Anger, grief and unity in the face of tragedy

The entire nation was riveted to His Majesty King Abdullah’s words, carefully chosen to lament the killing of Muath Kasasbeh and urge the people to “unify their ranks and show the true character of the Jordanian people when they face hardships and plights, which will only strengthen us”.

Visibly shaken by the news of the savage killing of the pilot, his grim face showing anguish and grief, the King called on the people to “stand with the family of the brave Muath” and “with our armed forces as we deal with this tragedy”.

“We have received with all sorrow, grief and anger the news of the martyrdom of the brave pilot Muath Kasasbeh, May Allah bless his soul, at the hands of the terrorist and cowardly Daesh organisation,” said the King in a televised message from Washington, DC, where he had just arrived for a working visit.

The King’s words were meant to drive home the message that Jordan will not stand idle by after this barbarity.

The Monarch cut short his visit to Washington, where he discussed with President Barack Obama and other US officials the high cost of neglecting the growing danger of the so-called Islamic State.

King Abdullah’s words, following the tragedy that befell Jordan — and other countries whose nationals were taken hostage by this ruthless group of criminals — should be a driving force for the international community, which should join the global effort to destroy IS before it further encroaches on the region and spreads across the world like the malignant tumour that it is.

Jordan promised to have an “earth-shaking response” to Daesh’s savagery; for that to happen, however, there will be need for careful, but swift, preparation.

The early morning execution of Sajida Rishawi and Ziad Al Karboli, two criminals convicted in 2006 and 2007 respectively for their involvement in terrorist activities that took the lives of many innocent people, is only the beginning of this response.

Further action can be expected, and for good reason.

Jordan is mourning. The brave pilot could have been — is — the son of any Jordanian family.

His immediate family was united in expressing appreciation to the King for his relentless efforts to free their son before the terrible news reached them.

Jordanians are once again brought together as one by a tragic act of savagery that defies humanity.

They will not be brought to their knees. That was made clear by both the King and the people.