Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Amman (Fides Service) - Thousands of Jordanians gathered in mosques on Friday to commemorate those killed in three suicide bomb explosions in Amman, on 9 November. People voiced anger and fear that terrorism may have moved to the homeland of al-Zarqawi, born in Zarqa, today unquestionable champion of international terror
Jordanians are wondering what al-Zarqawi wants if he kills his own people. The answer came without too much rhetoric from Al-Qaeda: “Hotels were chosen as targets because the Jordan tyrant (King Abdallah II n.d.r.), has made them into isolated gardens for the enemies of Islam, Jews and Crusaders” (“Muslim News”, British daily 11 November 2005). These announcements are known and appear to be repeats ever since Bin Laden made the first such announcement before the Twin Tower attack in New York.
The terrorist strategy has three main objectives. First to create a geographical space to allow radical Islamic groups to rebel against present regimes in Arab countries called corrupt, in particular monarchies, but not only. Attacks have been carried out in Casablanca (Morocco), Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Terrorist claims were accompanied by explicit condemnation on the part of affected governments (“Arab News”, Riyadh 13 November 2005). The second is to extend the battle against allied forces to Afghanistan and Iran and other Arab states (“Daily News”, Bahrhein 12 November 2005). In this sense Jordan which borders on Iraq, Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia, would appear to be the ideal country for terrorist attacks.
The plan of the Amman attacks showed that Jordanian security forces were defeated (The New York Times 13 November 2005). The third objective is to continue the battle with Israel with Muslim movements which want to see its total destruction. Fierce declarations from the President of Iran against the state of Israel last month threw fuel on the fire and encouraged every from of terrorist action against Israel. King Abdallah II cancelled his planned visit to Israel the day after the attacks (The Associated Press, 12 November 2005; “Turkish Daily News”, Istanbul 13 November 2005). In an interview with “Jordan Times” (12 November 2005), King Abdallah II said: “There is no room for non believers here. Freedom of expression in Jordan must also help promote love and respect for others, tolerance and justice and spread Arab-Islamic values to counter hatred, violence and terrorism” For her part Queen Rania visited the injured in hospital and said: “The events on Wednesday evening (9/11/2005) strengthen our decision to continue on the path of peace” (Queen Rania official site). Condemnation of the attacks was unanimous judging from the press in Arab countries and messages of solidarity to Jordan attacked by terrorism. But the question everyone is asking is where will they strike next time? (R.F.) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2005 - Righe 36, parole 528)
