article reflection
Jackson Diehl, deputy editorial page editor of The Washington Post specializing in foreign affairs within his article “Tunisia boldly embraces democracy” (2014) questions the outcomes of the Sunday election in Tunisia whether they can transform this country into the first Arab democracy by the end of this year. The provided interviews with Tunisian politicians and economists on the economic background and political twists and turns in Tunisia give a clear image of this country as though of the turbulent standing on the international arena and within bilateral relations with United States.
Firstly, Diehl points out that Tunisia is in the deep economic crisis caused by globalization and “Arab spring” (2014). This country has a stifling state bureaucracy, a poor education system and a generation of youth unable to find work. Nevertheless, in January Tunisia adopted a progressive constitution balancing power between the parliament and the president, which can be promising for the future reforms. Furthermore, the given political underhand dealing before and after the elections in Tunisia signals about the idea to protect democracy and get rid of the legacy of the dictatorship, which happens to be a good start for a coalition government.
Secondly, Jackson Diehl tries to compare political status of Tunisia and Egypt; and asks the question about which country the United States are going to bank on in the next few years. Although, author touches upon the dubious problem of terrorism in Tunisia, since 3,000 Tunisians are believed to have traveled to Syria or Iraq to join the Islamic State or al-Qaeda affiliates (2014).
In conclusion, it is sufficient to say that Tunisia, due to the Sunday elections, is on its way to recover from turbulent social difficulties, economic recession and political ambiguity. As long as Rachid Ghannouchi and his followers within the dialog with Islamist Ennahda party translates his promising strategy of the state development into specific actions, Tunisia will manage to find its way out.
References
Diehl, Jackson. Tunisia boldly embraces democracy The Washington post. 26 Oct. 2014 Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jackson-diehl-tunisia-boldly-embraces-democracy/2014/10/26/8d86b19a-5adc-11e4-b812-38518ae74c67_story.html.
