In the Middle East, there is no pause between Christmas and New Year’s, as is standard in much of Europe and North America. Not only is it business as usual, we can expect a heightened flurry of action in the final weeks leading up to the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump.

The Trump Effect, in this region, is very real. And there are three key issues to watch as various interests make moves in this “lame duck” period of President Joe Biden’s administration to enhance their interests.