Discontent in the Middle East

Political and economic turmoil in the Middle East is forcing American businesses to make contingency plans in a time of great uncertainty.

The uprising in Egypt has inspired protests in the Persian Gulf island nation of Bahrain. As Stephen Beard reports, the protests in Bahrain are more political than economic.

From Egypt to Jordan to Yemen, people want democracy in the Middle East. But investors can sometimes punish new democracies for their lack of "stability."

The turmoil in Egypt continues to extend beyond the country's own borders. In Jordan, citizens are protesting President Hosni Mubarak's continuation of power. And that has added more uncertainty to business. Alisa Roth reports from Amman, Jordan.

In countries such as Egypt and Jordan, the poor are locked out and frustrated because a corrupt elite hogs opportunities and assets.

Jordan is one of the most oil-dependent countries in the Middle East. And the unrest in Egypt has many in Jordan worried that their already-expensive energy costs could rise even further. Stephen Beard reports from Amman.

When protests hit one nation, like Egypt, some tourists avoid the whole region. Marketplace's Alisa Roth is in Jordan and she reports that tourism revenues in that country have slumped by a quarter in recent months.

In Jordan, as in Egypt and some other nations in the Middle East, a rich minority hogs the benefits and the poor are often locked out.

The kingdom of Jordan, like Egypt, has seen weeks of protests over corruption and calls for reform. Jordan is a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. Stephen Beard talks the details with Kai Ryssdal.

As protests continue in Egypt, ratings agency Moody's is concerned the turmoil could spread to neighboring countries. Moody's downgraded Jordan's credit outlook to negative today. Alisa Roth reports on the country's upheaval from Amman, Jordan.