Tunisia has been
writing a post-revolutionary Constitution ever since it deposed Zine el-Abidine
Ben Ali two years ago. Many people believe that this moderate Islamist-led
state could transition into democracy. Recent violent events may make democracy
unobtainable, however. These incidents have increased tension between the
moderate Islamic government and liberal secularist opposition parties over the
country’s role and what to do with extremists. Tunisia’s future is based upon
the determination of this tension and the debate of democracy’s co-existence
with Islam. Constitutional assembly elections occurred last year in which the
moderate Islamist party, Ennahda, won. It has promised to respect liberal
democratic values and not to enforce a severe Muslim moral code.
If Ennahda
upholds its promise to respect liberal democratic values, then Tunisia will be
a prime example of democracy working cooperatively with Islam. This may also
help the sentiment toward the wars in the Middle East. While many people may
not know why their countries are still fighting in their countries’ respective
wars, this may be just what the world needs: hope. Not only does it provide
hope, but it provides a feeling of accomplishment for those countries that are
trying to establish democracies in the Middle East. Maybe other countries
around Tunisia will follow its example and transition to a democratic
government along with them. Even if Tunisia is the only country that
transitions, it’s a win for democracy everywhere. However, if Ennahda backs out
from its promise, it will be a terrible loss for countries that are fighting so
hard for democracy.
"Tunisia's Challenges"
No comments:
Post a Comment