Due to the nature of my job as a news-person, I am almost unaffected by regional political mayhem. But there is one current affair that infuriates me to no end: The fact that the notorious Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi is actually Jordanian. I still can’t fathom how this pedophile thug who runs around beheading people comes from the country where I was born and spent some of the happiest days of my life.
What makes the situation still worse is that because I’m working in a newsroom I’m cursed, always subjected to the most recent updates of Zarqawi’s ill doings. The minute I hear his latest news I get this irresistible urge to hide, to run away from the scandalous piece of information generated by my fellow countryman.
I’m not sure if I am becoming overly obsessed with Zarqawi’s nationality but I notice that for some reason news outlets covering his wrongdoings tend to highlight his country of origin. In almost every news item I see Zarqawi referred to as: "Jordanian-born militant" or "Jordanian fugitive" or even "Jordanian al-Qaeda ally." It is always "Jordanian" this or "Jordanian" that. No one fails to mention his birthplace! Ah, the shame!
I remember back in the old days when Jordan was not a country that everyone immediately knew when I was asked my place of origin. Many thought it was a city in the US state of Georgia. Others joked about it being a country named after Michael Jordan. It was still a fairly small, unknown Middle Eastern country. Things are not the same anymore. Due to the satanic deeds of Zarqawi and his followers my nation has been stained forever.
To Zarqawi and his cronies, I say damn you! I will dance a dance of joy and sing a song of bliss the moment you are brought to justice for your hideous crimes. Shame on you for tarnishing the reputation of my country and shame on you even more for acting in the name of God.
I agree that this lady’s comment was very racist. I mean Zarqawi might be doing the wrong things but there is a reason for that. and the reason is to fight people who have a mentality so narrow , so closed liked this lady’s mentality. Lana… Palestininas and Jordanians have live together for so long and they have cooexisted. what difference does ot make if he is palestinian?
I would have been very proud of him if he was Palestinian, or even from Mozambique, ya Lana. It’s only shit-head like you who are drowning our nation, “if you know what I mean.” It’s shame that you are an Arab.
Admin, you dare not delete this comment, unless you delete that stupid comment by Lana. Otherwise if you decided that you change your principals, we promise you, your web site will be attacked by nightmares you can never dream off until your web site is down.
Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for your comment. I agree it was inappropriate. But I’m not sure about the use of the word racism here, as Jordanians and Palestinians are of the same race.
I never intended this post to take this direction. It was only meant to show my anger at the lunatic Zarqawi. Yes, sadly enough bigotry still exists in our societies and it is up to us to eradicate it by teaching our children to tolerate and respect others for who they are not where they come from.
I could have easily deleted this comment to eliminate controversy on my blog, but I choose to keep it as I don’t want to play censor here. I’m just annoyed we are going in this direction.
Natasha
A citizen of the world
This is the most sick racism comment I ever came across since long. However, I’m not surprised that we still have such discrimination specialty with narrow minded people like this Lana. I feel sorry when such words come from us within.
This comment should be condemn by the admin here, unless this is how you feel too.
Lana,
Zaraqwi’s real name is Ahmad Fadel Al Khalayleh. His family name is an indigenous Jordanian tribe. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Zaraqwi is as Jordanian as “cidir mansaf”!
Mariam,
I know he is only one person, but the atrocities attributed to him is a blemish on my country’s reputation. I hate that!
zaraqawi is not JORDANIAN!! he’s palestinian! just because jordan gave him a passport doesnt mean he’s one of us…his loyalty is somewhere else …if u know what i mean!
I think u should start underlining THAT in your articles…
Nat, in every country there are people who bring shame to it, look through history. Generalization is the worst thing that a person can do, because it only shows how narrow minded and ignorant they are…also if all Jordan is represented by this one person then, then you are literally erasing the other millions over millions citizens who do a good thing every minute! If I were you i would not worry much about him…
We would also like to add that where we live in the US we have to live with a constant stain to our great American heritage, George W. Bush. Without detailing the reasoning behind this libel, I will say that we pray for change every day (and will be voting for it too!)and that unfortunately, our president is still proud of his affiliation with our country. Nov. 2 will be a major turning point in this country…We are anxious for the outcome.
Damn Links; damn U.S. Administration
Sorry Natasha, I couldn’t digest how you simplified the issue, and why you should feel ashamed! I really feel sorry when Arab (of all backgrounds and religions) fall under the bogus claims of U.S. “Terror Links”.
Let us follow the links!
It wo…
My dear wife,
For all the dirt that man from Zarqa has kicked on Jordan, you and your multitudinous friends, countrymen and women have more than compensated. In Jordan, where oil is not an export, its people are its greatest resource and will continue to be.
Zarqawi long ago left any connection to Jordan behind. As I understand it, his own family has disowned him publicly and the country to which he is attached now by passport alone has sentenced him to death. But I too wish he was separated in the press from what he is not and regarded for what he is: A self-deluded man without a country who does the devil’s dirty work until justice comes to greet him and leaves him dirt and bone.