Of course this could just be a ploy (aka protectionism) to bolster profits of U.S. and U.K. airlines trying to compete with the likes of Emirates. Etihad Airways, and Turkish Air among others?

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from the article: "Under the restrictions, travelers to the United States from 10 mostly Middle Eastern airports will be required to put all personal electronic devices larger than a cellphone or smartphone in their checked baggage. U.S. airlines are not affected by the ban because none offer direct U.S.-bound flights from the affected airports."