The 2005 Amman bombings prove one thing: threat intelligence services with their enhanced security postures and improved operational efficiency have failed to identify, understand, and counter jihadi threats. Hindering their efforts to counter threats involving unknown perpetrators are increasingly sophisticated transnational cells that move undetected across borders. Unknown Iraqi suicide bombers were dispatched to carry out the triple bomb attack in Jordan's capital Amman because of their ability to move unnoticed inside the target country, outwit the omnipresent security services, and succeed where local Jordanian jihadists failed.

The 9 November terror attacks in Jordan were a preview of further instability in the country unless the regime implements an ambitious reform program that addresses the root causes of growing public dissatisfaction.