Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Islamist factor in Tunisia

Khelil, a well-informed Tunisian, sent me this (I cite with his permission):  "So that Islamic fundamentalist Rashid Ghannoushi (and I remembered your piece on the incoherence of Islamic fundamentalists about how he wants contemporary fundamentalists to replace philosophers in the curriculum) has announced he will return to the country to contest the presidential election, of course in what will inshallah be free elections he should have the right to be fielded as a candidate. And I prefer Islamists to be politically marginalized through the ballot box and I do not fear his appeal, which is so limited. Tunisians have taken to Facebook to make it clear they have no interest in him. I have attached a photo my cousin uploaded and Tunisians are posting the message on Facebook: NON AUX ISLAMISTES ! NON AUX TERRORISTES ! NON A RACHED EL GHANOUCHI ! CET ASSASSIN QUI RÉSIDE A LONDON, ON VEUT UN ETAT LAÏQUE POUR TOUTES LES TUNISIENNES ET TOUS LES TUNISIENS "JUIFS & MUSULMANS & CHRÉTIENS & ATHÉE "  Also the looting is being done by the regime thugs. And the two secret police leaders have been arrested along with numerous other individuals involved in the attacks against shops and even homes. The Tunisians army has arrested them. 
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As'ad, I would also add that Tunisians know full well that the Ben Ali goons are behind the attacks and it is because they want to impress upon the public the fear that without Ben Ali there is no security. The loot is just part of the fun for them. Fortunately, Tunisians are coordinating neighborhood watches and are aiding the army's capture of these people through four phone numbers which the army has provided. Facebook and Blackberry Messenger are being used by youths to keep watch on their towns. It really is inspiring, the whole nation is determined to not allow these thugs to get away."