“Tunisia and the Lessons of the Iranian Revolution”

Author: Khairi Abaza

Publisher: New Republic

Date Published: 16 January 2011

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Article Summary

In the article linked above, Khairi Abaza argues that the Tunisian Revolution, much like the Iranian Revolution before it, is at risk of being used by Islamists to establish a hostile Islamic state and the United States must clearly support the elements of the revolution demanding liberal democracy and better governance. Abaza (2011) expresses the fear that, as in Iran, the Islamists in Tunisia will work with other groups to carry out the revolution, but will ultimately turn against and force out the non-Islamist elements and consolidate their control over Tunisian (para. 3). Abaza’s argument is framed in terms of Western interests in the Middle East. It is in the security and geopolitical interests of the United States to pursue the development of a functioning democracy led by secular groups and to avoid supporting another autocrat to maintain stability in the country (Abaza, 2011, para. 6). To support a “cosmetic change” and the rise of a regime that promises some new personal liberties “while maintaining the authoritarian structures of the state” would only strengthen the Islamists in Tunisia (Abaza, 2011, para. 5).

Abaza appears to value preservation of Western interests and security. His argument for supporting a democratic order in Tunisia is not framed in terms of its benefits to Tunisians, but rather its benefits to the United States. Abaza does not make any moral or ethical appeals, but argues that supporting democracy in Tunisia is a good geopolitical strategy because it would prevent the rise of an Islamist regime. The preservation of United States interests in the Middle East requires prevention of the development of Islamist regimes, and the best course of action in Tunisia is the course of action which accomplishes that goal.

Guiding Questions

What should have been or should be the role of the West in the Tunisian Revolution and its aftermath?

When stability and security run up against liberal democracy, which should prevail or be supported?