Tunisia's Fiery Revolution and the Man Who Ignited It

As I'm rediscovering an Asian girl group that looks too cheery all the time that I feel the urge to punch them in the face while also watching an episode of The Colbert Report, I've decided I should probably put up a post about Tunisia.

The man of the hour is Mohammed Bouazizi, a simple merchant turned Arab World Legend. If you believe that 1 person can't change a country, Tunisia's story may change your mind (although I can point to hundreds of people that have done so throughout history).

It was a bit difficult trying to characterize Tunisia and its political climate. You seen, President Ben Ali (now former president) too control in the 1980s after the incumbent president was determined to be too weak to lead. Since then, President Ben Ali had been elected 5 times to the office with voter turnout being 95% and with victories accouting for no less than 89% of the vote at a minimum. The idea that someone would consistently get over 90% of the vote 5 times in a row to have lead a country for 3 decades is extremely suspicious, however, when revised by African Union observers, the elections were labeled as "free and fair,"  however, international observers were not allowed. It very quickly reminds me of Mubarak in Egypt and many other dictators who hold elections then change the results so that they win big time. I can't say for myself, but it seems that he may hold the title of President, but is considered a dictator by most. 

Mr. Bouazizi in the hospital before he died

Over President Ben Ali's rule, Tunisia has seen a crackdown on internet content, news organizations, and many other freedoms. Life was difficult in a country where you could only be successful if you had connections to the government or were rich. This was not the case for Mr. Bouazizi. One day his cart was taken from him by a policewoman, and even after paying a small fine to get it back, was refused his cart (abuse of power). With his and his 8 children's livelihood on the line, the father sought help from the government, but to no avail. As a result, the desperate merchant committed one of the most heartbreaking, gruesome but powerful protest any human can: Self immolation. He grabbed a gallon of gasoline and drenched himself with it, then lit himself on fire. After being treated at the hospital and soon dying, a revolution began, inspired by Mr. Mohammed Bouazizi. 10 days after his death, President Ben Ali, a long time dictator, fled his country. For a brief history on self immolation (greatly used in Vietnam to protest the horrible South Vietnamese government) click here. For more details about this man and his sacrifice click here.

His self burning has already been simulated in other cities to protest the oppression they live under as well as the limited economic opportunities they have. With the end of a dictator's rule, Tunisia has a chance to establish a road map for democracy. As released diplomatic cables have shown, the U.S. government knew very well about the abuses and corruption in the Tunisian government but still decided to make the President's government a pillar in their African policy. The oppressive government would also get much support by the French government which has sparked protests in France as a result.

It is important to say that the massive protests that led to the toppling of the government were "bread protests;" meaning, protests that were inspired by a lack of "bread" or ability to make a living. With no government, and no thanks to many Western countries, the people's power has helped cause changed just several days after Hillary Clinton told Arab nations to change or "be changed." I believe Tunisia's government has been changed in a way that Secretary Clinton couldn't imagine. Al Jazeera has written a good opinion about Tunisia's "roadmap to democracy" here.

There are many concerns that exist with the stability of the country and its future. Namely that it has been under oppressive government for so long, starting up a truly democratic government will be difficult.  What role will the Tunisian army play in a world where military takeovers isn't uncommon?Furthermore, Islamist groups that are empowered by the poor and needed will likely be popular if they advocate reform. These Islamists are the people that the U.S. has used President Ben Ali to oppress in the past.  Regardless of who takes control in the democratic system, but what's most remarkable about the uprising in Tunisia, is that it sends a strong picture of "An Arab people demonstrating, rejecting repression, revolting en masse and overthrowing a corrupt, despotic dictator... and the best part, without any foreign help or intervention."This is why this revolution is so important!

There are those that doubt that the revolution will inspire similar successful ones in other  Arab or African countries like Algeria or Egypt and they make good points. However, for the Tunisian people, this change is huge and was almost no one could predict it or how quickly things would change:

Of course, the protests were easy. They were met with strong government police force as you can see:

Their struggle is inspiring and should be a reminder to anyone living under oppressive control that all dictatorships end and freedom will take hold. It should be a reminder to all in free societies that the freedoms they hold should never be taken for granted; they should be inspired to push their governments to help create a democratic Tunisia since, as Dr. King once said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Finally it should be a reminder to all those who oppress their people that economic repression, and the oppression of natural rights are short sighed and can never maintain long term, if any, growth. People acting en masse will always succeed, but sometimes the actions from a man living a tragic life, can inspire a movement that may even be global in scale.