International Network for Economics and Conflict

June 29, 2012 3:00pm - 4:30pm - New America Foundation Event

Please join the New America Foundation’s Middle East Task Force and The Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) in hosting a conversation on the political situation in Tunisia.
 
As Tunisians focus on the urgent priorities of constitution-writing, economic development, and civil society growth, the country's political and social arenas have become increasingly polarized in recent weeks. Controversies over public art displays have led to localized violence, the in absentia sentencing of former president Ben Ali has sparked criticism, and persistent economic difficulties continue to cause frustrations in the street. Tunisia, often hailed as the "success story" of the Arab world following last year's uprisings, is now hitting bumps in the road.

What is causing rifts between political, religious, and social factions in Tunisia? How is the constitution-writing process proceeding, and what effect are new tensions having in the National Constituent Assembly and elsewhere? How are average citizens responding to recent troubling developments, and in what ways are Tunisians participating in public arenas? What has been the nature of civil society growth, and what role can international actors play in supporting its ongoing development? In what additional areas can the United States and others provide assistance?

For more information, visit the event page here.