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Why Tunisia Could Host the U.S. Military’s African Headquarters

Op-ed Contributor | 12 June 2013 | 9 Comments

The post-revolutionary Tunisian government may soon find itself inclined to host a major piece of the United States’ international military architecture. The debate over whether Tunisia should accomodate the United States Africa Command, also known as AFRICOM, started when the U.S. declared its intentions to create the command in 2006. At the time, the discussion [...]

Tunisia’s Army: Is it Still Up to the Task?

Op-ed Contributor | 07 June 2013 | 6 Comments

According to most sources, the Tunisian army sided with protesters during the 2011 revolution, resulting in the overthrow of an oppressive president and initiating what became known as the “Arab Spring.” But after playing this historic role, the army now faces a multitude of new challenges. Not only is it required to support the security [...]

Unity Amid Diversity: Habib Bourguiba in Addis Ababa,1963

Op-ed Contributor | 28 May 2013 | 2 Comments

Editor’s Note: The following speech was given by Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, on May 25, 1963 at the first summit of the Organization of African Unity (OAS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The successor organization to the OAU, the African Union, is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first summit. The text has been made [...]

Polish Fighter Pilots and the Question of History in Tunisia

Op-ed Contributor | 22 May 2013 | 11 Comments

Poland’s wish to commemorate its fighters’ contribution to the victory over German forces in Tunisia during the Second World War has brought to light the difficult relationship between the Tunisian government and the country’s history. The Polish Embassy in Tunisia recently organized a ceremony to commemorate the exploits of 18 Polish fighter pilots who in [...]

A Tunisian’s Guide to Life on the Outside

Op-ed Contributor | 16 May 2013 | 17 Comments

Living outside your home country is not easy for anyone. Whether you are thinking about moving abroad, or you’re like me and haven’t had the luxury of growing up in Tunisia, life for an expat can sometimes feel like a struggle. Being somewhat of an expert on the matter, I have decided to help out [...]

Muslim Women Take on Topless Activists

Op-ed Contributor | 14 May 2013 | 16 Comments

Last month, Femen, the self-proclaimed “naked shock troops of feminism,” carried out “International Topless Jihad Day.” The justification for the event was supposed persecution of a Tunisian Femen member known as “Amina,” who had posted topless pictures of herself defying traditional morals online. The larger, greater reason for the group’s supposedly selfless act of compassion was, as [...]

Beyond Femen in Tunisia

Op-ed Contributor | 02 May 2013 | 5 Comments

The women of the Ukrainian group Femen are used to drawing the attention of the media with their half-naked protests. Since 2008, the mostly young women who demonstrate with their breasts covered in militant slogans have provided fodder for heated discussions. And that is intentional. Defenders of the group claim the calculated provocation serves to [...]

Tunisian Media Since 2011: A Work in Progress

Op-ed Contributor | 22 April 2013 | 1 Comment

As I watch Tunisian television and read Tunisian newspapers today, I see they have come a long way. This is refreshing and inspiring, but issues remain regarding the media environment developing since the revolution. I vividly remember how, when former president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali announced he was stepping down January 14, 2011, the [...]

How to Avoid Feeling Bad while Getting Scammed in Tunisia

Chris Barfield | 12 April 2013 | 17 Comments

I said I wouldn’t let it happen to me. Not again. On my first day in Tunis I dropped my bags off at the hotel and eagerly went to explore the Medina. As I neared Bab Bhar, I was approached by a gentleman who suggested I visit the traditional flower festival in the souq. How [...]

Reflecting on Bourguiba, 13 Years after his Death

Op-ed Contributor | 09 April 2013 | 18 Comments

Tunisia gained its independence in 1956, largely thanks to the efforts of former President Habib Bourguiba, who died 13 years ago this past Saturday. His fight against French domination earned him the nickname “Supreme Warrior” of the nation. Hailed as the savior of the country, he became the first president of the new Republic of [...]

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