Jordan's King: Tough Talk As War Rages Nearby

[Purveyor]

By Nabih Bulos
June 17, 2013, 10:13 a.m.
AMMAN, Jordan — Amid escalating concern about spillover effects of the war in neighboring Syria, Jordan’s King Abdullah II has warned that his kingdom is able "at any moment" to protect its national interests.

Addressing a group of cadets in a graduation ceremony at Mutah Military Academy on Sunday, the king, in full battle dress, made only a single mention of Syria, but the conflict next door was a major subtext.

"If the world does not mobilize or help us in the issue [of Syria] as it should, or if this matter forms a danger to our country, we are able at any moment to take measures that will protect our land and the interests of our people,” said Abdullah, a key regional ally of the United States.

The speech came as Jordan was taking part in "Eager Lion," a 12-day military exercise that has brought 4,500 U.S. military personnel as well as 3,500 soldiers from 17 other countries to the kingdom.

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Abdullah is also facing an increasingly hostile internal environment, with many Jordanians, especially extremist Islamic elements known as Salafists, seeking to cross into Syria and join rebels in the sectarian-fueled conflict that has engulfed Jordan's northern neighbor.

Last week witnessed the formation of the Brigade of Jordanian Mujahedin No. 1, a militant faction registering the names of volunteers who wish to fight with Syrian rebels, according to postings on the group’s Facebook page.

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http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-jordan-king-abdullah-speech-20130617,0,5784321.story

[jberryhill]

1. "according to postings on the group’s Facebook page"

Just let that phrase sink in.