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CIA's Key Shadow Ally: Jordan

Afghan bombing spotlights Amman's pivotal counterterrorism role

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2010 6:58 AM CST

(Newser) – The death of a Jordanian intelligence operative alongside seven CIA agents in last week's bombing of a CIA facility in Afghanistan offered an unusually visible sign of Jordan's emerging role as a low-profile but crucial US counterterrorism ally. Since 9/11, the Middle Eastern nation's role in the fight against Islamic terrorism has quietly but steadily grown, earning praise from US intelligence—as well as criticism from human rights groups.



Jordan has long provided key intelligence, helping thwart terrorist plots in 2000 and warning in summer 2001 of a planned attack in the US. Jordanians "know the bad guy's... culture, his associates, and more [than anyone] about the network to which he belongs," a CIA veteran tells the Washington Post. Jordanians' interrogation skills, prized by the CIA, prompted accusations of torture after post-September 11 renditions. But both sides insist the partnership stay near-invisible to avoid damaging Jordan's relations with Muslim neighbors.


A view of Amman, the capital of Jordan
A view of Amman, the capital of Jordan   (Shutter Stock)
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If al-Qaeda targets America, it also targets our stability and the peace of this region. Based on this stance, we have had many successes countering terrorism. - Jordanian intelligence officer

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
passinthru
Jan 4, 2010 6:41 AM CST
i hate to say it, but CIA: Karma is a bitch. the real issue is that with the size of the counter terrorism squad the cia has over there, its going to be really difficult for them to bounce back after such a loss.
Kant
Jan 4, 2010 4:16 AM CST
"But both sides insist the partnership stay near-invisible to avoid damaging Jordan's relations with Muslim neighbors". Too late for that.

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