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.
More from CNAS
-
Sharper: Axis of Upheaval
Commentary
A loose but growing coalition between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea demonstrates that their combined strategic interests have the potential to pose significant economic...
By Anna Pederson
-
The United States Should Not Ignore Kuwait’s Democratic Backslide
Commentary
In May, Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al Sabah, the emir of Kuwait, suspended the country’s National Assembly. This was a striking move against one of the more powerful legislative...
By Aaron Arnett
-
U.S Approves $20 Billion in Arms for Israel
Video
Jonathan Lord joins i24NEWS and Ambassador Danny Ayalon to discuss the US-Israel relationship, the increased U.S. military presence in the region, and President Biden’s succes...
By Jonathan Lord
-
Making an Iranian attack Tehran’s worst option
Commentary
The Supreme Leader will be less likely to launch a major missile attack if he believes the US military will preemptively strike to defang it....
By Jonathan Lord
