Earlier this year, Tunisia, the country that launched the MENA region into a wave of popular uprisings in January 2011, adopted one of the Middle East's most liberal constitutions yet. Though strained by the multiple layers of its social fabric, notably tensions between Islamists and secularists, liberals and left-wing partisans, Tunisia today offers a glimpse of optimism against a somber post-Arab spring backdrop. An agreement between Prime Minister Ali Larayedh of the Ennahda party and opposition parties diffused the political crisis which had paralyzed the country following the assassination of two prominent secular politicians. Larayedh stepped down on January 9th in order to be replaced by Mehdi Jomaa, who previously served as the Minister of Industry. Jomaa as caretaker prime minister will oversee the government ahead of elections later this year.
On Tuesday, April 1st, prior to his meeting with President Obama, Mehdi Jomaa will come to Columbia to speak and answer questions on Tunisia's historic democratic transition.
This event is sponsored by the Institute for Religion, Culture, and Public Life; the Middle East Institute; Tuness; the Center for Democracy, Toleration, and Religion; the Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business; and the Institute of African Studies.
