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Clear message

Jul 14,2014 - Last updated at Jul 14,2014

Jordan has sent a clear message to all concerned that it will take no part in training Syrian opposition forces on its territory in deference to its longstanding policy that it wants to see a political solution to the conflict in Syria.

Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani told The Jordan Times that “Jordan has not and will not train Syrian rebels here.” 

US Ambassador in Amman Stuart Jones has also said that the Kingdom has not been officially requested to host a military training programme for Syrian opposition militias. 

Jordan has long called for a political solution to the armed conflict in Syria and said so on day one of the Syrian uprising, which started almost three-and-a-half years ago.

To take an opposite perspective now and reverse its principled policy on Syria would undermine the country’s credibility and jeopardise its carefully determined policy on Syria. 

Besides, Jordan stands to be vulnerable to attacks from Syria should it allow itself to be involved in the armed conflict in any way.

If the US strategy now is to strengthen the hands of the Syrian opposition forces by improving their military strength, it must seek other avenues to execute the plan. 

US President Barack Obama had earlier announced that he will seek congressional approval for a $500 million aid programme for the opposition and it seems that the bulk of this amount will be earmarked for military assistance. 

Whether or not strengthening the opposition militarily is the answer, Jordan is not in a position to take part in this adventurous US policy. 

No country must give up on the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis and surely there are other ways to exert pressure on both sides of the conflict to seek a political solution rather than sending more arms to the combatants.

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