Letter to Mahmoud Freihat on his appointment

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

Major General Mahmoud Freihat,
Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

I am delighted to congratulate you on your new post. On this occasion, I would like to express to every member of our Arab Army my sentiments of pride and confidence in them, as they serve in their different posts, with honour, courage and sacrifice.

The Arab Army, which was founded on the principles of the Great Arab Revolt, continues to uphold its great responsibilities on the national, Arab and international levels. It is fighting the battles of the Arab nation and assuming a leading humanitarian role in different parts of the world, protecting global peace and security.

Today, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army faces several challenges resulting from volatile regional circumstances that surround us. But the biggest challenge before us is the war on terror, which requires us all to confront it on various levels.

I have repeatedly said that the war on terror is foremost our war. It is our duty to stand in the face of the khawarej, the outlaws of Islam, who harm our faith and civilisation. They threaten the future of our generations and global peace and security.

These challenges call for a full review of requirements related to modernising and advancing our armed forces, especially in regards to planning, training and arming our troops, in addition to restructuring the Armed Forces General Command to meet new developments and requirements.

Efforts should also be made to ensure that proper mechanisms are established to guarantee the most adequate levels of coordination between all security agencies. Moreover, it is a priority to advance and modernise the capabilities of the Border Guards, who defend our frontlines. These measures will ensure that the Arab Army will maintain, as always, the highest degrees of readiness to meet every challenge with utmost competence and excellence.

Moreover, it is vital to continue boosting the efficiency and morale of the armed forces personnel to maintain the best performance levels. Accordingly, it is important to provide our brave men and women in the Armed Forces with all the support and to improve their living conditions, in recognition of their great sacrifices defending Jordan’s security and stability. These brave men and women are our nation’s resilient shield and they have my full support, trust and pride.

I look forward to receiving your plan of action to swiftly deliver on these goals.

Finally, I would like to express my full trust in your ability to assume these great responsibilities.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein