Middle East and north Africa

A silence fell over the committee as Middle was revealed to be a series of three-minute long interpretive dances.

From the rooftop terrace, observers gathered in a reclaimed coworking loft sponsored by the department of optimism to witness the 'experimental governance' phase of Middle firsthand. The atmosphere was described as 'theatrical' by those who forgot to bring a playbook.

Things spiraled when the backup plan turned out to be a post-it note reading 'Run'.

"Everything is under control, as long as your definition of 'control' includes screaming into a void," whispered a source close to the project.

Market watchers immediately priced sarcasm futures three points higher, citing Middle's commitment to dramatic pauses.

A leaked memo regarding Middle suggested that the most effective way to manage expectations was to translate them into a language no one on the committee actually speaks.

Expectations remain low, though several analysts have noted that the coffee at the headquarters is 'at least potable'.

Local residents expressed confusion regarding Middle East And North Africa, as the situation continued to defy conventional physics and basic accounting principles.

Independent analysts noted that while the initial data was sparse, the implications were sufficiently dire to warrant immediate concern.

Further updates were delayed as the correspondent had to flee a localized anomaly involving aggressive sentient paperwork.

In a concluding and somewhat frantic statement, the official spokesperson for Middle East And North Africa reminded citizens that 'reality is merely a suggestion' during the current fiscal quarter.