Firmly Against The War

For months now, His Majesty King Abdullah has been warning against the devastating regional consequences of any attack on Iraq. Jordan is opposed to the war on Baghdad simply because nothing good will come of it. War will not bring the region peace and stability. On the contrary, a new military adventure against Iraq will have a destabilising impact on almost the whole region. The Middle East does not need a new war. It needs peace, peace in Palestine and peace in Iraq and peaceful relations among all countries of the Middle East so that the region can get down to the important business: Creating better lives and futures for its peoples.

Jordan's stand stems from its awareness of the futility of war as an option to settle differences with Baghdad. Dialogue offers the only viable path to securing a satisfactory resolution to the conflict. Iraq has to fulfil its obligations under UN resolutions. The international community also has to recognise progress and take measures that must ultimately, and soon, lead to the lifting of the sanctions. Closing this bleak chapter in the history of the Middle East is a fundamental prerequisite for long-term peace, stability and prosperity.

The United States has a different view on the subject. US President George Bush wants the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein toppled. His latest uncompromising statement on Iraq and the failure of talks between the UN and Baghdad on the return of arms inspectors has fuelled speculations that a military strike is imminent.

The United States, which has never ruled out war as an option in dealing with Iraq, has naturally kept its generals busy drafting various scenarios on the attack. News reports have lately confirmed the existence of one such plan.

What is illogical, however, is the insistence of some to link Jordan to these plans. The New York Times, which published details of the plan, has confirmed that neither Jordan nor other countries mentioned in the scenario are aware of, or have been consulted about the plan.

That was not enough to silence the perpetrators of allegations that Jordan has granted US permission to use its territory in the war. Nor were repeated assertions by Jordanian officials that Jordan remains opposed to the war option and will not allow the use of its land as a launchpad for the attack in the event of it happening. The prime minister, the foreign minister and the information minister all dismissed these allegations as groundless. Jordan's position is that the Kingdom is against the war and will not be party to it if the United States goes against the advice of its friends in the region and, to the detriment of all, decides to attack Baghdad.