these acts when they occur. We have to start a countermeasure of some sort to explain to the world that this is not Islam and to explain what Islam is all about. And we feel that if we don't do that soon, we might find ourselves soon outside the circle of humanity.” - (see full text)

During an interview with the French daily Le Figaro's Charles Lambroschini on September 28th, 2004 , His Majesty King Abdullah said, “It is the whole world that the Islamist extremists seek assiduously to undermine… We must all be on the alert and mutually protect each other. Jordan is on the list of their targets; this is unfortunately a characteristic of the Middle East ….” Adding that, “with respect to Westerners these days, maybe not all Muslims are terrorists but all terrorists are Muslims. This is why there is a great risk of seeing the average man in the Arab world and the average man in the West prepare for a war of cultures. In reality, the first targets for Osama bin Laden are the moderate Muslims. But in order for him to get control of Islam, he first wants to make the East stand up against the West.” (see full text)

During an interview with Corriere della Sera on September 27^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Allowing terrorists unlimited space in the press and on television increases their power… but if the international community, as a whole, decided not to permit the usage of the media as a means of propaganda… the problem might be solved partially.” He added, “The entire Islamic community must cast discredit on these terrorists, who exploit our religion for their own aims. I fear the currently circulating rumor: not every Moslem is a terrorist but every terrorist is a Moslem. This is what we need to combat. The terrorists' real target is not Christianity but rather the majority of moderate, sensible Moslems.” - (see full text)

In remarks before the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations in New York on September 27th, 2004, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “ Jordan strongly condemns violence, killing of civilians and beheadings in Iraq … We also strongly condemn all acts of terror, including those gruesome and blind acts perpetrated in Madrid and Beslan, which require our firm collective stand in combating them….”

He added that “In the same vein, combating global terrorism ought not be a tool for discrimination against the followers of any creed or a cover for assault against their religious beliefs. Finally, the “no justification for terror” policy should not translate into disregarding its underlying reasons. Rather, an effective battle against terrorism would require global cooperation in addressing its root causes and the genesis of this plague.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in Moscow on September 3^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “In the Islamic world, I can tell you that extremists will not silence the real Islam. Ours is a faith that honors tolerance and peace. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan well represents that great tradition of inclusiveness and vision. In our country, Orthodox and other Christians live as brothers - and sisters - to their Muslim neighbors. Together, we are all Jordanians, and we will not be divided.” - (see full text)

During an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw on June 14^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “If you want to deal with terrorism you have to deal with the core issue in the Middle East which is the Israeli/Palestinian one. That is the main recruiter for terrorism. That is the main sore that we all suffer with in the Middle East .” - (see full text)

During an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on May 16^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Maybe the lack of understanding in the United States that it is embedded, it is at the heart of the essence of Arabs throughout this whole region. Solve this problem. We will take the bite out of extremists and we will sharpen the recruiters of terrorism down. We will have a hope for all of us to have a life in this part of the world.” - (see full text)

In his opening remarks at the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea on May 15^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Indeed, the recent attacks on innocents in Saudi Arabia , Morocco and Spain , and the attempted attacks in Jordan and elsewhere, should unite us all against the culture of terror and destruction. In stark contrast, true Islam supports a democratic environment that respects human life, human rights and the rule of law. It upholds accountable, transparent governance. These are the values that make people shareholders in, and protectors of, society.” - (see full text)

During an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle on April 17^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah was asked for an assessment of al Qaeda's strength after three years of intense U.S. pursuit. His Majesty said, “The organization has been very badly hurt, but ... that doesn't mean it can't hurt you, as we saw in Madrid … They're still very, very effective.” - (see full text)

In an interview with Corriere della Sera on March 23^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Extremists are trying to create East-versus-West conflicts and inter-religious wars. Their objective is not the destruction of the Western world, but rather the destruction of moderate Islam and taking hold of power.” - (see full text)

During an interview with CNN Turk on March 14^th, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “I believe that Al-Qaeda, and subsidiaries of, would like to make it a clash of civilizations to weaken Islam. This is my own personal view and most Muslims should know that this is a fight that we have internally. We are at a struggle inside Islam.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the 40^th Munich Conference on Security Policy on February 8, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “When young people lose hope, they can turn to apathy or violence, and either course threatens the drive for reform, and the move towards modernity.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the New York Police Department on December 8^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, “Terrorist networks are organized on a global level. They know how to cooperate and stay focused on their objectives. Now, more than ever, the friends of peace need to understand each other and work together, at every level.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the tenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Kuala Lumpur on October 16^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said "The more serious challenge however, facing our Moslem peoples is the unjust accusations that Islam and Moslems are being subjected to and the continuous efforts to link Islam and Moslems with terrorism. This is happening due to others' ignorance of the principles of Islam, and their mal-practices that have no bearing to Islam." - (see full text)

In remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 30^th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said that, "We cannot acquiesce in a culture that accepts the killing of civilians, of women and children for political purposes. No matter how noble the cause is, we cannot acquiesce in this culture without inviting real trouble and real implications regarding our future." Adding that, "We are dead against that. What we're saying in Jordan is these methods are unacceptable from a moral and from a political point view." - (see full text)

In his statement before the Fifty-Eighth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 29^th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said that, “terrorism has shown that it really is a global evil that cuts across national boundaries. We have seen in graphic details that it is not exclusive to a particular region, culture, faith or race.” Adding that, “Once again, let me reiterate our firm commitment to cooperate with all countries and multilateral efforts in the joint fight against terrorism.“ - (see full text)

In his address at the mid-term Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership on May 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “The horrific terrorist acts that rocked Saudi Arabia and Morocco in the past two weeks... reemphasized the fact that terrorism has no boundary, no religion, and knows no limits. We condemn those attacks absolutely, and we stand shoulder to shoulder, with the world community in the fight against international terror.” - (see full text)

On February 24th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah, in a speech delivered on his behalf by HRH Prince Faisal at the opening session of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference in Kuala Lumpur, said "Talk of war only diverts us from concentrating our efforts on the important fight against international terror. That fight is a continuous process, and one that needs the full attention and cooperation of our nations." - (see full text)

His Majesty King Abdullah wrote in a December 7th, 2002 article to the Washington Post, entitled “The True Voice of Islam”: “The Prophet Mohammad tells us that the `great' holy war is not against other at all but against one's own failings - the `war against the ego'.” - (see full text)

Dr. Marwan Muasher in a statement before the Fifty-Seventh Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on September 15th, 2002 said: “All along, Jordan has been in the vanguard of every international effort aimed at hunting down this plague and dealing with it, including drying up its resources as part of an overall drive to root it out altogether.” - (see full text)

On November 8th, 2001, His Majesty King Abdullah in a speech addressed to the Houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirmed Jordan's stance on terrorism and especially the September eleventh attacks on the US saying: “As a human being, as a father, as a Jordanian, and most of all as a Muslim - what happened on that day was evil. As human beings, we condemn that attack absolutely. And as a civilized nation, Jordan stands shoulder to shoulder, with the world community in the fight.” - (see full text)