Tunisia On The Map

Where in the world is Tunisia?

An odd take from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the popular revolution taking hold in Tunisia this weekend.

Speaking during the cabinet's weekly meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that recent turmoil in Tunisia was an example of "how unstable Israel's region is."

"There are several centers of instability in our region and we hope that peace and security return to the region," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu added that the Tunisian unrest also highlights an important issue regarding a possible Middle East peace treaty, saying that there is doubt whether or not such an agreement would be followed by all sides in the long run in view of the pervasive political instability in the region.

"We don't know if a peace agreement would be respected and so any peace deal would have to include on-the-ground security arrangements," the premier said.

For one thing, Tunisia is not part of the Middle East. Neither is Algeria or Morocco. North Africa, last time I looked. It is hard to imagine what Tunisia would directly have to do with treaties in the Middle East, or more importantly the real issue at hand – negotiations regarding a Palestinian State.

Secondarily, although it is too early to tell what will come of the popular revolt in Tunisia, this could be a very good thing – and a positive example for the Arab world. Free elections. Transparent rule. What could be bad, especially in the long run, no? Not unless there are underlying reasons for some in the Israeli government to wish to perpetuate the status quo, and see the Arab world remain as it.

Well, he got called to task on the editorial pages of the left-leaning Haaretz this weekend, but not so much for the potential ramifications of having the opportunities to make peace with Arab democracies, but for his own fear of social unrest coming from the left in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday characterized the popular revolution in Tunisia as an example of "instability in our region." While Western leaders (and the Arab League!) praise the great achievement of the freedom struggle and the ousting of a tyrannical despot, Netanyahu does not see achievement in civil protest. He only wants "stability to return," with or without freedom.

Perhaps he actually does see, and that is why he didn't say anything. Dr. Daniel Zisenwine is a research fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, of Tel Aviv University, specializing in North Africa. He explained in an interview that it was not the political opposition that brought down President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali: "They are only fragments of parties, in a very weak position ... and mainly busy fighting among themselves." Sound familiar? The strong elements in Tunisia, Zisenwine said, are the trade unions and nongovernmental organizations, which "suddenly woke up and could awaken public life in the country a little more." Maybe that's why Netanyahu is backing up Lieberman's remarks and actions with regard to human rights organizations. He is "afraiiid," as Netanyahu once famously said about the left.

A very interesting analysis.  A lot to ponder.