Nightly update, regional now

Jordan protests: King Abdullah names Marouf Bakhit PM


Mid-East: Will there be a domino effect?
King Abdullah of Jordan has dismissed his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister amid large street protests.

New PM Marouf Bakhit has been charged with carrying out "true political reforms", but the Islamist opposition rejected the appointment.

The protesters had demanded action on unemployment and rising prices and the right to elect the prime minister.

They blamed former PM Samir Rifai for the country's economic problems and had called on him to stand down.

The palace said the king had accepted Mr Rifai's resignation earlier on Tuesday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12336960

Protesters reject Mubarak speech

Protesters have rejected a speech by President Hosni Mubarak in which he said he would not stand for re-election in September, demanding that he step down immediately.

Mr Mubarak has promised to leave at the next polls, and pledged constitutional reform.

Hundreds of thousands had gathered across the country in the biggest rally since protests began last week.

US President Barack Obama said an orderly transition "must begin now".

In a statement after Mr Mubarak's address, Mr Obama said the US would be happy to offer assistance to Egypt during that process.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12342215

Tunisian Islamist leader Rachid Ghannouchi returns home

The leader of Tunisia's main Islamist movement has returned home after 22 years in exile following the ousting of President Ben Ali earlier this month.

Thousands of people went to the airport to welcome Rachid Ghannouchi, 69, as he arrived in Tunis from London.

He has said he will not run in the next presidential poll but his party will contest a parliamentary election.

Observers say his return is the most potent symbol yet of the change that has swept the country since then.

Mr Ghannouchi fled Tunisia after a crackdown President Ben Ali against his banned Ennahda movement

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12318824

Oh and it is spreading to Gaza too...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x342951