ISIS' Decision to Air Burning of Jordanian Pilot 'Completely Backfired,' Says Marine General John Allen

Jordanian Airstrikes against ISIS
Jordanian Airstrikes against ISIS

Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Allen has warned that the United States should take threats from the Islamic State very seriously, but emphasized that the brutal burning death of a Jordanian pilot has backfired on the terrorist group.

"ISIS at an entirely different level [than al Qaeda]. It's better organized, has better situational awareness," Allen told ABC's "This Week." "It has redefined barbarity."

General Allen, who is the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, added that the release of a video showing Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh being burned to death in a cage has prompted forces opposing ISIS, Jordanian King Abdullah in particular, to seek out and destroy the group with greater determination.

"The coalition [against ISIS] is strengthening daily," Allen said, "It will be one of these moments that created a unity of purpose and a unity of effort among the nations [of the world.] King Abdullah has indicated the desire to do more in the aftermath of this horrific killing. He's been a leader in this process...It's a very important moment for our Arab allies in the coalition".

The General said that prior to the video's airing, the United States carried out nearly 80 percent of the airstrikes against ISIS targets. But on Thursday,  Jordan initiated its own wave of airstrikes which continued for three days. According to reports, many of the Jordanian pilots wrote, "ISIS is an enemy of Islam" on their bombs.

The Islamic State, which currently controls about a third of Iraq, will likely continue to work against itself with stunts like airing the video, General Allen asserted. He also said that the group is prompting foreign fighters to join the coalition against them.

"[ISIS] is beginning to eat itself with increasing numbers of reports of ISIL executing foreign fighters who have come from long distances to be part of this," he said.

Last week, the terrorist group claimed that Jordan's recent airstrikes killed the last remaining U.S. hostage in the terrorists' possession, humanitarian aid worker Kayla Mueller. However, Allen said that while the U.S. and Jordan are still investigating, there is little evidence ISIS' claim is valid.

On Thursday, John Boehner, Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said he believed U.S President Obama will soon seek congressional authorization for using increased military force against ISIS, and also called for speeding up assistance to Jordan.

"It is also going to be incumbent upon the president to go out there and make the case to the American people," he said. 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.