Arab Nations Downplay US Alliance in ISIS Attacks
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The Arab nations that took part in the U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State targets inside Syria made it a point Tuesday to downplay any direct association with President Obama’s efforts to destroy the Sunni Muslim extremist group.
There are concerns by Arab leaders that allying their countries closely with the U.S. could result in ISIS attacks against their own interests or stir up Islamic militants already operating within their borders.
For instance, Jordan said its reasons for conducting air strikes had to do with its own self-defense and failed to mention its partnership with the U.S. or that ISIS was specifically targeted.
The United Arab Emirates said in a statement that military operations conducted in Syria were “carried out in cooperation with the forces participating as part of the international effort.”
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s state news agency quoted an air force official as saying its participation was “in cooperation with the air forces of brotherly [Persian Gulf] states and forces of our allies.”
As understated as those comments were, neither Saudi Arabia nor Qatar issued an immediate comment about strikes against ISIS targets inside Syria.
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