Over the ten weeks of blogging I have focused on Tunisia’s economic growth. Tunisia has a past for high unemployment rates, lack of growth, and rising prices. The continuation of lacking these things angered the people of Tunisia, they wanted change. Angry with the government the people of Tunisia revolted, started a revolution because they felt that this was the only way things were going to get done. Tunisians thought this was the only way they would be heard and this is how they were going to make noise. Remaining in the dark for many years, Tunisia gradually started to make changes in their government. From a global perspective Tunisia was taking action as a political realist way in its dark stages, when Tunisia finally started to grow and prosper they took action like a political idealist. We can also look at the book Controversies in Globalization, from the chapters about “Can Foreign Aid Reduce Poverty” and “Is international terrorism a significant challenge to national security” to help get a better understanding of what is going on in Tunisia.
In 2011, Tunisia was in a recession, Tunisialive. Tunisia experienced two quarters of decline in GDP. The first quarter had an economic growth of -3.3%. The second quarter was not easier due to the first quarter. The size of the Tunisian economy decreased. Tunisia was already struggling with other challenges like unemployment but the recession was making things worse. In recent years Tunisian economy was between 4%-5% growth per year. A point of growth in Tunisia is about 600 million dinars of income, losing 8 points of growth means losing 4,800 million dinars for one year or 2.400 million dinars in lost wealth for a semester. A point of growth represents approximately 13,000 new jobs, 8 points lower GDP growth is approximately 100,000 jobs that could have been created in one year but were not. While the issue of unemployment rate and the growth of Tunisia were going on they also had other problems. From the article Voice of America published February 7, 2015, it talks about the attacks against vital installations, including the interior ministry, security stations and civilian buildings in the capital, Tunis. Many Islamist groups have emerged after a 2011 uprising and the new cabinet faces many challenges with these groups. Essid states, “Our priority will be to strengthen measures to combat extremism and strength security capabilities to confront terrorism and the protection of the democratic transition”. Studying and learning about the Middle East this semester you see a common theme among each state. The common theme you see is poverty, civil wars. The ones that are suffering from poverty and these civil wars tend to be the ones who are continuously getting attacked from these terrorists groups. It’s the governments that are lacking democracy, and the voice of their people being heard. Stated above the people of Tunisia are angry with their government, they feel unsafe and they want their government to listen to them and make them feel safe in their own homes. During this period of time is when Tunisia took action as a political realist. Tunisia was worried about power; who was ruling, what is the next move for combat. The priority of Tunisia’s government was not in the people, they were not making any type of order and because of this system that led the people of Tunisia to revolt, and become angry. They were ready to take matters into their own hands hoping the government would soon listen.
After the chaos that was going on in Tunisia and the lack of things that were getting accomplished Tunisia’s government knew it was time to take action. From the article Reuters, published Friday February 6, 2015 hope was soon to be seen in the eyes of the Tunisian people. Prime Minister Habib Essid promised his people quick reforms to stimulate growth. Tunisia adopted a new constitution last year. It faces pressure from international lenders to curb high public spending, including cutting subsidies on basic foods and fuel. Essid states, “Temporary solutions are no longer appropriate”. The government sees economic growth increasing to 3 percent in 2015 from an estimated 2.5 percent in 2014, while the budget deficit is expected to narrow to 5 percent of gross domestic product from 5.8 percent. With new reforms the people are hoping that the economy will finally grow towards the right direction. They have hope that the government is listening to them and will finally act on their behalf. The chapter “Can foreign aid reduce poverty” Sachs states, “Support for economic development in the poorest countries must be a shared global effort, based on agreed targets” (Sachs, pg. 76). Sachs goes on and makes a good point how the United States and partner countries have pursued shared global goals and have achieved great successes in disease control, increased food production, the spread of literacy and numeracy, increased school enrollments, improved infrastructure, and many other core development objectives. This statement ties into the next section I am going to discuss about the growth Tunisia has made after the hits it has taken.
Just last month Tunisia took a huge hit since the Arab Spring in 2011. It was horrible especially when Tunisia was finally seeing change with what the new constitution was bringing. It was a beautiful day when gunmen showed up at the Bardo Museum shooting their guns killing hostages and wounding others. This angered the people of Tunisia. Thousands took the streets of Tunis for an anti-terrorism march chanting, “‘Tunisia is free! Terrorism out!’”. President of Tunisia believed the people proved they do not bow to terrorism, they defend their nation. This march was to show that there is no room for terrorists. This attack put fear in the people. The people of Tunisian believed they were on the right path to a democracy where they could feel safe, and knew they would be heard. You could say this attack opened the eyes of the political officials of Tunisia because since this attack they have taken major steps. An article from BBC News, published April 3, 2015, because of the attack on the Bardo museum Tunisia plans to re-establish diplomatic ties with Syria in order to track its citizens who have gone to fight alongside Islamist militants. It has been reported that 3,000 Tunisian jihadists are thought to have gone to Syria and Iraq. It is said that Tunisia would restore diplomatic ties with Libya, which have been racked by insecurity since the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011. Tunisia needs support more than ever because of the location Tunisia is in they are taking hits from Libya and other neighboring countries that need help as well. Tunisia is continuingly trying to grow and prosper as a nation but its neighboring countries are holding Tunisia back.
In the article The Atlantic, published March 23, 2015 it raises the question “Does the March 18 Tunis attack signal that Tunisia will be the next Arab Spring state to be swallowed by violence and repression?” The answer is no, the attack has put damage on the tourism industry and that is a huge part of Tunisia’s economy. The state still remains full of promise. The neighboring states of Tunisia like Libya are a factor that is keeping Tunisia from prospering like it can. The fact that Libya is neighboring and has bigger issues going on like terrorism is affecting Tunisia. They believe the terrorists are coming from Libya into Tunisia; they are being trained in Libya. Tunisia has sent many to fight in Libya to try to stop the terrorism. Tunisia cannot have true security until Libya is addressed.
In the chapter “Is international terrorism a significant challenge to national security” in Controversies of Globalization Mueller states, “All societies are “vulnerable” to tiny bands of suicidal fanatics in the sense that it is impossible to prevent every terrorist act” (Mueller, pg. 154). Mueller is right; the United States cannot even prevent every terrorist attack if so 9/11 would have never happened. Attacks are going to happen in Tunisia, it is if they can absorb the attack and grow stronger from it. In an article I found from Voice of America, published April 10, 2015. The United States will increase military aid to Tunisia this year and help train their troops. After the attack on the museum it is time to take action to make civilians feel safe. Tunisia has to protect their land as well to continue to grow and prosper. The U.S. government aimed to provide Tunisia with more equipment, weapons and technical support. The Prime Minister said, “‘Our goal is to enhance their ability to defeat those who threaten the freedom and safety of the nation’”. Authorities are concerned that violence will come from Libya and the lots of the attackers have come from training over in Libya. This article shows the support from another nation as well as absorbing the attack on the Bardo Museum. Some Tunisian people look at this attack as taking steps back but this is only going to make Tunisia stronger and rise above to becoming a strong country. Tunisia is taking steps towards a new counterterrorism law, in the article from Human Rights Watch, published April 8, 2015. This article talks about a new draft counterterrorism law. This law would permit extended incommunicado detention, weaken due process guarantees for people charged with terrorism offenses, and allow the death penalty. This bill was sent to parliament on March 26, 2015. The bill is being considered to be revised to strengthen its protections for human rights. This bill is to replace a current law adopted in 2003. From a human rights perspective, they believe the draft is worse than the 2014 draft. They do not like that it would allow police to hold suspects in incommunicado pre-charge detention for up to 15 days with a prosecutor’s consent and without bringing the person before a judge. Secondly they do not like that it would allow a death sentence for anyone convicted of a terrorist act. The attack on the museum has set Tunisia back economically and has put stress on the government. The government needs to respond to show the people that they are going to be okay and will get back on the right track. The people also need to know that the government is doing something to put an end to the terrorism and so that the people feel safe.
Tunisia is a country to watch in the next years because they are going to make tremendous growth in their economy. With the constitution and other reforms and laws forming they are going to have a strong government. Tunisia still has a ways to go and a lot to learn. In an article I read from The GlobalPost, published April 16, 2015 it talks about the turnaround of Tunisia. Four years after the Arab Spring, Tunisia is arguable the region’s strongest democratic success story. Tunisia needs to continue to make allies with neighboring countries and learn from the strong ones. The article talks about Turkey being one of those neighboring democracies. The lessons Tunisia should take away from Turkey are integration into the global economy and inclusion of the rich and poor. Tunisia has made tremendous steps to a better economy but it still has a way to go. I think Tunisia will always be susceptible to attacks just like any country is but it is the governments job to make the government as stable as it can.

In the articles I researched this week deal with steps towards a better economic growth for Tunisia. In the first article from The Economist, published December 14, 2014 talks about pollution. In the first article from The locals say that the industry of factories are causing pollution and illness. One of the workers, Najib Chairat, 52, worked in the refinery from the age of 32, he can barley move and speak. His family claims his condition was caused by years of breathing in the noxious fumes. Strikes and protests over pollution, wages and unsafe working conditions caused Tunisia’s phosphate production to halve after the 2011 revolution, but production is once again ramping up. The UN reckons that Europe, the main buyer, will demand 2.5% more phosphates in 2016 compared to 2012. Cleaning up the industry is necessary to ensure economic growth. The next article from The GlobalPost, published April 16, 2015 talks about the turnaround of Tunisia. Four years after the Arab Spring, Tunisia is arguable the region’s strongest democratic success story. Even though Tunisia has made progress it still lacks economic growth. Recognizing this lag, Tunisia will launch an emergency economic plan which includes reforms in state subsidies and public spending. This plan is to put Tunisia in the right direction but for a long-term guide to an economic transformation, Tunisia should look at its neighboring democracy, Turkey. The lessons Tunisia should take away from Turkey are integration into the global economy and inclusion of the rich and poor. Tunisia has made tremendous steps to a better economy but it still has a way to go. I think Tunisia will always be susceptible to attacks just like any country is but it is the governments job to make the government as stable as it can.

This weeks articles have a common theme of economy vs. government. In the first article from Voice of America, published April 10, 2015. The United States will increase military aid to Tunisia this year and help train their troops. After the attack on the museum it is time to take action to make civilians feel safe. Tunisia has to protect their land as well to continue to grow and prosper. The U.S. government aimed to provide Tunisia with more equipment, weapons and technical support. The Prime Minister said, “‘Our goal is to enhance their ability to defeat those who threaten the freedom and safety of the nation'”. Authorities are concerned that violence will come from Libya and the a lot of the attackers have came from training over in Libya. The second article from Human Rights Watch, published April 8, 2015. This article talks about a new draft counterterrorism law. This law would permit extended incommunicado detention, weaken due process guarantees for people charged with terrorism offenses, and allow the death penalty. This bill was sent to parliament on March 26, 2015. The bill is being considered to be revised to strengthen its protections for human rights. This bill is to replace a current law adopted in 2003. From a human rights perspective, they believe the draft is worse than the 2014 draft. They do not like that it would allow police to hold suspects in incommunicado pre-charge detention for up to 15 days with a prosecutor’s consent and without bringing the person before a judge. Secondly they do not like that it would allow a death sentence for anyone convicted of a terrorist act. The attack on the museum has set Tunisia back economically and has put stress on the government. The government needs to respond to show the people that they are going to be okay and will get back on the right track. The people also need to know that the government is doing something to put an end to the terrorism and so that the people feel safe.

The two articles this week deal with the issue on the attack of the Bardo museum. The first article from BBC News, published April 3, 2015. Due to the attack on the Bardo museum Tunisia plans to re-establish diplomatic ties with Syria in order to track its citizens who have gone to fight alongside Islamist militants. It has been reported that 3,000 Tunisian jihadists are thought to have gone to Syria and Iraq. It is said that Tunisia would restore diplomatic ties with Libya, which have been racked by insecurity since the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011. I think the more ties that Tunisia has with neighboring states will help them cut down some of terrorism and the attacks that are going on. The second article  from The National World, published March 31, 2015. The attack caused an effect on the tourism for Tunisia. More than 3,000 holidays cancellations were reported. Reservations decreased 60 percent, seven cruise lines have dropped Tunis from their itineraries and some charter airlines flying in Russian, Czech and Polish tourists have already cancelled flights. Before the attack, growth in Tunisia was looking nice. Tourism is a huge factor for the economy, in 2010 the tourism industry represented 17 percent of GDP. For Tunisia it seems like every chance they get to move forward in a positive manner something always comes along and takes them a step back.

In the last week Tunisia was hit with a huge terrorist attack. The articles I found this week have addressed this issue. The first article from BBC News, published March 29, 2015 talks about the attack and the protest that followed. The attack shocked everyone; the Tunisian people, the hundreds of tourists that were that day, and political leaders. It was a beautiful when gunmen showed up at the Bardo Museum shooting their guns killing hostages and wounding others. This angered the people of Tunisia. Thousands took the streets of Tunis for an anti-terrorism march chanting, “‘Tunisia is free! Terrorism out!'”.  President of Tunisia believed the people proved they do not bow to terrorism, they defend their nation. This march was to show that there is no room for terrorists. Something I found interesting about this article is that some leftist political groups chose to boycott the rally because they feel the participation is of an Islamist party, and they are the ones accountable for the rise of Islamic extremism and the articles we were reading this week dealt with Islamic state. This attack put fear in the people because just when they thought the government had everything under control this attack happens. The museum is in a high security place so for these gunmen to get past security points raises many eyebrows. The next article is from The Atlantic, published March 23, 2015. This article talks about how Tunisia is still a success after this attack. The question raised was, “Does the March 18 Tunis attack signal that Tunisia will be the next Arab Spring state to be swallowed by violence and repression?” The answer is no, the attack has put damage on the tourism industry and that is a huge part of Tunisia’s economy. The state still remains full of promise. The neighboring states of Tunisia like Libya is a factor that is keeping Tunisia from prospering like it can. The fact that Libya is neighboring and has bigger issues going on like terrorism is affecting Tunisia. They believe the terrorists are coming from Libya into Tunisia, they are being trained in Libya. Tunisia has sent many to fight in Libya to try to stop the terrorism. Tunisia cannot have true security until Libya is addressed.

The two articles I found this week have a common theme of government vs. the people. In the first article from World Bulletin published February 10, 2015 talks about a strike that was declared over a protester death. The strike happened near the border of Libya, two days after deadly clashes with security forces left a protester dead and another injured. Mass rallies were staged in the cities of Tataouine and Ben Gardane in response to calls by Tunisia’s largest trade union and the local provincial council. Following the protester’s death on Sunday, the UGTT renewed calls for banning the use of birdshot by police. The tax of a 30-dinar tax on all foreign nationals entering Tunisia from Libya via the Ras Ajdir border crossing led to a strike and another protester killed in the town of Dehiba. After this incident authorities might reconsider the controversial new tax. The next article from Yahoo News, published March 13, 2015. Tunisian authorities arrested a comedian and a TV show host for offending Beji Caid Essebsi. Their names are Wassim Lahrissi, and Moez Ben Gharbia. They were committed for an offence against the head of state, a fraud by inappropriately representing themselves as someone else. Essebsi won Tunisia’s first free presidential election in December. As part of that transition, Tunisia adopted a new constitution last year that guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and expression. Essebsi’s office said, “freedom of the press and expression are acquisitions the president… is committed to defending, he being its principal guarantor.” To me it sounds like the people are still under “ruling” if you grant freedom of expression then everyone should be able to say what they feel. The government has a lot to improve and growth to continue in Tunisia.

The two articles I found this week have a common theme of Islamic vs. Secular and economy growth in Tunisia. In one of the articles from abc News published March 6, 2015, talks about the new Tunisian government. The new government gave an inaugural performance this week by hosting a U.S.- sponsored conference on investment and entrepreneurship. The conference was seen by Tunisian officials as a way of telling the world that Tunisia was back on track. Amel Bouchamaoui, the american chamber of comerce in Tunisia said “This event gives us an opportunity to tell the world, through our guests, that Tunisia is peaceful, that they can walk around without fear, it is a good life and there is no risk to invest”. I do not know if I agree with this 100 percent because the more news I read I still read headlines talking about Tunisia officers were killed today by Islamic’s. Or Tunisia officers found weapons and other articles talking about how people are praying Islamist’s do not come from Libya or Egypt and start revolting in Tunisia. The Prime Minister promises for economic reform. They believe all the ingredients are now there to succeed. Tunisia still has a low percentage of unemployment and the highest in age is between 15-30. In my next article from Yahoo News published March 3, 2015, Tunisian military appeals court jailed blogger Yassine Ayari for six months for defaming the army. He was prosecuted over blogs he had written alleging financial abuses by army officers and defence ministry officials in a case. The blogs he wrote were while he was out of the country he says. The issue because of his returning to Tunis that he is now being trialed again and being sentenced when there is a new government in place. The new government lets people have a freedom of expression. Human Rights Watch has called on parliament to reform laws that lead to imprisonment for defaming or insulting state institutions, and to end jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.

The two articles I found this week have a common theme of Islamic vs. Secular. One of the challenges Tunisia has been facing is the attacks from Islamic groups. In one of the articles from The Daily Star published February 18, 2015, an Islamic group killed 4 Tunisian national guards. This attack took place near Mount Chaambi, a national park on the Algerian border. Before this attack took place another Islamic group killed 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya. Ever since the overthrow of Tunisia’s dictator in 2011 there has been an increase of attacks by Islamic militants.  Algerian and Tunisian forces are attempting to coordinate their efforts to control the rugged region. In the 2nd article I read from Reuters published February 25, 2015 is about Tunisians officers arrested an estimated 100 people in the last three days suspected of having links to the jihadist group Islamic state. Talk is that jihadist group is seeking to expand its terrorist activities into other regions in North African. Tunisia has been a major source of Islamist fighters traveling to Syria since 2011, the number of Tunisians fighting in Syria has been estimated at about 3,000.

The two articles I found this week have a common theme of economy growth. I should say that one talks about Tunisia’s recession and the other one talks about how Tunisia bounced back from the recession. In my first article from Tunisialive published August 24, 2011 it talks about the recession that happened in 2011. Tunisia experienced two quarters of decline in GDP. The first quarter had an economic growth of -3.3%. The second quarter was not easier due to the first quarter. The size of the Tunisian economy decreased. Tunisia was already struggling with other challenges like unemployment but the recession was making things worse. In recent years Tunisian economy was between 4%-5% growth per year. A point of growth in Tunisia is about 600 million dinars of income, losing 8 points of growth means losing 4800 million dinars for one year or 2400 million dinars in lost wealth for a semester. A point of growth represents approximately 13000 new jobs, 8 points lower GDP growth is approximately 100000 jobs that could have been created in one year but were not. All eyes were on Tunisia to see how they were going to get out of this. My next article from International Monetary Fund, published August 3, 2012 is about how Tunisia rose above this recession. Signs of a rebound have emerged in early 2012, with real GDP increasing by 4.8 percent. Tourism and FDI picking up helped the GDP but also the support by a fiscal expansion helped. Tunisia’s medium-term economic growth remains favorable, but achieving higher and more inclusive growth will be necessary to reduce high unemployment, and social and regional disparities. Structural reforms are needed to reorient the Tunisian economy and harness its potential for higher and more inclusive growth.

This week on Diigo the articles I chose have a common theme of economy reform vs. hope. The first article from Reuters, published Friday February 6, 2015. Prime Minister Habib Essid promised his people quick reforms to stimulate growth. Tunisia adopted a new constitution last year. It faces pressure from international lenders to curb high public spending, including cutting subsidies on basic foods and fuel. Jobs, high living costs and economic opportunities. Essid states, “Temporary solutions are no longer appropriate”. The government sees economic growth increasing to 3 percent in 2015 from an estimated 2.5 percent in 2014, while the budget deficit is expected to narrow to 5 percent of gross domestic product from 5.8 percent. With new reforms the people are hoping that the economy will finally grow towards the right direction. They have hope that the government is listening to them and will finally act on their behalf. The next article from Daily News Egypt published March 6, 2012. Tunisia’s economic growth has been cut to 3.5 percent in 2012, from a previous forecast of 4.5 percent due to declines in foreign investment and tourism. Tunisia’s government said in December the economy would grow 4.5 percent in 2012, but they would have to put off foreign investment. Due to the leaving of Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 sparking the “Arab Spring” , protests, strikes have followed. The revolts have forced businesses to suspend operations and drove away foreign tourists that Tunisia relies for much of its revenue. The economy also shrunk to 1.8 percent, the supplementary budget increased in spending of 1 billion dollars. During this year the people of Tunisia had no hope. They were in a downward spiral and probably thought how would they ever get out of it.