Jordanian pilot’s murder a loss for IS — analysts

AMMAN — Jordanians stand more united in supporting the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS) after its “brutal killing” of Jordanian air force pilot Muath Kasasbeh, according to analysts, social media users and international media outlets.

They said IS, also known by its Arabic acronym “Daesh”, sought to cause a rift in the Jordanian community over the army’s participation in the US-led coalition against it, but the group failed miserably as Jordanians became more aware of “its barbarity”.

“By burning the Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh alive, IS lost a lot. In Jordan, there were some people who voiced reservations over Jordan’s participation in the coalition, but after the killing, they are calling for more involvement in the coalition and more strikes,” Fayez Dweiri, a military expert, told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

“Jordanians are now one voice in the fight against IS,” he said.

“[The group] thought its barbaric and brutal way of killing the pilot would cause trouble in Jordan, but they are mistaken as Jordanians are more united at present and have a firm position against it,” Dweiri noted.

The expert said any further role by Jordan in the coalition and any air strikes against Daesh will gain strong public support.

But for Jordan’s anti-IS fight to succeed, Senator Saleh Qallab said support should come from Arabs and Muslims.

“When it comes to the killing of Kasasbeh, Jordanians proved that they place the national interest above all personal interests. The unity among all segments of society in schools, universities and others is very important,” Qallab, a former media minister, said in a column in Al Rai.

He stressed the importance of taking advantage of the momentum to launch an effective offensive against Daesh with the support of Arab and Muslim allies.

Even on social media, users say IS’ crime will only make Jordan stronger.

“The brutal killing hardened Jordan’s hearts against IS,” Muhannad Khalaifa (@mkhalaifa) tweeted.

Ersaa Ayoush (@esraaayoush) tweeted: “We will never forget Muath Kasasbeh.”

On Facebook and Twitter, users voiced support for the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army in the fight against IS, while pictures of recent air strikes by the army against the group went viral.

The unity among Jordanians was also highlighted by regional and international media outlets.

In an article on its website, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle published a story headlined “Jordan: United in sorrow, united against IS” in which it said the brutal killing of the fighter pilot has shaken up Jordanians and united their nation.

In an article titled “A son, husband, national hero; slain pilot unites Jordan,” CNN said that to Jordanians, Kasasbeh is “a national hero, their new rallying point”.