Analysis

Tunisia: Attack on US Embassy Was an Assault on Democracy
Tunisian Salafists shout slogans outside the El-Fath mosque in Tunis on September 17, 2012. Seif Allah Ibn Hussein, also known as Abu Iyadh, who heads the extremist Ansar al-Sharia movement and is wanted by the authorities in connection with the attack on the US embassy, delivered a sermon in the mosque while it was surrounded by police. (SALAH HABIBI/AFP/GettyImages)
September 26, 2012
| Security
| Africa, Middle East and North Africa
Summary
Home
Tunisia has been viewed by the West as the Arab Spring’s major success story because of its relatively peaceful democratic transition and election of a moderate Islamist government. However, the September 14 attack on the U.S. embassy and an American school demonstrate the challenges facing the country from a small dedicated group of radical Islamists who reject democracy and the West and are determined to turn the country into a strict Islamist state.
Contrary to claims by radical Islamists, the attack on the American embassy in Tunisia had nothing to do with a controversial anti-Muslim video that inspired protests in other Muslim countries. It was in fact just a violent incident staged by anti-democratic Islamists to undermine the government and gain followers.  The violence will add to growing political tensions between religious parties and secularists over Tunisia’s future and the crafting of a new constitution. 

Comments or questions about this article? Click here to contact us.
 
Login or Create New Account
Email Address:
Password:
New to LIGNET? Create New Account
Join Now

LIGNET provides you with actionable intelligence and in-depth analyses from seasoned insiders including senior CIA officials, presidential advisors, ambassadors, and more.

 
Sign Up for
FREE Intelligence Reports!
 
 
Join Now
Already have an account?
Click here to log in.

 
Join Now
Knowledge is Power
Only if You Access it!
Upgrade to a full access account and get the official CIA World Fact Book 2012 FREE!
Upgrade Now
FREE CIA World Factbook 2012
 
 
What is LIGNET?
Powered by Newsmax
LIGNET is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Langley Intelligence Group Network is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.