Yet, recent events may have unforeseen repercussions: the potential to wrinkle the long, seemingly seamless fabric of U.S.-Israel relations and to cast a shadow on the so-called “special relationship” that is so frequently exalted by Washington and Jerusalem alike.

This political transition in Morocco has led to extensive democratization. Nevertheless, many of the economic conditions that precipitated political unrest in 2011 persist today: GDP growth has not exceeded three percent, one out of every five youth in the country are still unemployed, and social welfare remains poor. Less than six months ago, a Moroccan street vendor Mbarek al-Karassi imitated Bouazizi and set himself on fire, demonstrating that many of the conditions that led to Moroccan reforms could also lead to the unraveling of its government.  

Jordan has long been a bastion of stability amidst the geopolitical tempests that rage throughout the rest of the Middle East. But, with the immolation of Muath, this small Arab kingdom has now been thrust into the spotlight. Amidst these recent torrents, the response from the Jordanian public has been swift, resolute and overwhelmingly unified. 

The past six months have been quite remarkable for consumers of gas and oil. Gas prices in some U.S. states are falling below two dollars per gallon for the first time in half a decade and families are finally receiving some financial relief at the pumps. What is the impetus for this drop? Shale oil production.