Capture of pilot by IS provokes controversy in Jordan

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momeni, however, said the capture of the 26-year-old First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasba would not affect Jordan's strategic participation.

"The war on terror continues. Our aim is to defend the sacred religion of Islam," Momeni said.

Momeni described the pilot as "a hero and an example of

The hashtag (#NotOurWar) was created on social media to call for Kasasba's release and denounce Jordan's role in the coalition.

sacrifice". He said the pilot's family, community and comrades in arms all supported him.

Fresh controversy

While the government has held firm to its participation in the coalition, the shooting down of the plane and the capture of its pilot has started a fresh debate about Jordan's participation in the war against the IS. 

The hashtag (#NotOurWar) was created on social media to call for Kasasba's release and denounce Jordan's role in the coalition. Activists using the hashtag have stated they hold the Jordanian government responsible for the pilot's safe return.

Jordanian MP Khalil Attiya, who previously supported Jordan's participation in the coalition, issued a parliamentary memorandum titled "Not Our War" opposing Jordan's participation in the war against the IS.

"What we warned of is happening now," Attiya told al-Araby al-Jadeed."The battle against the IS is not Jordan's battle, it is the Syrians' and the Iraqis'."

"Jordan's role in the war against the IS should be limited to securing the country's borders against any attempts at penetration by the IS. Jordan should not fight outside its borders."

Jordan's King Abdullah II gave the country's participation in the coalition royal approval in a speech before the National Assembly on 2 November.

"The war against terror is our war", he said, in reference to the "Not Our War" slogan adopted by the opposition.

Yesterday the IS group released pictures of Kasasba alive, which gave many hope he might be able to return to his country, despite IS threats to kill him.

"The Armed Forces have reassured us and vowed to exert their maximum efforts to guarantee his return", Medhat al-Kasasba, the pilot's brother, told al-Araby.

Hassan Abu Haniya, an expert on Islamic groups, believes the pilot's release as part of a deal is possible.

"Despite the IS's extreme ideology, it is pragmatic, and uses all means available to gain benefits or sympathy", Abu Haniya told al-Araby. "The IS will make the most of this incident. Possible scenarios range from the pilot's release in order to win the Jordanians over, to killing him if left with no other option."

Abu Haniya also said that there were precedents for negotiations with the IS, such as when France successfully negotiated for the release of prisoners in return for a ransom. "The IS has moved the ball to Jordan's court", he said.


This is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.