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ISIS Entices Youth With High Salaries - King Of Jordan

By Sarah Benali of Kitco News
Monday September 22, 2014 3:44 PM

New York City (Kitco News) - Making youth a priority and ensuring their future is the key to settling the unrest in the Middle East, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein told former President Bill Clinton Monday afternoon.

Speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting in New York City, Abdullah told Clinton that this was no longer a fight contained solely in the Middle East but rather a global issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Alluding to the negative headlines coming from the region, Clinton asked Abdullah what could be a positive aspect in Jordan.

In a discussion with former President Bill Clinton (left), the King of Jordan Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein said that the key to fighting the global threat of ISIS is to ensure the future of younger generations throughout the Middle East.

"The good story is I think, and challenge at the same time is that 60% of the country is under the age of 30," Abdullah said. "And for a small country like Jordan, that is a positive."

He adds that as discussions continue at the annual meeting among global leaders, it is important to find a comprehensive strategy to tackle extremist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), in order to give the younger generations 'the promise that we do care about their future.'

Abdullah explained that the extremist group ISIS is gaining momentum because of its ability to recruit followers, offering attractive salaries to young people looking to provide for their families.

"As we try to create jobs [for the youth]…ISIS today is providing...$1,000 a month in Saudi, which to people in Jordan is a middle class to higher middle class income," he added.

Chile's stance on the issue was not so far off, with President Michelle Bachelet echoing that it is important for leaders to 'tackle the roots of the structural problems that are producing this conflict.'

She also stressed the importance of political, religious and social inclusion among leaders and global citizens.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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ISIS Entices Youth With High Salaries - King Of Jordan

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