Thursday, November 1, 2012

Blog 10: Tunisia's Challenges


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"

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