Replies

I don’t think he’s referring to military aid. He’s referring to U.S. assistance for infrastructure projects in Jordan. That’s probably why the King of Jordan was visiting the U.S. in the first place.

*************************************************8

Duncan Hunter was in the meeting with King Abdullah when he met with the House Armed Services Committee .... it was my impression the ‘red tape’ comments referenced by Hunter that Abdullah made referred to what was discussed in that meeting and military matters.

This was an unannounced visit by Abdullah, purportedly to:

- discuss the “latest regional and international developments as well as means of boosting bilateral ties” with officials and a number of chairmen and members of committees in both houses of Congress, a royal statement said on Monday.

- meet with prominent leaders of the Arab and Islamic communities in the United States, it added.

The statement did not give further details, but diplomatic sources told EFE that developments in the war against the Islamic State, IS, militia and other terrorist groups were expected to top King Abdullah’s talks, as Jordan is a member of the U.S.-led military coalition against the IS.

The issue Jordan is facing -- and has been facing for several decades -- is that it has become the dumping ground for the surrounding unstable countries in the Middle East. The place has been overrun first by Palestinians, then Iraqis, and now Syrians. I've seen estimates that the official number of refugees from Syria now represents about 10% of Jordan's population. The real number is probably much higher than that.

The King of Jordan is in a tough position, and he has basically been reduced to begging for U.S. aid just to keep his country from falling into chaos and disarray.