Friday, July 10, 2015

Tunisia at a tip-point---go the way of so many other M.E countries, or find a new pathway.

I feel for Tunisia. It was a beacon for other countries in the region. Sure, it is not perfect as a modern democracy, but who the hell is? It had a Government that was supported by a significant proportion of the population and it was making progress towards being an 'inclusive democracy.' The path towards the latter goal has been fraught with pitfalls, but there was light at the end of the tunnel. The recent events on the shores of the Mediterranean, have thrown this all into a dangerous direction. Tunisia needs tourism and without it, many will suffer. That is when those more extreme elements of the political/religious spectrum attempt to impose their dogma, all the progress made re political freedom are put at risk. If Tunisia loses this battle, then the region as a whole is even more at risk of falling under the sway of groups like ISIS. The whole world is watching, but that is all! Supporting Tunisia on Tunisia's terms would be a 'good move.'