By Thomas Madison
One has to wonder: Had Jordan been in possession of Predator surveillance drones when they originally requested them from the Obama administration, but were rejected, would the Jordanian pilot be alive today?
King Barrack Hussein has also denied Egypt critical equipment it needs in its own fight against Islamic terror.
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From Rowan Scarborough, The Washington Times
The Obama administration this year turned down a request from Jordan for Predator spy drones that would help it locate targets in the war against the Islamic State.
The refusal, disclosed by a House Armed Services Committee member, has gained attention since Jordan has emerged as a critical player in a U.S.-led coalition to destroy the Islamist terrorist group in the days after it released a video of its execution by fire of a captured Jordanian military pilot.
Jordan retaliated Thursday with F-16 airstrikes on the Syrian town of Raqqa and is vowing a relentless war against the Islamic State, also known as ISIL and ISIS.
Members of Congress are calling on the White House to approve a list of weapons for King Abdullah II, a strong U.S. ally.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican, sent a letter Thursday asking President Obama to approve the transfer of the Predator’s unarmed export version for surveillance missions.
“The decision to deny the license request should be reversed immediately,” Mr. Hunter wrote. “Doing so will provide Jordan critical mission capability in the fight against the Islamic State and ensure Jordan is given every advantage.
“Jordan has made requests for specific resources, including ammunition,” Mr. Hunter said. “Given our mutual interests, and our strong relationship, it’s absolutely critical that we provide Jordan the support needed to defeat the Islamic State.”
Jordan borders Iraq and Syria, where the Islamic State controls wide stretches of territory, including key Iraqi cities in the north and west.
“Jordan is uniquely positioned to support and perhaps lead the fight against the Islamic State, and it’s now our obligation to offer Jordan our full support in this effort,” Mr. Hunter said.
American Predators are playing a large role in a U.S.-dominated air campaign, firing Hellfire missiles as well as conducting sustained surveillance over Islamic State strongholds.
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Video: Fox News, via America’s Freedom Fighters
