Jordan reacts

Civilized people everywhere were shocked and disgusted when ISIS released a video of the immolation of captured Jordanian pilot First Lt. Moaz al-Kasasbeh. The gruesome video has resulted in outrage across the Middle East, and many wondered if this terrible act would bring about more than words from the nations of the region.

If ISIS was trying to ignite a reaction, they may have picked the wrong country to target. Jordan's military budget is $1.5 billion, supporting a military that includes more than 1,300 tanks and 250 aircraft. Jordan has, with U.S. assistance, also built an unmatched special operations force. Opened in 2009, the King Abdullah Special Operations Center has mock towns and aircraft used to train special operations forces from around the world in counterterrorism missions, including hijackings and hostage rescue. Backing up Jordan's special operations forces is a strong conventional force prepared for war.

Jordan's King Abdullah II issued a statement that said, "The blood of martyr [Moaz al-Kasasbeh] will not be in vain and the response of Jordan and its army after what happened to our dear son will be severe." He promised that Jordan's reaction "will be harsh because this terrorist organization is not only fighting us, but also fighting Islam and its pure values." The immediate Jordanian reaction was to execute two al-Qaida prisoners and to launch 56 airstrikes against ISIS over three days. A flight of returning aircraft passed over the slain pilots parents' house as the King was making a condolence visit.

Some experts have theorized that the intent of ISIS was to stir Jordan's population into unrest as Jordan participates in the West's "war against Islam." They also feel that the immolation of the pilot went too far, and instead it fused the Jordanians in their desire to destroy ISIS.

Jordan has had friendly military and diplomatic relations with the U.S. for decades, and this incident has caused members of Congress to call for even more aid and assistance to Jordan. Only time will tell if this incident will lead to other Arab nations' increased military action and the decimation of ISIS.

Jack Dragoni attended Boston College and served in the U.S. Army in Berlin and Vietnam. He resides in Chaffee, Missouri.