With all that’s happened lately in the Middle East, we just wanted everyone to know that we are alright. To get a feel for what we are looking at in terms of safety, please read the following evaluation from our management team, dated March 26th.
I feel it is necessary to update you all on the current security and safety situation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The timing of this assessment is based on the fact that demonstrations yesterday, 3/25, in Amman turned a bit violent between pro-government and anti-government protesters. The Jordanian police had to intervene to quell the violence, and the particular area where the demonstrations occurred has been cleared out. The following assessment is based on Western news reports, the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Amman, and most importantly, a lengthy conversation with the four Jordan volunteers today on Skype.
I have reached the following conclusion, and this is shared fully by the four volunteers: The situation in Jordan remains stable enough for the volunteers to continue their current service in Jordan with a strong feeling of safety (overall).
- All of the above being said, we are all monitoring the situation very closely, and remain in continual contact with the volunteers related to the security situation in Jordan.
- The above conclusion does not imply that we do not have concern, or that in any way, shape, or form the situation is being taken lightly.
We reached the above conclusion based on the following information and assessment:
- Demonstrations have been occurring on a weekly basis and for the most part, they have been confined and controlled.
- These demonstrations typically are not real large and are numbered from 1,000 to 2,000 protesters, including the one that turned into some clashes yesterday.
- The locations are fairly well-known, and somewhat consistent, so it is possible to avoid problem areas.
- The larger and more vocal demonstrations typically occur on Fridays, so the day of the week to be extra vigilant is known.
- Jordan has a history of demonstration long before 2011, so they are not out of the norm, and it is reasonable to conclude that on occasion a demonstration may turn a bit violent as emotions escalate.
- The Department of state for the U.S. has no travel warnings for U.S. citizens, which assumes that the country is still safe for U.S. citizens.
- We will continue to monitor this, and if one is issued, we will inform everyone of this.
- The US Embassy in Amman monitors the situation closely and Warden Reports come out on a weekly basis.
- The Warden Report from yesterday, 5/25, was the following: "Violent demonstrations occurred today at Jamal Abdel Nasser Square, north of the Fourth Circle in Amman near the Marriott and Meridian hotels. An increased security presence is in the area and the square is closed to traffic. One Jordanian citizen reportedly died during the demonstration. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to continue to avoid this area. Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Jordan from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should review their personal plans, stay current with media coverage of local events, and be aware of their surroundings at all times."
- The volunteers are registered at the US Embassy, and receive reports (Stella reported on this today).
- The US Embassy in Amman is not advising any US citizens to leave the country -- If this changes, we will advise everyone of this and will evaluate it seriously.
- The focus of the demonstrations is not and has not been directed at foreigners or Westerners.
- The protesters are a loose conglomeration of leftists, communists, Islamists, and other private citizens.
- Their list of grievances include a desire for the Monarchy to become Constitutional in practice, a desire for a more open governance and for reform in this area, and a call for less intrusion by the internal security apparatus.
- The list of grievances is and has not been directed at foreigners.
- The sense we have is that the government will work to insure that demonstrations do not get out of hand, and that the Monarchy continues to enjoy the support of not only the Military, but a broad swath of the population.
- I spoke to a close friend of Palestinian origin living in Jordan this past Sunday, and he says that the public believes that things will remain stable in Jordan and that the public in general does not want things to spiral into chaos (this individual has a wide variety of people with whom he discusses these items, including Palestinians, Jordanians, former government officials, business people, etc.).
- We have a very strong support network in Jordan, including our sponsor Princess Sarvath Al Hassan and the team she works with to support the volunteers.
- If any of our support network has deep concerns, I will be the first one they contact to address the situation.
- As it stands now, they feel the situation remains stable enough for our volunteers to continue their service in a productive and safe manner.
- Finally, the volunteers report that they feel safe and that they are treated no differently now than when they first arrived.
- We have had discussions on the most practical approaches to safety, including activity on Fridays and a vigilance to keep up on things and avoid areas of demonstrations (per the Embassy advice).
- We also all well-acknowledge the importance and preeminence of God's protection, and understand that not only those on this copy list, but many others are praying for the safety for the volunteers as we always have, even in times less stressful.
Thank you all for your concern and prayers during these uncertain times.
