Tunisia: Post revolution slump

The month after the January revolution was fraught with frustrations in Tunisia. The revolution itself is proving to be the easy part with demands for salary increases and new jobs on the rise. The calls for these new amenities are due to the restrictions on media activity and freedom of speech being lifted. Tunisians are trying to seek a delicate balance between the eradication of the previous government entirely and stability for the country. The new “caretaker” government is beginning the task of rewriting the Constitution and holding elections and now has to face the immediate demands for jobs and economic prosperity that have been denied to many Tunisians under the rule of ex-President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Elections are scheduled to be held in July or August. The danger is that the revolutionary fervor could go on for a dangerous amount of time while many suffer and long-term goals are not accomplished. The unemployed are on the verge of another revolution that could ultimately counter the progress made by Tunisians in January. The economy is relatively sound in comparison to others in the Arab world but unemployment hovers at 14% and is estimated to be as high as 30% in the impoverished countryside areas where the revolution began with the suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi. Adding to the general unhappiness, an estimated 11,000 inmates either escaped or have been released from prisions during the revolution turmoil. Another double-edged sword for the Tunisians is deciding how much power the government should have. The highly centralized government in the pre-revolution years was abusive but having leadership without real power will only hurt the people of Tunisia. The police force is understaffed at the current moment because officers are refusing to show up. The role of Islam in this new government will also be up for debate.

All of this combined demonstrates the long road ahead for Tunisia. The corrupt government of ex-President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali may be over, but another could easily take its place if the Tunisians do not find a balance between a centralized and weak central government. In regards to human rights, the demand for jobs is necessary as the basis of the revolution rested upon unemployment of a very educated population. Hopefully, a more human rights conscious government will emerge and address this very important issue.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/world/africa/14tunisia.html?ref=tunisia