Jordan bombings

When I heard of yesterday's bombings in Jordan one of my first thoughts was to recall this article:

"If [Zarqawi] came back, I would welcome him," said Jihad Sa'id, 36, at the local store. "I don't think a single person in Zarqa would turn their face away. The Arabs are worn down, beaten almost. They will support whoever defends them, like Osama bin Laden previously, and now Abu Musab."

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Firas Ali, a grocer, was skeptical. Zarqawi was a resistance fighter who defended Muslims, but not a major player in Iraq, let alone in a global jihad, he said.

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"No one thinks he's a terrorist, like they say on television. When Americans blow places up, saying they are looking for him, we know these are all excuses and that he's not behind every bombing. They've built him up into something superhuman."

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Salem Khalayleh, 44, spoke fondly of his first cousin.

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"I love him," he said. "I respect and have esteem for him. I can't say any more than this. He had a strong personality, and he was always outspoken and had the courage of his convictions."

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When asked whether he approved of the beheadings of hostages, he replied: "They're just kidnapping a few people to tell them to leave their land. Why don't you ask the Americans if it's right to bomb people who don't even have anti-aircraft guns to defend themselves?"

While I'm sorry the attacks occurred, I suppose if they were inevitable that it's a good thing they happened in Jordan. I guess it's easy to support terrorists when they are off killing people in other countries. Seems the Jordanians are reaping what they sewed. While the country is billed as a moderate Arab country I don't buy it. In addition to this praise of their homeboy the Z-Man, Jordanians also cheered during the US-led invasion of Iraq when US prisoners were shown on TV. They looked glum when the statue of Saddam was toppled at Firdos square. Saddam, you'll recall, has killed more Arabs and Muslims that the US could ever dream of.

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Maybe these bombings will force them to take a look in the mirror.

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Update: Somewhat similar take here.

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More: From the Wall Street Journal.