Jordanâs king urged parliament yesterday to pass new anti-terror laws to prevent the kind of attacks in which 60 people were killed last month, saying the country faced its biggest ever security challenge. Addressing a joint session of parliament in full military attire, King Abdallah called for a comprehensive strategy capable of dealing effectively with every threat to the countryâs status as âan oasis of security and stability.ââWe have to stress here that security and stability are the first priority,â the monarch, a staunch US ally, said in a speech punctuated by applause from the assembled lawmakers. After last monthâs bombings at three luxury hotels, Abdallah made a major shake-up of the royal court and appointed a new government headed by his national security chief.
With old guard military and intelligence figures gaining in influence at the expense of liberal reformers, the king gave new Prime Minister Marouf Al-Bakheet, 58, a strong mandate on Sunday to wage âall out warâ against militancy. Bakheet boasts a long career in military intelligence and has a track record in handling top security briefs, Officials say the deadly bombings, for which the Al-Qaeda wing in Iraq led by Jordanian Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility, were a wake up call for extra vigilance. âWe know that Jordanâs position and its stance make it a target, and the attacks imposed upon it the largest security challenge ever to confront it,â Abdallah said.