Jordanians march to protest against terror attacks

Thousands of flag-waving Jordanians congregated in Amman today in the March of the Nation, a noisy, emphatic demonstration against the deadly terror attacks that struck the kingdom last week.

“Al-Zarqawi, you coward, what brought you here?” shouted the angry crowd in reference to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq terror group that claimed the November 9 triple hotel bombings.

The three suicide bombers killed 59 people in their attacks on hotels in the capital and shocked Jordanians who had prided their country as a safe haven amid the violence of the region.

“Cease, cease, you are a villain!” the throng chanted.

The size of the crowd could not be estimated, but appeared to be much larger than protests last week in the days after the bombings.

Today’s marchers came from across Jordan in a show of solidarity for the demonstration, organised by the Municipality of Amman.

The crowd of mostly men, many wearing Jordan’s distinct red-chequered keffiyeh around their necks, marched from the downtown Al-Husseini mosque following Friday prayers. Soldiers stood watch along the streets as the marchers passed.

Many demonstrators lifted photos of King Abdullah II and carried banners denouncing the attacks in general and al-Zarqawi in particular.

“Al-Zarqawi, you are the enemy of God,” one read.