Jordan's king says Arab frustration fuels extremism

LONDON (Reuters) - Jordan's King Abdullah said the world must tackle Arab frustration over poverty and perceived injustices in the Israeli-Palestinian and Iraqi conflicts if it is to stem militant violence.

Four bombs exploded in London on Thursday, killing more than 50 people. Three Islamic militant groups claimed responsibility, and while none of the claims have been verified, British officials said the blasts bore the hallmarks of al Qaeda.

"There is tremendous frustration throughout the Middle East over ... the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- that is the first thing that these extremists use to raise the level of tension," Abdullah said in an interview with CNN on Saturday.

"The second one is Iraq, so if we deal with these core issues it does allow us to bring the level of tension down, but at the same time we do have to improve the lives of Arabs."

Abdullah said Thursday's attacks were made all the more painful as they were "carried out in the name of Islam."

"With every terrorist incident there is a fatwa behind it ... these people who have nothing to do with Islam have tried to justify their actions by hiding behind religion," he said.

Why isn't any of the worlds leaders asking King Abdullah for help with terrorism. King Abdullah went to school in England and also trained there will in the military.

Semper Fi

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