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King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
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King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)

King Abdullah II of Jordan said Monday that Jordan and Iraq share the same position in facing terrorism.

The monarch reiterated that Jordan's interest in Iraq lies in its stability and prosperity, which, he said, constitute a pillar for regional security and stability.

He made his remarks while receiving in Amman Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

The meeting at the al-Husseiniya tackled bilateral relations and the latest developments in Iraq, said a royal court statement.

King Abdullah highlighted the "deep and historical relations between Jordan and Iraq,” expressing keenness to continue cooperation on all levels, especially in the economic and trade fields, in a way that serves their joint interests, according to the statement.

He also expressed Jordan’s support for Iraq’s efforts in the war against terrorism.

Moreover, he stressed the need for including all segments of the Iraqi people in the political process, hoping Saturday’s Iraqi parliamentary elections will be a success.

Jaafari, for his part, commended the Kingdom’s “constant stances in supporting the unity, security and stability of Iraq.”

The minister highlighted Iraq’s victories in its war on terrorism, stressing that Jordan, as a contributor to these successes, has the right to be proud of these achievements.

Jaafari had arrived in Jordan on Sunday and he has so far held talks with Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi.

The parties agreed to continue defense and security cooperation to confront ISIS on security, military and ideological levels and to form a joint military committee to control the borders.

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Arab World

Israel Wages ‘Psychological War’ on Residents of Southern Lebanon

Lebanese inspect damage from an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. AP
Lebanese inspect damage from an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. AP
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Israel Wages ‘Psychological War’ on Residents of Southern Lebanon

Lebanese inspect damage from an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. AP
Lebanese inspect damage from an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. AP

Residents of southern Lebanon say they are living under the constant shadow of an Israeli “psychological war,” as drones hover overhead, sound bombs explode near villages, and airstrikes fuel a growing climate of fear across the border region.

While Israeli air raids and ground incursions have escalated in recent weeks, locals in towns such as Mays al-Jabal, Hula, and Kfar Kila report an additional, subtler kind of assault: one that aims not to destroy buildings, but to break spirits.

“Drones don’t leave our skies,” Mohammad, a resident of Bint Jbeil, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Explosions near homes, constant buzzing, and open threats on Israeli media – it’s designed to keep people afraid.”

The psychological toll has been mounting. Sound bombs were dropped in Hula on Wednesday, while Israeli forces crossed the border near the village of Tufa, setting fire to a truck clearing rubble.

In the town of Mansouri, a man was injured by an Israeli drone strike and hospitalized in nearby Tyre. In a separate incident, a man in his thirties was wounded by unexploded ordnance.

Israel’s tactics, residents say, aim to paralyze daily life and force displacement.

“This is more than a military campaign. It’s a war on the mind,” said former Mays al-Jabal mayor Abdel Moneim Shuqair, noting that only around 500 residents have returned to the town out of a pre-escalation population of 7,000.

Movement in the south has become increasingly perilous. Roads like the one linking Maroun al-Ras to Bint Jbeil are now considered too risky to travel.

“People avoid them because they’re completely exposed to Israeli surveillance. Any moment, a car could be targeted,” Shuqair told Asharq Al-Awsat.

On that note, Mohammed added that Israel doesn’t just want locals to leave; it wants to break their will to return.

In Kfar Kila, resident Mona Awadah described fleeing her home after it was targeted. Her husband survived the attack, but their home was no longer safe.

“We were one of the first families to return after the truce,” she said. “We put up a prefabricated home on our farmland, but even that was targeted. It’s as if they’re saying: you’re not safe anywhere – not even on your own land.”

Locals say the absence of a comprehensive state-led reconstruction plan is exacerbating their sense of abandonment. Efforts to rebuild homes or install mobile housing units have reportedly drawn further Israeli strikes. Some families have taken shelter in public schools, sleeping on makeshift bedding.

“There’s no alternative for us but this country and this army,” said Shuqair. “We need a clear stance from the state and a serious plan for a safe and dignified return,” he added.

As fear becomes routine, some residents warn of an even more dangerous development – adaptation. “The biggest danger is that people are starting to get used to the emptiness,” said Mohammad. “That’s what the occupation wants – for us to forget our land.”