If Iraq Asks, Jordan May Send Troops

Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Thursday that his country would be willing to send troops to Iraq, potentially becoming the first Arab state to do so.

The statement marked a major shift in Jordan’s policy toward Iraq.

In an interview on BBC’s “Newsnight” program, Abdullah said he wanted to support Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s interim government, which has assumed control from the U.S.-led coalition.

“I presume that if the Iraqis ask us for help directly, it would be very difficult for us to say no,” he said during the interview in London. “Our message to the president or the prime minister is: ‘Tell us what you want. Tell us how we can help, and you have 110% support from us.’ ”

There was no immediate reaction to Abdullah’s comments, which probably will be welcomed by the U.S. government. It was unclear whether the Iraqis would take Abdullah up on his offer.

Abdullah said he had not discussed troops with the new Iraqi government.

“I would feel that we are not the right people,” he said. “But at the end of the day, if there is something we can provide, a service to the future of Iraqis, then we’ll definitely study that proposal.”

Abdullah said he was encouraged by improvements in Iraq’s security, but he acknowledged that it was still the greatest problem facing the new administration. Jordan is dependent on Iraqi oil.