Jordan’s King Abdullah told the London-based Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the war in Syria could spark sectarian conflicts throughout the Middle East unless the international community convenes peace talks soon. He also said that Palestinians could launch a popular revolt if they felt there were no prospects for the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Jordan has already taken in some 500,000 refugees from Syria despite a growing financial crisis in the kingdom.
“It has become clear to all that the Syrian crisis may extend from being a civil war to a regional and sectarian conflict…the extent of which I unknown,” King Abdullah said. “It is time for a more serious Arab and international coordination to stop the deterioration of the Syrian crisis. The situation cannot wait any longer.”
US President Barack Obama last week said that the US left about 700 combat-equipped troops in Jordan after a recent training exercise. The US also has Patriot missiles and warplanes in Jordan.