A Year After Tunisia’s Revolution, Where Does the Country Stand?

The Takeaway

This past Saturday, Tunisians returned to the streets to celebrate the first anniversary of the ouster of President Ben Ali. Tunisia’s current, democratically-elected leader, President Marzouki, declared January 14 a national holiday and granted pardons to 9,000 prisoners and commuted 122 death sentences. The series of protests that  ended Ben Ali’s 23-year reign, largely motivated by widespread unemployment and large gaps between the rich and poor, also inaugurated  the Arab Revolution. Gordon Gray is the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia. He talks about the pride that Tunisians feel with their role in helping the country emerge as a democracy. Also, what challenges lie ahead for the country.

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!