Jordan on the Terror Trail

By Matt Rees

Some of the strongest support for the U.S. effort against al-Qaeda has come from a surprising quarter: Jordan. Senior Jordanian officials tell TIME that in the past few months their country's intelligence has thwarted at least two attacks tied to Osama bin Laden's terrorist network. A few days before Sept. 11, an intercepted phone call in which a bin Laden lieutenant mentioned a "big wedding"--suspected code for a terrorist hit--led to the arrest of three men planning to bomb two resort hotels in Jordan. Last month agents uncovered another plot, this one to blow up the U.S., British and Jordanian embassies in Beirut.

As early as 10 years ago, King Hussein warned allies of bin Laden's burgeoning network, according to a former aide. Since assuming the throne in 1999, Hussein's son King Abdullah has increased ties with the CIA. "That's one of the best intelligence-sharing relationships we have," says a U.S. official. Though U.S. intelligence officials wouldn't confirm Jordan's infiltration of al-Qaeda, a Jordanian says, "For the CIA, it's hard to penetrate because of culture. We have better access."

Still, Abdullah's firm grip on extremists may be wearing thin for some constituents. Many Jordanians object to his bans on gatherings of 10 or more people without permission and on unlicensed sermons in mosques. But Abdullah's tough line on terror may have one immediate benefit: Jordanian officials expect the U.S. to boost significantly last year's $543 million aid package.

--By Matt Rees