Friday, October 11, 2013

blog 5: Tunisia's transition

The article written by The Economist focused on the quickly changing political climate of Tunisia and Egypt.  The article focused on how both Egypt and Tunisia both experienced revolutions, but they had very different outcomes.  Egypt has seen a wave of violence and political turmoil post revolution, whereas Tunisia has seen a relatively peaceful transition for their country.  Tunisia has been lead by a political party named Nahda for several years, which is an Islamist three party coalition.  The country has demanded their stepping down, which they have been surprisingly receptive to.  In addition, the country is looking to rewrite their constitution, as well as reform their voting policies.  The reason Tunisia is suddenly calling for these massive reforms is due to Muhammad Brahmi's murder, who was a left wing member of the constituent assembly.  Tunisia's armed forces while smaller than Egypt's have decided not to step in whereas Egypts quickly stepped in.  The Nahda party plans to hand over power formally when the country drafts a new constitution. 

Egypt and Tunisia while in seemingly similar situations have viewed the way to change in different manors which has lead to one country remaining peaceful and another in utter turmoil.    Egypt seems to be going through several problems one of them being the fact that their military was so quick to express it's power over it's people.  Tunisia is in a unique situation which is being spearheaded by a power majority that recognizes the need for change which is almost unheard of.  Egypt also is under financial crisis which is only adding fuel to the flames that is their possibilities for a peaceful democracy.  Tunisia has also so far avoided a civil war which could have very easily resulted from their revolution due to the fact that their national military is small, but the Nahda party could have gained quick support from fellow Islamic supporters.  overall, Egypt has the possibility of peace but that can not be achieved unless their military relaxes and their majority leadership recognizes it is time for a change.  
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21587843-tunisias-islamists-seem-have-learnt-their-egyptian-peers-debacle-keep
Ryan Clark
10/11/13
10:20

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