Current, Former State Leaders Admire Jordan's Fight Against ISIS

DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado and the country of Jordan have close military and political ties, and tensions are high in the Middle Eastern country right now.

Jordan is an Arab country strategically, or perhaps unfortunately, situated on the borders of Iraq and Syria. The ISIS terrorists are claiming an American hostage was killed by Jordanian airstrikes, which have stepped up in recent weeks.

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Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens told CBS4 in the conflict they are currently embroiled in Jordan is putting its armed forces where its beliefs are.

Owens has traveled to Jordan and met with the king of that nation.

"I do admire King Abdullah and the kingdom of Jordan for what it's doing in the Middle East. It's an Arab country but it's moderate and it hates ISIS," Owens said.

The Jordanian military have been partners with the Colorado National Guard for more than a decade.

Colorado troops go to Jordan and advise on training. Likewise, leaders of Jordan's military have been in Colorado speaking at the governor's mansion about their goal in fighting ISIS.

Adjutant General for Colorado Major General Mike Edwards is head of the Colorado National Guard and has nothing but good things to say about Jordan and its intentions.

"We are blessed as Coloradans to be so closely associated with Jordan. I will tell you the people of Jordan are so warm and hospitable. You could not ask for a better partnership or friends. They are almost like family to us," he said.