In the midst of keeping up with all the Daesh (ISIS) attacks, it’s easy to look over the positive patterns — for one, the states left untouched.
A Twitter user uploaded this map that showed attacks made by in the Middle East, and some countries stand out from the rest.
It might be hard to see, but Jordan and Iran are two of the only countries that haven’t been affected despite being surrounded by targeted countries. It’s a relief to residents in light of reports that say Jordan on Monday foiled a terror plot; its track record so far seems to overcome all odds.
Jordan sits in the middle of Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Egypt yet remains in the clear. Iran also stays safe regardless of instability in neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jordan has often been hailed as an exception in the region when it comes to security. King Abdullah self-describes the country as an “oasis of peace,” despite its involvement in US-led coalition airstrikes in Syria since February.
Iran’s defense budget was estimated at $17.7 billion in 2013, according to the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation. That, along with its strong ties to Russia, make Iran a global contender in defense against extremists.