Here is an
article in German Spiegel magazine that might be of interest, as it shows a bit of what IS was after with this abominable act.
Summary:
The murder of Lt Kasasbeh threatens to widen fractures within Jordanian society. Their governments policy of fighting the IS is polarizing the country; many citizens do not understand why Jordan fights IS, but not the forces of al-Assad, who is just as guilty of murdering innocent civilians.
There are groups sympathizing with IS within Jordan who are getting increasingly angry with the government. Last year, there have been small scale demonstration in support of IS in the unemployment-riddled South of the country that often feels neglected by Amman. It is feared that sympathizers might attack targets in Jordan instead of travelling to Syria or Iraq.
The civil wars in neighbouring Iraq and Syria exert much pressure on small Jordan. With its nearly 7 million citizens, it has given shelter to about 800.000 refugees. This number is rumoured to increase to above a million until end of 2015. Many Jordanians are unhappy about this, as the refugees are seen to take up their jobs and drive housing rents up.
Highly unusually, public criticism of King Abdullah II was heard in recent weeks. The influential family of recently murdered Lt al-Kasaesbeh staged protests even while official negotiations between Jordan and IS on his release and exchange against imprisoned terrorists were ongoing.
The al-Kasaesbeh tribe is of some influence in Jordans south. They are allied with the government and help it keep this part of the country under control. Rumors say that the king had learned about the murder way before the family was informed.
The tribe is highly upset and demands decisive action from the government including massive attacks against IS.
The king is forced to react and tries to show strength. Two condemned terrorists have been hanged after the video had been published: 44year old Sadschida al-Rischawi and Ziad al-Karbouli. The long-term effects of these executions are doubtful and possibly result in deeper polarization of the country.
So Jordans actions could be construed as a success for IS: The terror organisation can now claim the two executed islamists as martyrs for their cause.
IS is ruthless and a disgrace to every other human being. But one thing they are not: stupid. Burning out this cancer of the earth is necessary; however, this needs to be well planned and not based on knee-jerk reactions.