Jordan could be the ISIL’s next target

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS), buoyed by its recent successes in Iraq, wants to expand its regional reach. Reports that Iraq has withdrawn forces from western towns close to its 180-kilometer border with Jordan have left Amman feeling vulnerable, and the Hashemite kingdom, certainly a target of interest for the jihadist movement, has deployed additional security personnel along the border.

Taking on Jordan would be tough for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, however. The group has the ability to stage terrorist attacks in the country, but significant constraints will prevent it from operating on the levels seen in Iraq and Syria.