Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“In Oct. 17, the North African nation of Tunisia saw one of its largest protests in years. In the capital, Tunis, thousands of demonstrators chanted slogans like ‘The people above all else’ and ‘Work, freedom, national dignity’ – despite fears of being arrested. In recent years worldwide, such anti-government protests have surged. So why should this one stand out? Because Tunisia was the spark for the Arab Spring of 2011. … Tunisia was also the most successful Arab country to plant a democracy after 2011. That is, until 2021-2022, when a duly elected president, Kais Saied, took advantage of public frustrations over economic opportunities and canceled much of democracy, including an independent judiciary. Many democratic activists now sit in prison.” (10/20/26)