Tunisia: Keep Calm and Carry On

In Tunisia, democracy could still bloom out of the Arab Spring - as long as Tunisians and outsiders alike can move away from hyperbolic rhetoric and stay focused on real solutions.
In the aftermath of the Tunisian revolution, the discussion of topics such as democracy and human rights in the Arab world moved beyond the abstract; they were now possibilities. As Tunisians braved bullets, armed with nothing but cellphones, the world saw a people dedicated to principles that inspired countless revolutions before theirs: dignity, freedom, and greater job opportunities. Unfortunately, debate since the revolution has prized hyperbole over fact, extremism over moderation, and partisanship over consensus. Tunisians themselves have been the first casualties of this careless discourse.Human rights activists in the West and the Arab world rejoiced as Tunisia introduced freedom of the press and speech in the wake of their revolution, also promising democratic elections within the year. A moderate Islamist party won a plurality of the votes and formed a coalition with two secular parties – one liberal, the other moderate. Tunisians began exercising their rights, opening media outlets and protesting almost daily to make their voices heard.However, these legal changes were not accompanied by a similar shift in the climate of discussion, which continued to favor hyperbole and partisanship over moderation. Despite certification from international bodies such as the European Union and Carter Center, many Tunisians insist that Islamists stole the election. While some new press outlets have fairly and judiciously exercised their new rights and responsibilities, many newspapers – some overtly supporting candidates – chose to use their newfound freedom to launch campaigns against ideological, often phantom, enemies.Alarmist attitudes are not limited to Tunisians. Many in the United States have fallen into diametrically opposed camps, with ‘true believers,’ who once championed democracy in Tunisia, jumping ship as the situation proved more complicated than originally contemplated. The deterioration of security in Tunisia, embodied in violent protests, two assassinations in 2013, and the September 2012 attack on the U.S. embassy, accelerated this rush to the exits. A video of the spiritual founder of the leading religious party urging extremists to “take their time” until they could control the state and its institutions did not help. Former supporters have responded to these challenges by seemingly throwing in the towel. Worldwide support for democracy in the most secular and liberal country in the Arab world is measured in token visits, with only French President Hollande paying serious attention.This all-or-nothing, hyperbolic discourse has culminated in the situation seen in Tunisia today. On a recent trip to Tunisia, I traveled to the site of then-ongoing anti-government protests. I do not doubt the protesters’ commitment to democracy, but what I saw was a group dedicated to pursuing a democratic path that alienates many Tunisians. It is a movement with leaders tied to the old regime, that scorns all mention of religion, and that shows a knee-jerk reaction to the slightest hiccup – of which there are many – in the democratic process.Across a razor-wire barrier, a group gathered in support of the government, changing the rallying cry of the revolution from: “The people want the downfall of the regime,” to this: “The people want Islamic law,” an ironic chant given that the government rejected implementing conservative Islamic law. Despite attempts by the government to rule from the middle, no one in Tunisia can accept a solution that involves bargaining or consensus. For both groups of protesters, the antagonism was calculated, standing as the perfect metaphor for Tunisian politics today.The National Constituent Assembly, the body charged with writing the constitution, has missed numerous deadlines in drafting the constitution and holding elections. In the face of continuing protests and diminishing legitimacy, the government has agreed to enter negotiations with the opposition and step down, but the exact terms have yet to be agreed upon. The process is at a standstill, with no one willing to cede power – perceived or real – and no clear path forward.Tunisia remains the most promising candidate for democracy in the Arab world. The army has stayed in the barracks, legitimate elections have been held, and reforms – though limited – have been implemented. Analysts and advocates could list hundreds of changes necessary for a liberal democracy, and no one knows this better than the proud, educated, and vocal Tunisians themselves. Over 300 Tunisians gave their lives so that their brethren could live in freedom. To fail because of partisan bickering insults their sacrifice.What is necessary now – for Western analysts, Tunisian voters, and politicians within Tunisia and without – is a keen eye and a calm tone, sharp enough to see deficiencies in Tunisia’s growing democracy and strong enough to come to the table and find realistic solutions. The goal of this critical discourse is to move beyond the immediate and put in place the tools that ensure a vibrant democracy for generations to come. The stakes could not be higher nor the final hour closer.

Photo courtesy of cjb22 via Flickr.