Posted on Jan 30, 2015
Jordanian response to ISIS's execution of their Pilot (Edited)
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*****************************UPDATE********************************
The Jordanian Pilot, Moaz al-Kassasbeh, was executed by being set on fire. Jordan threatened ISIS by killing all of their prisoners. They also neighbor Syria and can potential strike ISIS with Ground operations. This puts another Arab Country in a very fragile situation. ISIS is clearly on a war path with anyone but will this lead to yet another war front? Will a Coalition be formed now to launch major military operations against ISIS? Jordan is a major ally of the US. What role will we play.
*****************************UPDATE********************************
As the ISIS threat is spreading some countries are thrust into a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS. Jordan is fast becoming a very important ally is this fight. They are partnering with US soldiers in their country. With their captured pilot in the hands of ISIS they were offered to make a prisoner trade or they will kill the pilot. Now that deal fell through. Now Jordan is threatening ISIS to kill all of their captured prisoners by hanging them if they kill their pilot.
Is this response appropriate? Would the US maintain their alliance if Jordan does execute all of their ISIS prisoners in response to their pilot being killed? Should the US take a lesson from Jordan?
*Some background. King Abdullah II of Jordan was a former Commando in the Jordanian Armed Forces and commanded his country's Special Operations Units. He was also educated in the West. He spent several years in the U.K. and the US.
The Jordanian Pilot, Moaz al-Kassasbeh, was executed by being set on fire. Jordan threatened ISIS by killing all of their prisoners. They also neighbor Syria and can potential strike ISIS with Ground operations. This puts another Arab Country in a very fragile situation. ISIS is clearly on a war path with anyone but will this lead to yet another war front? Will a Coalition be formed now to launch major military operations against ISIS? Jordan is a major ally of the US. What role will we play.
*****************************UPDATE********************************
As the ISIS threat is spreading some countries are thrust into a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS. Jordan is fast becoming a very important ally is this fight. They are partnering with US soldiers in their country. With their captured pilot in the hands of ISIS they were offered to make a prisoner trade or they will kill the pilot. Now that deal fell through. Now Jordan is threatening ISIS to kill all of their captured prisoners by hanging them if they kill their pilot.
Is this response appropriate? Would the US maintain their alliance if Jordan does execute all of their ISIS prisoners in response to their pilot being killed? Should the US take a lesson from Jordan?
*Some background. King Abdullah II of Jordan was a former Commando in the Jordanian Armed Forces and commanded his country's Special Operations Units. He was also educated in the West. He spent several years in the U.K. and the US.
Posted in these groups: 
ISIS
United States
ISIS United States
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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Not sure how much more proof our Administration needs to determine that ISIS is a threat that will not go away until they are eradicated from the earth. Rhetoric and political posturing will do nothing but further embolden them.
If we do not take decisive action now, we will see things like this happening in our own country. We cannot afford to sit idly by and allow ISIS to continue to grow in strength, wealth and "popularity". They continue to recruit more and more fanatical followers and will continue to spread their atrocities until they are stopped by an overwhelming force, not words. The USA cannot sit this one out and expect our alleged "allies" to carry the water. Without US leadership and support (and that includes military action, not just advice), they will not be stopped.
If we do not take decisive action now, we will see things like this happening in our own country. We cannot afford to sit idly by and allow ISIS to continue to grow in strength, wealth and "popularity". They continue to recruit more and more fanatical followers and will continue to spread their atrocities until they are stopped by an overwhelming force, not words. The USA cannot sit this one out and expect our alleged "allies" to carry the water. Without US leadership and support (and that includes military action, not just advice), they will not be stopped.
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I may be disabled, chubby, and yes....even have tattoos, but I will answer my country's call if they will take me. I was medically retired against my will anyway.
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SFC Mark Merino
My last gig was running helicopter operations from Baghdad to Mosul with 40 helicopters. I may be physically broke, but I still have use. This old man has some good fight left in me. You won't see me captured on CNN. I kept a frag ready for emergency evacuation operations.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Mark Merino, I am on the official volunteer list for 18 months ready to go! SMDH...what is this world coming too.
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I love how the US says they disagree with Jordan because they are "negotiating with terrorists" but the way I see it we have no room to talk because we traded 5 high level Al-Quada leaders for 1 deserting treasonous soldier who should be given a court-martial, demoted, lose all benefits, given a dishonorable discharge, and sent to prison.
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I don'tknow what ISIS is trying to accomplish with this execution. Jordan is NOT someone they want to piss off. Unlike Iraq, Syria or even Saudi Arabia, Jordan's military is actually competent and won't back down from a fight.
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SPC Steven Depuy
What kind of caused me to chuckle this AM, when their foreign minister talked about how they were going to unleash the dogs on ISIS, they were already supposed to be involved in the war on ISIS, which is how their pilot got captured in he first place. It was almost to me like, ok, now you pissed us off, we are really going to try now. Maybe its me, but that was how it all came across to me.
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LTC Paul Labrador
SPC Steven Depuy, there is a difference between being involved in a project and doing the minimum required because you want to make appearances of helping out a friend, and going all in. I think Jordan was helping but only to th extent to make it look good. Now they're all in.
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SPC Steven Depuy
I agree sir, that was kind of my point, going from sure we will help you, to all in.
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If it was me, I would have pilots air drop every single ISIS member back to them, minus the parachute.
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SPC Charles Griffith
Gutted and repacked with Pig parts and pigs blood bags Make bombs out of them that WILL scare the hell outta them Isis scum. Sorry I believe in fighting to WIN Fair doesn't even enter my warrior mind.
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Simple, let Jordan do as they wish and we move the heck out of the theater, Iran and others will help Jordan. We have been done for sometime now in that region. Let them kill themselves off.
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
That is indeed the popular view, I take the less popular view Cpl Jeff N..
I truly believe that our very presence fuels this mess more than it deters its spread. If the Arab countries were to work on it themselves (we have a small hint now since Jordan just killed 2 ISIS prisoners) , it would die down much quicker. As long as they have a common enemy "USA", we are in danger. Would we remove ourselves from the entire situation, they would have no reason to hate us..we all know there is money to be made by our corporations so withdrawal wont happen until it is absolutely no longer possible to suck revenue out of the region.
As far as Iran, most think this but they are not a threat, now hear me out: There are 132 US bases and ships and airstrips surrounding Iran, more than in the Cold War with Russia, not only that but Iran IS NOT Arab and there are many a Christian in Iran. They are not liked by most of the Arab Countries and believe me when I say; Russia will not put up with their crap either as their northern neighbor, so they are not a threat, it would be suicide if they even thought about it.
The threat is used as a reason to place more troops in the region, when the Arabs get upset we say "Iran" When Iran gets upset we say "Nuclear Bomb" and when Israel gets upset, we say "Arabs"..see the trend? We are there weather we like it or not and no changes coming anytime soon.
I truly wish I did not see it this way, my life would be much better!
I truly believe that our very presence fuels this mess more than it deters its spread. If the Arab countries were to work on it themselves (we have a small hint now since Jordan just killed 2 ISIS prisoners) , it would die down much quicker. As long as they have a common enemy "USA", we are in danger. Would we remove ourselves from the entire situation, they would have no reason to hate us..we all know there is money to be made by our corporations so withdrawal wont happen until it is absolutely no longer possible to suck revenue out of the region.
As far as Iran, most think this but they are not a threat, now hear me out: There are 132 US bases and ships and airstrips surrounding Iran, more than in the Cold War with Russia, not only that but Iran IS NOT Arab and there are many a Christian in Iran. They are not liked by most of the Arab Countries and believe me when I say; Russia will not put up with their crap either as their northern neighbor, so they are not a threat, it would be suicide if they even thought about it.
The threat is used as a reason to place more troops in the region, when the Arabs get upset we say "Iran" When Iran gets upset we say "Nuclear Bomb" and when Israel gets upset, we say "Arabs"..see the trend? We are there weather we like it or not and no changes coming anytime soon.
I truly wish I did not see it this way, my life would be much better!
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Cpl Jeff N.
The notion that they hate us because we are there is a fallacy. They hate us because we are not muslim. The jihadists will not stand down because Jordan hangs a couple of people they could honestly care less about. This is a world view issue, not an out of site, out of mind issue. Jihadists are only interested in having a two part conversation with us and it goes something like convert or die. Sad reality but they hate us because we are not like them.
The Iranian threat will not be reduced by mere presence, the threat is nuclear and our ally Israel being in the crosshairs. They have said as much. They are also developing missiles with ICBM ranges, those are for us. Yes, Iranians are not arab, they are Persian but they are still muslim and Christians have no voice in that country. There are as many radicals in Iran as any other nation in the region.
The solution is for us to get energy independent and have little reason to care what happens there outside of perhaps Israel. We are not energy independent because politicians have seen to it that we are not. We could be but domestic policy prevents it. We would rather send our military to die when it gets hot than solve the problem.
ISIS and groups sympathetic to them are coming. It is not if but when, I think most of us know that. It was exactly one year ago last month that our president called ISIS the JV team. We still have no coherent strategy to take them out. Appreciate your views on the matter.
The Iranian threat will not be reduced by mere presence, the threat is nuclear and our ally Israel being in the crosshairs. They have said as much. They are also developing missiles with ICBM ranges, those are for us. Yes, Iranians are not arab, they are Persian but they are still muslim and Christians have no voice in that country. There are as many radicals in Iran as any other nation in the region.
The solution is for us to get energy independent and have little reason to care what happens there outside of perhaps Israel. We are not energy independent because politicians have seen to it that we are not. We could be but domestic policy prevents it. We would rather send our military to die when it gets hot than solve the problem.
ISIS and groups sympathetic to them are coming. It is not if but when, I think most of us know that. It was exactly one year ago last month that our president called ISIS the JV team. We still have no coherent strategy to take them out. Appreciate your views on the matter.
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
I was not expecting such a reply but I will indulge the debate as it gives me the possibility of learning something, so thank you in advance.
They hate us becasue they know what "we did" and are doing, our actions are helping create the reaction, this is not a fallacy, this is fact, or why were they not a problem to be dealt with as far as extreme goes, until the 2000's? If they hate us becasue we are not Muslim, why do countries in Central Eastern Europe, even in the Balkans where Muslims are a large part of the society, not having these problems? It is a fact my friend; We go into someone backyard and kill and create collateral damage, do not hold ourselves 100% to the moral high ground (Abu garib for example) we are hung out to dry, they use such matters as fuel for the fire. There are poles taken in the Middle East confirming this.
unfortunately I must say unequivocally that Iran is neither a threat nor a breeding ground for extreme Muslims, the very religious and micro management Government/Religious rulers do not allow anything of the sort and are speedy and harsh in punishing.
Iran is still modern compared to the other regions in the country, most of my European Persian friends are Christian and they go home on weekends, once or twice a month and are writing me on WhatsAp and Facebook, sending photos of the girls all Skiing and party's and such. They travel freely and openly. Sure the country is rules by sharia and the Burhka is mandatory but it IS NOT Saudi Arabia or Iraq. Christians are accepted and not ridiculed or followed in Iran.
Speak to Iranian in the USA and ask them, they will confirm this. I live a 5 hour flight away and where I live is filled with Persians, very educated, caring and intelligent people. As far as the threat, it is a farce, they would be crushed form Russia, USA, Arab Countries and Israel, not a chance they would ever risk it, they have absolutely nothing to say int he Middle East becasue they are not hardliners. I respectfully request no argument on this particular mater becasue my information is first hand and personal, so it is fact, not conjecture or opinion.
ISIS is only a threat becasue we are fostering their existence to perpetuate our presence int he Middle East, our nemesis past have all but dried up and people were no longer threatened by the words Al Kaida, something new must take over and here it is; a bunch of novices who suddenly show up with a billion dollars in cash (robbed from an Iraqi bank no less! lololol) and have weapons and no one knows where? BULL SHIT. Not one freaking weapon moves into the middle east without knowledge. We allowed it and are still allowing it so we can profit, you re very correct in that matter.
I appreciate the debate and the openness in your comments, very invigorating!
Best,
Steven
They hate us becasue they know what "we did" and are doing, our actions are helping create the reaction, this is not a fallacy, this is fact, or why were they not a problem to be dealt with as far as extreme goes, until the 2000's? If they hate us becasue we are not Muslim, why do countries in Central Eastern Europe, even in the Balkans where Muslims are a large part of the society, not having these problems? It is a fact my friend; We go into someone backyard and kill and create collateral damage, do not hold ourselves 100% to the moral high ground (Abu garib for example) we are hung out to dry, they use such matters as fuel for the fire. There are poles taken in the Middle East confirming this.
unfortunately I must say unequivocally that Iran is neither a threat nor a breeding ground for extreme Muslims, the very religious and micro management Government/Religious rulers do not allow anything of the sort and are speedy and harsh in punishing.
Iran is still modern compared to the other regions in the country, most of my European Persian friends are Christian and they go home on weekends, once or twice a month and are writing me on WhatsAp and Facebook, sending photos of the girls all Skiing and party's and such. They travel freely and openly. Sure the country is rules by sharia and the Burhka is mandatory but it IS NOT Saudi Arabia or Iraq. Christians are accepted and not ridiculed or followed in Iran.
Speak to Iranian in the USA and ask them, they will confirm this. I live a 5 hour flight away and where I live is filled with Persians, very educated, caring and intelligent people. As far as the threat, it is a farce, they would be crushed form Russia, USA, Arab Countries and Israel, not a chance they would ever risk it, they have absolutely nothing to say int he Middle East becasue they are not hardliners. I respectfully request no argument on this particular mater becasue my information is first hand and personal, so it is fact, not conjecture or opinion.
ISIS is only a threat becasue we are fostering their existence to perpetuate our presence int he Middle East, our nemesis past have all but dried up and people were no longer threatened by the words Al Kaida, something new must take over and here it is; a bunch of novices who suddenly show up with a billion dollars in cash (robbed from an Iraqi bank no less! lololol) and have weapons and no one knows where? BULL SHIT. Not one freaking weapon moves into the middle east without knowledge. We allowed it and are still allowing it so we can profit, you re very correct in that matter.
I appreciate the debate and the openness in your comments, very invigorating!
Best,
Steven
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SPC Steven Depuy
Good words for thought Steven, I often wonder if the day will come when we stop trying to control the rest of the world, and just worry about defending our own turf. We have been the Saudi's ally for years because we needed their oil, and they hate Iran, thus we have hated Iran. I suspect your lets just pull out and let them deal with it might be the best thing. I always felt supporting what happened in Libya was a huge mistake, the kid was a real reformer, the people loved him, and now you have a different corrupt government running things there, and the people are worse off than they were prior to it. It was talked about when we almost went into Syria that the Saudi's wanted to run a pipe line through there, and the existing government wanted to let the Russians run one instead. This kind of back room dealing seems to be what really goes on in most of this crap. Maybe your right, and we just need to leave the area and let them sort it out. Who knows for sure.
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I legitimately hate Fu$%ing ISIL. I would proudly swap my stapler for an M249 and hop over there and volunteer to be in the field again.
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The Jordanians, like many Arab tribes, live by the code of revenge. "An eye for an eye" is usually acceptable policy in this part of the world. I hope Jordan is emboldened to further bring the fight to ISIS. I think the time for decisive military action is long overdue. These guys need to be stopped yesterday.
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LTC Paul Labrador
This is the other thing about Jordan: not only do they have a very competent military, but they also have a VERY strong sense of national identity. They are not going to create schisms in Jordanian society by these acts like they would in Iraq or other Arab states.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador, good points, sir. However, I have already seen it reported that there are protests in Amman against Jordan's involvement in the fight against ISIS. Apparently the hashtag "#NotOurWar" is being used on Twitter by Jordanians opposed to fighting ISIS. I heard there are also protests in Jordan calling for revenge against ISIS, so I guess we will see which side will hold more influence over the King. I have a feeling though that it may be the ones calling for revenge...
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LTC Paul Labrador
I laugh at the folks who say "not our war". ISIS is on their nothern border and will likely turn on Jordan next once/if they consolidate Syria and Iraq.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador, agreed. Anyone in the region is in the path of ISIS. Their "caliphate" would enslave all of the Middle East if they had their way. Best to confront the enemy abroad before they end up in your own backyard. It is dangerous and foolish to believe this war doesn't effect everyone.
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My guess is that there would be some public statement that the US doesn't condone and condemns non-judicial executions, etc., etc. but we'd probably pay for the rope to hang them with behind the scenes. I wish sometimes the US had the balls to step up our game like this.
**By that I meant the execution of all ISIS prisoners in retaliation...in case that wasn't clear**
**By that I meant the execution of all ISIS prisoners in retaliation...in case that wasn't clear**
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Usually when you fight fire with fire, you get burned. There are exceptions, such as a controlled burn to kill of wild growth to prevent wide-spread fires.
I think that's what Jordan is doing here. You sometimes have to one-up the idiots/bully's who think they own the playground. I like Lewis Black's approach to terrorist. You have to show them that you're crazier than they are and aren't afraid. His example was to re-elect and swear in a dead President Ronald Reagan. Drive his hearse down Pennsylvania Blvd, open the back door, prop him up, and swear him in. The terrorist will leave us the hell anyone.
Go ahead Jordan! You're closer to the action than I am. Desperate times in your backyard and near your playground. Hang 'em all, but be ready.
I think that's what Jordan is doing here. You sometimes have to one-up the idiots/bully's who think they own the playground. I like Lewis Black's approach to terrorist. You have to show them that you're crazier than they are and aren't afraid. His example was to re-elect and swear in a dead President Ronald Reagan. Drive his hearse down Pennsylvania Blvd, open the back door, prop him up, and swear him in. The terrorist will leave us the hell anyone.
Go ahead Jordan! You're closer to the action than I am. Desperate times in your backyard and near your playground. Hang 'em all, but be ready.
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SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S.
"The terrorist will leave us the hell alone!" (I hate auto correct ... and my lack of editing.)
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From the President:
"It's just one more indication of the viciousness and barbarity of this organization," said President Obama, who planned to meet Tuesday evening with Jordan's King Abdullah, who was in Washington. "And I think it will redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of the global coalition to make sure that they are degraded and ultimately defeated.”
I am sure this has ISIS highly concerned....7 or 8 beheadings later, a large swath of Iraq and Syria under their control, thousands murdered and now we're move on to live burnings. To our President this is "just one more indication". We are in real trouble if we don't get on offense quickly.
"It's just one more indication of the viciousness and barbarity of this organization," said President Obama, who planned to meet Tuesday evening with Jordan's King Abdullah, who was in Washington. "And I think it will redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of the global coalition to make sure that they are degraded and ultimately defeated.”
I am sure this has ISIS highly concerned....7 or 8 beheadings later, a large swath of Iraq and Syria under their control, thousands murdered and now we're move on to live burnings. To our President this is "just one more indication". We are in real trouble if we don't get on offense quickly.
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CPT (Join to see)
I think we need to get into the mix. Not because we want to but because we have too.
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I say that it is a good response. We used to do stuff similar. Maybe not hanging them, but sending a 2000 lb JDAM through the bathroom window! cough"Qaddafi"cough!
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Not so sure we (our leadership/government) would condone their actions publicly however, I am positive many would applaud the action privately!
Taking an action like that would prove the Jordanians believe in Deeds not Words.....and who don't like that
Taking an action like that would prove the Jordanians believe in Deeds not Words.....and who don't like that
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Can we please just deploy a nuclear device somewhere in ISIS-controlled territory everytime this happens?
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This is so sad to see. They are now killing their own people. I think it is a matter of time before they have splinter groups and start a civil war within ISIS.
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Jordan pilot hostage Moaz al-Kasasbeh 'burned alive' - BBC News
Jordan confirms the death of pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh after a video published online by Islamic State claims to show him being burned alive.
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