Protests are planned in several Jordanian cities for Sept. 30 after the country recently finalized a $10 billion deal with the energy firms Noble and Delek for the delivery of Israeli natural gas, according to reporting by Al Ghad and news circulating on Twitter. Word of the planned protests follows similar demonstrations on Sept. 28 at the University of Jordan, the latest in a series of protests in the country against the deal over the past few years. Jordanian authorities are likely relieved to have finalized the agreement when they did. Following recent parliamentary elections, the Islamic Action Front – which has been particularly vocal in in opposing the deal – is now back in government after a seven year hiatus. Jordan's National Electric Power Company has said the agreement will save Jordan $600 million annually, and the majority of citizens seem to view the deal as necessary to keeping Jordan's energy needs met. Still, with government authorities closely monitoring hints of instability throughout the country, the scheduled protests should be closely monitored.
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