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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Posted on 01/23/2003 7:44:30 AM PST by areafiftyone
AMMAN, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Jordan asked its ally Washington on Thursday to sell it an air defence system as war loomed in neighbouring Iraq, the kingdom's state news agency said.
The agency, Petra, said King Abdullah had told visiting U.S. General Tommy Franks, the man expected to lead any invasion of Jordan's eastern neighbour Iraq, that Amman was determined to buy an air defence system "to tighten control over its airspace and to protect it against any foreign intervention".
It said the Jordanian chief-of-staff, General Khaled al-Sarayrah, had asked Franks to supply Jordan with such a system during a meeting earlier in the day.
Jordanian officials have said in recent weeks they are looking to buy an anti-missile system from Russia or Europe.
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Ally? Since when?
Or is the state government in Olympia up to something we should know about.
Is that the much touted French war fighting system where a drone fires a wide area weapon that knocks down fences? Are they they still focused on the Siegfried and Maginot Lines of WWI?
"well, we's been tinking.... you know? ..... since you guys are here in our country ... ya know... with your nice badges.... protecting us from thos nasty Iraqi pigs.... ya know? . .....in case they try to come this way when you attack Iraq from Kuwait....., Well .... we were just thinking that .... ya know.... it would be kind cool if.... ya know..... those patriot thingys.... ya know... uhm... over there.... nice paint by the way..... well, we figured you guys have so many? .... ya know.... you wouldn't miss 'em if you just kinda left 'em here
..... we can protect 'em for you.... ya know... ok? . ... is it cool bro?
AMMAN (AP) - Jordan has turned to Europe for an anti-missile system after
Russian delays on a deal to help the Kingdom defend its airspace in the
event of a US-led war on Iraq, officials said Tuesday.
The Kingdom negotiated with Russia last year to acquire the S-300
surface-to-air missile system. Russia had initially suggested that the
system would be installed in February at the latest, but recently said
delivery was not possible before the end of the year.
Minister of State for Political Affairs and Minister of Information Mohammad
Adwan acknowledged efforts were under way for improved defence capabilities.
"We are reviewing all options to protect our citizens, land and airspace,"
he told the Associated Press.
Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Jordan has reached
advanced talks on an anti-missile battery system to be deployed in various
parts of the Kingdom.
They suggested German and Dutch arms firms as likely suppliers, but declined
to provide other details or reveal information on the financial terms of the
deal.
Jordanian airspace was violated in the 1991 Gulf War, when Iraq launched 39
Scud missiles against Israel. None of the Scuds exploded over Jordan.
Wedged between Israel to its west and Iraq to its east, the Kingdom is keen
to secure its air defence before a possible showdown on Baghdad.
The United States and Britain accuse Iraq of hiding weapons of mass
destruction, including chemical and biological warheads, and have threatened
to go to war "to force Iraq to disarm." Iraq has denied the charges.
On Thursday, His Majesty King Abdullah warned that chances to avert a US-led
war on Iraq have "become slim," despite tenacious efforts with unspecified
world countries for a diplomatic solution to the looming crisis.
Jordan has rejected a US offer for upgraded Patriot batteries.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
http://www.jordantimes.com/Wed/homenews/homenews2.htm
Yoo-hoo, Saddam! Jordan's defences are a little slim right now. Thinking about redrawing your borders? Well then, come on over. Hint hint wink wink.
[That little Hashemite king would just love to fight off Saddam (with a little help from Uncle Sam)... all the way to Baghdad. Can you say "Hashemite Iraq"?]
Jordan knows we are NOT about to hand them any of our technology, so then they can merely ask the French (who would hand over an A-Bomb as well) without any pangs of "guilt."
Dear King Abdullah;
Thank you for your kind letter of last (date) and we wish you and Queen Rania all the best in these difficult times.
As to your specific request for the latest air defense system, we appreciate your favorable opinion of American technology, and would be delighted to supply you with your defense needs. In return for our technology and assistance, we simply request that Jorday relocate to Aman or a neighboring city all of the Palestinians currently residing in the historical land of Israel.
If this arrangement is suitable to you, please respond as soon as possible. Time is of the essence and we cannot offer this deal indefinitely.
Yours in friendship, G.W. Bush, President (call me B Man)
About to be fulfilled.
>>>During 1999, continuing at-sea periods prepared Kennedy for its 16th deployment to the Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf. After a heroic rescue of the crew from the foundered tug Gulf Majesty, during Hurricane Floyd in mid-September, Kennedy carried the banner of freedom to our friends and allies overseas, making history, once again. The ship made the first carrier port call to Jordan, and hosted the King of Jordan, allowing him to experience life at sea. JFK then participated in Operation Southern Watch, flying combat missions while enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq. The JFK/CVW-1 team set new records in bombing accuracy while employing the most lethal combination of precision weaponry ever put to sea, amassing 10,302 arrested landings along the way.<<<
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