Jordan Sees Iran, Hamas and al-Qaeda As Threat

The irony of it all, as some in the Arab world look to Israel and the U.S. for assistance with security in the middle east as Iran and Hamas gain a foothold in their own backyard.

Jordan, who has shown to be a good ally in the U.S. War on Terror, sees a very legitimate problem on the horizon as Israel plans to withdrawal from the West Bank area leaving yet another uncontrolled region for militants to take over and exploit.

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

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?’”

I guess the moral of this story is:
Be careful what you wish for... it could come true.