Tunisia: What is in store for the future of Islam in politics?

Summary of some basic facts about Tunisia not included in my last post:
Capital: Tunis
Population: 10,432,500
Neighboring countries: Algeria, Libya, Mediterranean Ocean to the north
Colony of France from 1883-1957
Politics: Constitutional Republic according to constitution (before Jasmine Revolution)
Demographics: 98% Arab, 2% European (French and Italian primarily)
Language: Tunisian Arabic
Religion: Islam (98% of the population), president required to be Muslim, state religion = Islam but allows for freedom of religion as well
Organizations: United Nations, Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference, World Trace Organization, Mediterranean Dialogue Group

In current news, Tunisian citizens are starting to worry about the role Islam could play in the new government of Tunisia that is slowly taking form. The country, as outlined above is almost entirely Muslim yet is extremely liberal in many respects by allowing abortion, banning polygamy, allowing women to wear bikinis at the beach, and allowing wine to be sold at supermarkets (Fuller, 2/20/2011). This liberal practice of Islam may be under attack, though, with religious zealots protesting to shut down brothels. The debate about how far Islam should permeate into society will be a contentious debate in the formation of a new government in Tunisia. Many feminists worry that the tradition of secularism present in the past Tunisian government will be stripped away but religious, conservative forces. This threat could be countered by the dependence of the Tunisian economy on foreign investment and the general understanding that “politics ruins religion and religion ruins politics” by the general population (Fuller, 2/21/2011). Some are not convinced though and many feminists are torn about their opinions on the revolution. Pre-revolution, there were laws and police forces in place to crack down on extreme Muslim groups to help protect the rights of women (Fuller, 2/20/2011). Only time will tell, though, as to what direction Tunisia’s new government will take as the debate continues.

This article is significant to human rights because it deals with religious and women’s freedom. While almost the entirety of the population is Muslim, the religious freedoms of the small, European minorities should also be protected. A government ruled by Muslim law could choose to squash these rights, hence, Tunisia must be careful if it wants to continue its practice of religious freedom. Similarly, the rights of women under Muslim law often suffer. Women are generally forced to cover their bodies with burkas and hold no legal rights under extreme circumstances. I don’t believe Tunisia will take this route because of its long history with liberal, Islamic practices but persuasive and extreme figures will need to be watched carefully so they do not assume power under the guise of popular support.

Source: Fuller, Thomas. "Next Question for Tunisia: The Role of Islam in Politics," New York Times on the web. 20 February, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/world/africa/21tunisia.html?_r=2&ref=tunisia.