Jordanians worry over new Syria front
The statement by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter about opening a new anti-Islamic State front in southern Syria raised mixed reactions among Jordanians, with some expecting more refugees to flock through the borders between both countries should new clashes occur.
Jordan's pundits reacted swiftly to statements made by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on July 26 that the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS) is planning to open a new front in southern Syria in addition to its ongoing offensive in the north of the war-torn country. Most Jordanian analysts and political commentators warned against involving Jordan in military operations in southern Syria, the stability of which Amman considers as essential to its own national security. Speaking to US troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Carter was quoted as saying that the move will help Jordanian security and further split IS theaters of operation in Syria and Iraq. The government has not commented on Carter's statements.
Political commentator Maher Abu Tair wrote in Addustour daily July 31 that southern Syria could be the key to major changes in the political map of Syria, and that Jordan should be weary of the operation's ultimate consequences.
Retired Gen. Mamoun Abu Nuwar told Al-Rai daily July 30 that Jordan should insist on setting up a buffer zone along borders with Syria and not get involved in military operations in southern Syria, which will prove a failure.
Columnist Fahd Al-Khitan wrote in daily Al-Ghad Aug. 2 that it is in Jordan's interest to maintain the military status quo in southern Syria and concentrate on protecting its borders.
