US embassy cable - 05AMMAN9511

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 009511 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2015 
TAGS: KISL, PREL, PGOV, PTER, JO 
SUBJECT: AWQAF MINISTER WELCOMES DIALOGUE, BUT REJECTS 
EXTREMISM 
 
REF: A. AMMAN 9391 
     B. 04 AMMAN 9152 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR DAVID HALE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b and d) 
 
1. (U) Summary. Jordan's new Minister of Awqaf and Islamic 
Affairs Abdul Fattah Salah told Ambassador about his plans to 
promote the "Amman Message" - a statement issued in November 
2004 promoting moderate Islam and coexistence - and to combat 
vigorously extremist takfiri ideology.  End Summary. 
 
2. (C) Salah told Ambassador in a December 7 meeting that his 
ministry is drawing up a comprehensive strategy, based on the 
principles of the "Amman Message" (ref B), to promote 
moderation and tolerance in Jordan.  The plan calls for 
increased contact between the ministry and imams, including 
periodic meetings to address concerns over sermon content. 
These meetings will give an opportunity for the imams to hear 
examples of positive sermons that stay "on message".  The 
ministry will publish a book that includes an assortment of 
"good sermons", and a biweekly pamphlet - that includes 
"suggestions" for sermon topics - will be made available for 
imams to reference prior to Friday prayers.  Salah further 
hopes to organize training programs for imams both in Jordan 
and outside the country. 
 
3. (C) Salah continued that his ministry will encourage 
dialogue in the Shari'a colleges and amongst imams in Jordan. 
 He plans to allow discussion of dissenting opinions, rather 
than forcing imams to bury their personal views, in the 
belief that rationality will win over extremism in such an 
environment.  Though the imams will have freedom to discuss 
their views, they will be responsible for their remarks, 
Salah stressed.  Those that reject the guidance and 
principles of the "Amman Message" and espouse extremism or 
condone terrorism will "be hit with an iron fist".  Salah 
clarified his understanding of the difference between 
Salafists and Takfiris, saying that Salafists, while 
conservative, are mainstream.  Takfiris, on the other hand, 
are extremist "half-wits".  Salah said that the challenge for 
his ministry is to remain close to the Salafists, in order to 
keep them from becoming Takfiris.  He lauded U.S. assistance 
in the form of International Visitor programs, citing the 
experience of some Salafists that went to the U.S. and came 
back with a more moderate view. 
 
4. (C) Comment. Salah's strategy largely echoes the remarks 
of the King (ref A), and represents a shift in the ministry's 
tactics to deal with takfiri extremism.  (Salah's predecessor 
was sacked because of the palace's perception that he was 
overly sympathetic to extremists.)  While committing to 
uphold human rights, the King has emphasized that Jordan 
cannot afford to be soft on extremist ideology.  While those 
who support terrorism and extremism through rhetoric will not 
be jailed, they will be heavily fined.  Salah is determined 
to take an equally hard line.  In an Associated Press article 
published December 7, Salah was quoted as saying, "We will 
not tolerate anybody to declare himself a religious figure, 
issue fatwas (religious edicts) and pronounce others as 
infidels.  Violators will be referred to justice."  End 
Comment. 
 
Please visit Embassy Amman's classified web site at 
http://www.state.sgov/p/nea/amman/ or access the site through 
the Department of State's SIPRNET home page. 
HALE