Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award Business
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist American Arabs
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Wikipedia
    Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Michigan
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture Arab World
  • The names and faces of the 14 Palestinian engaged in an open hunger strike to demand freedom from administrative detention, imprisonment without charge or trial. Graphic by Samidoun. You can join Samidoun's campaign here and find useful resources.
    Palestinians mount hunger strike campaign against administrative detention Arab World
  • “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” McCormick Place, August 14-18, for the largest, worldwide gathering of global, faith-based, and social change leaders. 
    Largest global interfaith gathering coming to Chicago this week Christian & Muslim
  • State rep. Cyril Nichols, Democrat, 32nd Illinois House District
    Relationship between Arab Americans and African Americans needs more balance, Black State Rep says American Arabs
  • Syropotamia Online Magazine logo
    SYROPOTAMIA online magazine launched to Illuminate Arab American Stories American Arabs
  • Detroit’s true freedom fighters, activist, trailblazer, and leader Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson who died on July 10, 2023
    AHRC Mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Freedom Fighter and Detroit Icon American Arabs
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council American Arabs
  • Rev. Jesse L. Jackson celebrates the 35th Anniversary of his 1988 campaign for president, an event which empowered Arab American voters.
    Rev. Jackson to host 35th Anniversary of his historic 1988 candidacy for president American Arabs
  • The grand opening ceremony and special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Muhammad Ali Park in Detroit was held on Wednesday, June 21 at 12:00 p.m., with H.E. Mr. Meshal Bin Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to the US; Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit; Mayor Abdallah Hammoud, Dearborn; Mayor Amir Ghalib, Hamtramck; Eric Sabree, Wayne County Treasurer; and a number of civic and religious leaders.  
    AHRC Salutes All Who Made the Muhammad Ali Park in Detroit a Reality  American Arabs
  • Rev. Jesse L. Jackson celebrates the 35th Anniversary of his 1988 campaign for president, an event which empowered Arab American voters.
    Zogby to speak about Jackson’s role in supporting Arab empowerment at Rainbow Push conference July 14-19 American Arabs
Protests in Tunisia, 2014. Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope

Ray of Hope from Tunis, despite criticism

Posted on October 27, 2014September 25, 2018 By Abdennour Toumi No Comments on Ray of Hope from Tunis, despite criticism
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

Ray of Hope from Tunis, despite criticism

By Abdennour Toumi

Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope

Tunisian parliamentary election put an end to the Islamists rhetorical course and reset the secularists theoretical discourse. There is worthy of comment due to the repeated and disappointing coverage by Western and Arab media alike. Such “twisting” of the news continues as Western media persists in misinforming its general public and writing off the Arabs’ hope as a lost cause, disrespecting millions of Arab men and women struggling for freedom, dignity, and even one day, democracy.  

Currently these sources serve as the only reference to the Arab revolts (“Arab Spring”), which in future I shall refer to as the “Arabs’ Spring.” This, despite the fact that Arab conspirators and the so-called nationalist-conformists call it the “Arab Illusion.” To be honest, the news from the region is dire, so why should one assume a positive outlook! Indeed, the narrative of the Arabs’ Spring is to bury the dystopian ideology of the nuisance forces in the region.

In point of fact, Arab people are trying to remove tyrannical regimes and eventually establish democratic systems in their place. But so far, they are failing, leaving the region in chaos and anarchy instead.

This concerted struggle that is taking place, whether in Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, North Sudan or Yemen, is obstructed by solid pockets of resistance to real change by agents deep within the state. These agents, supported by the arrogant elite and scornful Western governments, are creating a nuanced judgement, so the outcome is made worse and contributes further to the political turmoil.

Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope

This can certainly be seen in Libya, Egypt and North Sudan. For the former, two neighboring countries with different political cultures and systems, the level and intensity of chaos is about the same. Whereas in North Sudan, General el-Bechir is harvesting what he sowed for his twenty-five years in power.

In this context it is fair to mention that some Arab countries are actually capable of achieving a transition to a semi-democratic state, especially given the short period of time since the revolts were sparked.

As for Western media, I follow American and French coverage daily. The immediate problem for most Americans lies in confusion over their own current political tragicomedy. As for the French, it is not among their priorities, especially Tunisia, which for them is like Puerto Rico. One recalls the statement of Madame Alliot Marie, then-Foreign Minister, who suggested the French “savoir-fer” — metal sticks and modern helmets (1) — for the police to restore law and order.

Nevertheless, the news from Tunisia is irresistibly hopeful, considering the circumstances of a country that has enjoyed only two years of freedom to shape its future following half-a-century of one ruling party and rampant nepotism.

The most significant aspect of events in Tunisia is the capacity of all the major political actors, including the Islamist En-nahdha Party that led the ruling coalition, to negotiate, and more importantly, to compromise, in order to maintain the political transition toward pluralism and allow all ideological groups to compete for power.

Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope

As evidence of such willingness on their part, En-nahdha and a handful of smaller “lefty” opposition parties agreed in the past to launch a new national, political dialogue to resolve political impasse.

Now, the discussion about to form a coalition government includes eventually all the parties represented in the elected National Assembly, which is responsible for the future governent’s acts   and leading the way to the next week presidential elections.

The dialogue of the political process was drafted by the UGTT (2), the Tunisian League for Human Rights, and the Tunisian Bar Association, which affirms the critical role that independent, civil society groups can have a say in such historic transitions. At this point, the credit goes to President Dr. el-Merzouki, whose serious commitment to democracy is playing a major role in shaping his country and the region’s political destiny.

Meanwhile, Libya is in societal disorder; Egypt is suffering from relative political violence due to the polarization between Islamists and the military/so-called “liberals” and the diabolizing campaign from the two main political antagonists. However, Tunisia is in process of forging an agreement, a sort of social contract, that offers an end to political assassinations and violence.

Such a civilized act could be extended to Libya and Egypt and lead to a peaceful, political transition for those countries as well.

Unfortunately for Egypt, General Es-sissi regime is not showing any sign of relenting at this time. Nonetheless, in spite of the political upheaval and ensuing turbulence, there is a valiant effort underway, and the Arab people can feel a ray of hope from Tunis.
_________

1 – Madame Alliot Marie offered the French “savoir-faire” to resolve this “law and order” matter before the French National Assembly (Parliament), January, 2011.
2 – A French acronym for General Union for Tunisian Workers.

Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Copyright (C) 2014 Abdennour Toumi, All Rights Reserved. Tunisia has hope
Tunisia

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Abdennour Toumi
Follow me:
Abdennour Toumi
Abdennour Toumi:
- France correspondent for The Arab Daily News.
- www.bareed-areej.com Editor-in-Chief
رئيس تحرير مجلة بريد الأريج
- Political consultant at IMPR a Think-Tank based in Ankara, Turkey.
- Member at the European Observatory for Arabic Language Teaching based in Paris, France.
- Affiliated with Sociology of Islam Journal and contributor at Middle East Studies / International Studies, Sociology of Islam and Muslim Societies Center, Portland State University in Portland, OR.

EDUCATION: Diplôme des Études Approfondies (DEA) in Political Science from Toulouse University I, France. Master’s degree in Law from Algiers University, Algeria.

Email im at: nourhty@gmail.com
Abdennour Toumi
Follow me:
Latest posts by Abdennour Toumi (see all)
  • The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Is the Neither-Peace-nor-Security As-sumption Dominating Again? - June 7, 2021
  • Algeria: “I Can See Clearly Now” - August 5, 2019
  • Majesty Mohammed VI and General Gaïd Salah Tear Down This Wall! - July 29, 2019

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Abdennour Toumi, Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, North Africa, Spotlight Tags:Arab, Arab people, Egypt, Islamism, Libya, National Assembly, Tunis, Tunisia

Post navigation

Previous Post: American Arabs must fully engage in elections by voting
Next Post: Overview of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation 16th Annual Conference

Related Posts

  • Focus on Substance: Here’s what’s happening at Mosque Abdennour Toumi
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life Bloggers
  • President Trump is greeted by the Saudi Royal Family and King Salman during the first day of his week long foreign trip that starts in Saudi Arabia Saturday May 20, 2017
    Futility of Gulf Cooperation Council diplomacy towards Qatar Arab World
  • O Little Town of Who Cares? Arab World
  • Israel’s government will do and say anything to cover its atrocities Arab News
  • Breeding intolerance: Turkish soccer fans disrespect ISIS victims Arab World

More Related Articles

Siniora Food Industries logo (PRNewsfoto/Siniora Food Industries) Palestinian-Jordanian food company continues to grow Arab World
Bassiouni under attack from extremists who hate Israel, peace & moderates American Arabs
Kuwait Donates $1 Million to ANERA to help Palestinian Children Activism
Dr. Tariq Ramadan Trial in the Newsroom! Bias in French media Abdennour Toumi
Spiritual Progressive Responds to U.S. Attorney General William Barr Arab World
Netanyahu thanks U.S. for blocking a Nuclear Weapons Free Middle East Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman Charge d’Affaires Embassy Sudan Tokyo
    The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
    September 23, 2023
  • Windows at many American Arab owned stores were broken the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 14 Americans who "looked' Middle Eastern were murdered in the six months after the terrorism by Americans, most of whom were never prosecuted. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims
    September 11, 2023
  • Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
    Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan
    August 28, 2023
  • Arab Americans and other minorities will suffer if automakers eliminate AM radio
    August 28, 2023
  • grab634.jpg
  • Ziyad-300x300FIndStore.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
    September 22, 2023
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law
    September 22, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture
    August 18, 2023
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council
    July 14, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Events

  • Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    16 Sep 23
  • Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    30 Sep 23
  • US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    15 Oct 23
    Oak Brook
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    1 Nov 23
    Bolingbrook

POPULAR POSTS

  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce its ... posted on September 18, 2023
  • Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims ... posted on September 11, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan’s partners are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating ... posted on August 28, 2023
  • Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Salem Furrha and his eight children @theFurrhaFamily on TikTok and Instagram represent ... posted on February 6, 2021
  • CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) ... posted on September 19, 2023
  • Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement ... posted on August 27, 2023

Recent Posts

  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
  • Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
  • Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law
  • CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme