AMMAN, Jordan (AP) – King Abdullah II has thrust Jordan to the center of the war against the Islamic State group with his pledge of relentless retaliation for the killing of one of his pilots.
The 53-year-old monarch also highlighted his personal role as he tried to shore up public support for what could be a long campaign. In video played repeatedly on state TV, the career soldier was shown in military fatigues, sleeves rolled up, as he huddled with military chiefs.
In the short term, the crisis over the killing of the captive airman, who was burned to death in a cage, appears to have strengthened Abdullah.
Until recently, he had been on the defensive about Jordan’s participation in the U.S.-led military coalition conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State group. The public’s misgivings have been replaced by cries for revenge this week after the militants released a video showing the horrific death of 26-year-old Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh.
“The king is in a very strong position,” said Fayek Hijazeen, who covers the monarch for the official Petra news agency. “All the people are standing behind him.”