User talk:Theplaceoverthere

Tunisia political future
Wile the most important political change claimed when Ben Ali took power in Tunisia was a renewal of the political life on the basis of sound constitutional principals, it became obvious very soon after that the new political party he created (RCD), a reincarnation of the old party of Bourguiba, applied the same old political tricks to consolidate the One Man politics. In line with this politics, The RDC rallied to change the Tunisian constitution to give Ben Ali the right to run for presidency for a third term, which he did and won with the usual extremely conformable margin. The same scenario is probably going to take place when the current term of Ben Ali expires. The official news are now flooded with supplications for president Ben Ali to stay in power for another term even though He will be older than the the age limit enshrined in the constitution. Remarkably, this is a scenario that parallels how Habib Bourguiba prolonged his political career, when his party elected him president for life during a congress that was supposed to discuss the democratic transformation of the country. This decision, one of the most regretful in Bourguiba long political trajectory, resulted in an enduring political void, which in combination with his aging and cognitive decline, motivated the change of the 7th of november that brought Ben Ali to power. Sure, Ben Ali is now in control, and sure the political void is bigger day after day. This is what is expected when a strong political figure dominates a country for a long period. Ben Ali in control for another term may provide some stability to Tunisia (provided that his cognitive ability will resist more than those of his predecessor), but even Ben Ali is a mortal human being and tunisians need to think about the stability of the political system through institutions not individuals.

Some alternatives could be discussed. The examples of Lala and poutine could inspire., Lula, the very popular political president of Brazil, gave up power to respect the institutions of his country. Putin did the same few years ago in Russia. Some may argue that Lula and Putin may come back to power after a period when the presidency is conceded to one of their lieutenants. So be it, president Ben Ali can do so, and give the tunisian a flavor of constitutional respect in such an important matter. This will be an example in the Arab world.

Alternatively, Ben Ali may follow the general trend of Arab regimes inaugurated by Hafez El Assad, the feu president of Syria, grooming a member of his family to take power after his death. If he does so, this will be a very odd departure from his Bourguibian heritage, and a testimony to the heavy Arabian heritage of khalifat, a heritage that although annihilated in reality for the last half century or so, is still soaking the Arab mentality. Too bad for Tunisia, a country that gained important advances on many fronts to achieve modernity. If this is the way Ben Ali choose to open for Tunisia, it might be advisable not only to groom a person but also to groom the constitution, which is not out of reach. Recent history is a limpid testimony to this. One needs to think about the future successions and to make sure that they are enshrined forever in his family and by constitution. This will avoid Tunisians another Deja vu scenario. Why not change the constitution of Tunisia to a constitutional monarchy. Nobody will be offended, tunisians will connect with the past khalifat heritage, to the modernity of some big nations (Britain for example), avoid bloody struggles for power in the future and give a headway into political reforms in the Arab countries. Welcome to the future.