Twenty-two people were killed in a gun attack on the Bardo
Museum in the Tunisian capital. Of the people killed were Italian, Spanish,
Polish, and German citizens, a Tunisian police officer, and two gunmen. Other
reports suggest up to 50 could have been hurt. At the time of the attack,
deputies in the parliamentary building nearby were discussing anti-terrorism
legislation, which was evacuated during the standoff. Mr. Essid said that “it
is a critical moment in our history, and a defining moment in our future.” He
also stated that the two terrorists that were killed could have been assisted
by two or three others. One of the museum employees said that the attackers
opened fire on the tourists as they were getting off the buses. According to an
eyewitness, there were helicopters flying overhead and tanks rolling in. The
Bardo national museum is Tunisia’s largest museum, holds one of the largest
collections of Roman mosaics, and some items are more than 40,000 years old,
with a new wing that was added in 2009 which doubled its size.
The attack on the Bardo Museum is a setback to Tunisia’s
efforts to revive tourism, however it is not surprising. Ever since the
overthrowing of its president in 2011, Tunisia has struggled with violence by
Islamic extremists as they have tried to thwart the transition to democracy. In
the article it states that tourism is a key sector of Tunisia’s economy, so the
attack may have took a blow to their economy. Libya is a major source of
concern for Tunisia because of all the violence that has been taking place
there. Also stated in the article, a large number of Tunisians have left to
join the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, which has triggered worries that
returning militants could carry out attacks at home. With that being said, an
increase in Tunisian security would be a smart move.
Bethany Shaffer
3/18/2015
4:23 p.m.
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