October 02, 2017

Tunisia Passes Controversial Law, Undermining Democratic Transition

Tunisia’s parliament recently passed a controversial law effectively granting amnesty to public officials involved in corruption under the Bourguiba and Ben Ali dictatorships from 1955 through 2010. The law thus ensures impunity for the very system of government corruption that the Tunisian people sought to upend in their revolution of 2010 to 2011.

As a relatively stable, democratic country in a tumultuous region, Tunisia is critical to the United States’ efforts in North Africa to counter ISIS, reduce drug smuggling and address migrant issues. A successful and peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia would serve as a model not just in the Arab world, but for any country emerging from dictatorship. Yet many ordinary Tunisians are losing faith that the revolution can deliver on its promises of economic justice. Some Tunisians voice a reluctant nostalgia for the Ben Ali regime–mainly in response to the ailing economy and a sense of greater insecurity due to the terrorist threat.

Read the full op-ed in Lawfare.

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Policy
    • March 25, 2025
    U.S. Airstrikes Alone Can’t Dislodge the Houthis

    But any resolution to the Houthis, as tangled as they are in wider regional and global problems, needs a local solution....

    By Eitan Danon

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Policy
    • March 12, 2025
    Don’t Trust Russia to Mediate the Iran Nuclear Deal

    Preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon is of critical importance to U.S. security and the security of Israel and partners throughout the Middle East....

    By Jonathan Lord

  • Podcast
    • March 4, 2025
    Iraq’s Population Grows to 46 Million People Following Nationwide Census

    Iraq’s population now stands at 46 million people following a nationwide census that was held in November of 2024. The census, the first in 40 years, has been billed as a succ...

    By Hamzeh Hadad

  • Commentary
    • The National Interest
    • February 16, 2025
    Gaza After Hamas

    To permanently remove Hamas from power, the United States must work alongside its Arab and Israeli partners to support the PA’s return to Gaza....

    By Delaney Soliday

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia