Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to significantly increase military and other assistance to Jordan.

The administration of President Barack Obama has released a proposed foreign aid budget that would grant $1 billion to the Hashemite kingdom in fiscal 2015. This marked a more than 50 percent increase in U.S. aid to Jordan, now set at $660 million. Jordan has been a leading base in the U.S.-led war against Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

“The United States recognizes Jordan’s increased immediate needs resulting from regional unrest, the efforts Jordan is undertaking at the forefront of the fight against ISIL and other extremist ideology and terrorism, the influx of refugees from Syria and Iraq, the disruption of foreign energy supplies, and other unprecedented strains,” the State Department said.

The State Department said Jordan would receive $1 billion per year starting in fiscal 2015 through 2017. The department did not break down the proposed assistance in civilian and military aid.

Over the last few years, Jordan has received up to $400 million in U.S. military aid. Amman has used the assistance to modernize its military, articularly in acquiring more than 50 F-16 multi-role fighters from U.S. and other NATO surplus.

“The increase for the period of FY 2015 to FY 2017 is designed to address Jordan’s short-term, extraordinary needs, including those related to regional instability and rising energy costs,” the State Department said.

Congress has sought to accelerate U.S. military aid to Jordan. Two senior members met Jordan’s King Abdullah in Washington on Feb. 2 and pledged to support new weapons requests by Amman.

“It takes way too long,” House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry said.

  U.S. plans sharp increase in military aid to Jordan for war on ISIL, WorldTribune.com