Support for Al-Qaeda dwindles among Jordanians in wake of attacks

Confronted with terrorism, Islamic associations are called to purify themselves of their ideological scheming. Jamil Nimri, political columnist in the newspaper Al Ghad gives his views.

Amman (AsiaNews) – Nearly two-thirds of the Jordanian people have had a change of heart about Al Qaeda after the suicide attacks against the hotels in Amman which killed 57 people on 9 November. Before the attacks, 64% of the population held Al Qaeda in high esteem because of its fight against Israel and the United States. Now, together with another 31.9% of people who have not changed their views, they judge them only as a "terrorist organization" which "does not represent Islam".

This was revealed in a survey conducted by the Jordanian daily newspaper Al Ghad, which shows how the Al Qaeda attacks have led to a more forceful rejection of the group's ideological violence and to greater national unity. AsiaNews asked Jamil Nimri, a well-known political analyst for his views about the changing mentality in the country.

"The weak support for Al Qaeda is vacillating tremendously," said Nimri. "The country's mainstream public opinion used to support suicide bombers and attackers against the enemies of Islam as part of the Al-Jihad. Extremist ideologies still welcome all kinds of struggle against the US and Israel. These groups adopt a dual theory: they either support these attacks or consider them as Jihad if acceptable to their criteria or, if they are unacceptable, they invent obscure conspiracy theories and blame Israel or the US for the attacks.

"Unfortunately the leaders of some Muslim associations tend to apply these viewpoints, even denying moderate and intellectual Muslims the opportunity to speak out against extremists who are spreading darkness, death and destruction in the name of Islam. We have reached a stage where any criticism against terror practices and actions is visualized as support and encouragement to Israeli occupation and US politics.

"These subversive groups impose a very dangerous evil culture, planning brutally to kill many innocents. The reality of proving that Al-Qaeda was behind these attacks ruined the corruption thinking of Islamic leaders, who had raised suspicions and indirectly pointed their finger towards Israel and the US. 

"Many mosque imams, doctors of the Koran, university professors and teachers will have to change the tone of their lessons and sermons. They usually incite people to anger and violence towards other religions and cultures. Moreover, the concept of 'Islam is targeted and Islam is the victim' has to be ended. All Muslim institutions need to review their agenda and to start  planning on how to represent a moderate and good Islam characterized by forgiveness and love and to stop the brainwashing processes imposed on our youth."

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