From a military and security perspective, the royal speech’s firm stance against terrorism and the Kharijites, the invocation of the sacrifices of the Karak martyrs, and the commendation of the role of the Jordanian Armed Forces – the Arab Army – and the security agencies constitute a clear declaration of the steadfastness of Jordan’s security doctrine and the state’s ability to protect its national security in the face of conventional and unconventional threats.
His Majesty the King placed his hand on the core of the challenge when he affirmed that terrorists will not be able to undermine Jordan’s security and unity, that they have betrayed the Jordanian family and have no place among its children. This message carries not only a security dimension but also establishes a national, intellectual and moral stance that clearly separates Jordanian society and its authentic values from the takfiri ideology that uses violence as a means to strike the state and dismantle societies.
Terrorism is no longer a local threat bounded by geographic borders; it has become a cross‑border system where ideology intertwines with technology, financing with recruitment, and organized networks with individuals who adopt violence.
Here lies the importance of a military reading of the royal speech; Jordan does not deal with a security threat isolated from its surroundings, but with a turbulent regional environment where conflicts and interests intersect, and extremist groups and illicit networks move, exploiting security vacuums and political and technological shifts.
From border protection to managing cross‑border threats
The nature of the threats facing Jordan today demands a re‑examination of the concept of border security in its traditional sense. Border protection is no longer limited to preventing infiltration or interdicting smuggling operations; it has become part of an integrated national security system that includes intelligence monitoring, reconnaissance, early warning, information analysis, and the ability to respond rapidly.
In this context, a set of challenges emerges that require the highest levels of vigilance and readiness, foremost among them attempts to exploit regional unrest to smuggle weapons and narcotics, the movement of extremist elements, and the activity of networks that provide logistical and financial support to terrorist organizations.
The evolution of communications and technology has enabled extremist groups to transcend geographic borders, reaching individuals and communities through cyberspace, exploiting misleading propaganda, hate speech and intellectual polarization.
Consequently, the modern concept of national security must shift from reacting to threats after they occur to anticipating them and preventing their formation, through an integrated intelligence and institutional system and close cooperation among the armed forces, security agencies and relevant authorities.
The strength of the state is not measured only by its ability to deal with a threat when it materializes, but by its capacity to detect it early and thwart it before it becomes a danger that endangers citizens’ security and institutional stability.
Takfiri ideology... the danger that precedes terrorism
Based on military and security experience, confronting terrorism cannot succeed if it is limited to dealing with armed manifestations while neglecting the intellectual environment that produces extremism and provides it with false justifications.
Takfiri ideology represents the most dangerous phase in the trajectory of extremism, because it seeks to create a rupture between the individual and his society, works to dismantle the system of national and religious values, and ultimately convinces its followers that violence against the state and citizens is a duty or justified.
This ideology does not target only the state’s military and security institutions; it attacks the very foundation of the relationship between the citizen and his homeland, attempts to erode trust in institutions, weaken the concept of citizenship, and replace national allegiance with loyalty to extremist organizations.
Thus, confronting takfiri thought is a shared national responsibility that requires an active role of religious, educational and media institutions, alongside security bodies, through promoting a culture of moderation, enhancing correct religious awareness, and inoculating youth against recruitment and polarization attempts.
It must be emphasized that Islam is a religion of moderation and mercy, and that using religion as a cover for killing, destruction and takfir represents an intellectual and behavioral deviation unrelated to the essence of the Islamic message.
The real battle with terrorism begins in the mind before the battlefield, and in fortifying the human being before confronting weapons.
The Arab Army and security agencies... the deterrence and protection system
The King’s commendation of the Jordanian Armed Forces – the Arab Army – and the security agencies carries significant military and moral implications, reflecting the firm royal confidence in the institutions responsible for defending the nation and safeguarding its security and stability.
The Arab Army is not merely a military institution performing conventional defence duties; it is a fundamental pillar of the national security system, representing an extension of Jordan’s state history and the sacrifices of its men who gave their lives defending Jordan’s dignity and sovereignty.
The security agencies constitute the forward line of defence in confronting internal threats, extremist cells and criminal networks, through intelligence work, professionalism and institutional coordination, within the framework of the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ security.
It is essential in the coming stage to continue investing in the development of military and security capabilities, raise the efficiency of training and qualification, modernise surveillance, communication and reconnaissance systems, and strengthen cyber‑security capacities, in line with the rapid transformations in the nature of threats.
The integration between military and security institutions is a prerequisite for effective deterrence; national security does not rest on a single institution but on an integrated system that exchanges information and expertise, operating under a unified strategic vision.
The internal front... the primary strategic defence line
Perhaps the deepest message conveyed by the royal speech is the King’s affirmation that Jordan’s strength lies in its people, and that hardships increase Jordanians’ unity, awareness and wisdom.
This phrase carries a highly strategic significance in military and security sciences; the internal front is not a separate social concept from national security, but represents one of the most important elements of the state’s comprehensive power.
Terrorist organizations do not always seek a direct military victory; their goal may be to create societal shock, instill fear, undermine confidence, and produce division and confusion within the community.
Therefore, thwarting terrorism’s objectives is not achieved solely by arresting perpetrators and pursuing cells, but also by demonstrating societal cohesion, strengthening trust between citizens and state institutions, and rejecting hate speech, treason and division.
The Jordanian citizen is a partner in protecting national security, through his awareness and responsibility, his adherence to the law, and his refusal to be swayed by rumors and disinformation that hostile actors may exploit to undermine the nation’s stability.
Here the particularity of the Jordanian experience becomes evident; the cohesion among leadership, the people, the army and security agencies has, over decades, formed one of the state’s main sources of strength and its ability to overcome crises.
The turbulent region and the responsibility to protect national sovereignty
Jordanian security cannot be separated from the geopolitical developments in the region; Jordan is situated in a regional environment where military and security conflicts intersect, and their repercussions affect border security as well as economic and social stability.
The continuation of conflicts, and the resulting proliferation of weapons, activity of armed groups, and the growth of organized crime and smuggling networks, compel Jordan to maintain the highest levels of readiness and preparedness.
Consequently, Jordan’s stance of not allowing Jordanian territory to be used as a platform for attacks on any state, or turning the kingdom into a theater for settling regional scores, represents a sovereign and strategic choice that protects national interests and preserves Jordan’s independent decision‑making.
Cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries in the field of counter‑terrorism and the exchange of information and security expertise is a necessity to confront threats that no single state can contain on its own.
In this framework, safeguarding national sovereignty must remain an absolute priority, and security policy should be based on a precise assessment of risks, military readiness, and an independent national decision.
Martyrs of Karak... a national memory and a doctrine of sacrifice
The King’s evocation of the blood of the Karak martyrs in the royal speech is not merely a remembrance of a painful occasion; it affirms that the sacrifices of Jordanians for the homeland constitute part of the national memory and the state’s doctrine in confronting terrorism.
The martyrs who gave their lives defending Jordan embody the epitome of loyalty, sacrifice and belonging, and they confirm that the nation’s security is not a slogan but a responsibility borne by the men of the armed forces and security agencies with honor and competence.
From a military responsibility standpoint, honoring the martyrs requires continuing to develop the capabilities of the institutions they defended, enhancing their readiness, providing everything necessary for their members to fulfill their duties, alongside cementing a national culture that values sacrifice and preserves the status of the martyrs and their families.
Royal Speech... a national doctrine that transcends the moment
What distinguishes King Abdullah II’s speech is that it did not treat terrorism as a fleeting security incident, but placed it within a broader context linked to the state’s security, sovereignty and the unity of its people, and to Jordan’s ability to face regional and international challenges.
Linking security to political and economic stability, as well as water security and the protection of national resources, reflects a comprehensive understanding of national security. Military security is inseparable from economic, water, food, and social security, all of which constitute elements of the state's comprehensive security system.
At this stage, Jordan needs to continue developing its security and defense strategy, enhancing its proactive capabilities, intellectually fortifying its society, and maintaining the efficiency of its institutions, while cementing the rule of law as the foundation of stability and trust between the state and the citizen.
The most important message to be drawn from the Speech from the Throne is that Jordan's strength lies not only in its ability to confront danger but in its ability to prevent danger from turning into a threat, as well as in the immunity of its institutions, the cohesion of its people, and the steadfastness of its national doctrine.
In conclusion, Jordan has never been a state that seeks war or confrontation, but it is a state that knows the value of its security, is adept at assessing risks, and possesses a professional Arab Army, competent security services, wise leadership, and a people who rally around their homeland.
The Arab Army and the security services will remain the nation's shield and its impenetrable fence, national unity will remain the first line of strategic defense, and Jordan, under its Hashemite leadership, will remain defiant against terrorism, extremism, and all attempts to undermine its security and stability.
May God protect Jordan, protect His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, safeguard our Arab Army and security services, and have mercy on the nation's martyrs who wrote with their blood pages of pride and dignity.
