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Tunisia - 12:00am


Historical Background:
Tunisia is officially a constitutional republic with an independent legislature and court system. Under the Tunisian constitution, the President serves as Chief of State and the Prime Minister is head of the Government.  Since 1987, Tunisia has been ruled by authoritarian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.  Ben Ali ruled under a constant state of emergency, allowing him to use the Tunisian military and police at his discretion. Ben Ali's presidency has been marred with allegations of widespread corruption, voter fraud, and general abuse of the office. Tunisia is a member of the Arab League and African Union, and obtained a EU Association Agreement in 1998.  Tunisia is considered among the most advanced of the Arab countries, with a high average income, diverse economy, and high Human Development Index. 

Recent Events:
On December 17, 2010 Tunisian recently unemployed street vendor Mohammed Bouazizi set himself on fire, sparking protests that would last for a month. The protests focused on unemployment, high food prices, and presidential corruption. The core demographics of the protesters were initially the young and unemployed, but would grow to include professors, lawyers, and labor unions.  President Ben Ali attempted to make concessions, including vowing to retire at the end of his term in 2014, but on January 14, 2011 he dissolved the government and fled Tunisia. 

Looking Forward:
Although the protesters have succeeded in ousting President Ben Ali, Tunisia remains in a minor state of chaos. Ben Ali's appointed successor, Mohamed Ghannouchi, recently resigned as leader of the Unity Government, now in charge of running the country. Protests continue, however, as Ben Ali's former RCD party continues to dominate the government.

M.Co: "Only time will tell where Tunisia heads from here. Like elsewhere in the region, primary goals for protesters are uniform and powerful, but deeper than that there is much indecision. With the explosive and exciting toppling of Ben Ali, international eyes will turn to other action in the region, but Tunisia's story is fall from over. Protesters will write the next chapter in Tunisia's history, if they are not satisfied soon, expect a major clash with police forces as the new government attempts to bring order."

Recent Posts:
3/1/2011 - More Tunisian Ministers Resign After Protests