Tunisia: From Roman Ruins to Post-Arab Spring Chaos

The author spent almost three weeks exploring Tunisia, from bustling cities to remote deserts, experiencing its stunning landscapes and historical sites. However, it was Tunisia's turbulent politics that captivated him most: a country that transitioned from a fledgling democracy to a quasi-dictatorship, with President Kais Saied's rise seemingly accidental. The article details Tunisia's complex history from independence to Saied's rule, including Bourguiba's secular reforms and authoritarianism, Ben Ali's economic development and dictatorship, and the post-Arab Spring political turmoil culminating in Saied's power grab. Saied's unique governing style, marked by economic policies that led to inflation and shortages, has fueled public discontent. The article offers a nuanced perspective, rich in detail, painting a portrait of a contradictory yet captivating Tunisia.