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Al Rashad observed that despite hard times, Tunisia is one of the most prosperous Arab nations based on per capital income. It's also one of the best educated. As a result, he asked, "If (Tunisians are) dissatisfied, what can we say about the citizens of other Arab nations" suffering much worse? How long will take before more eruptions?
Arab Street Rage
Today, in Tunisia, the Maghreb, and across the region, public anger rages (mostly beneath the surface) over economic hardships, corruption, and repressive rule. Trying to placate it on January 13, Ben Ali told a national television audience he'd step down when his term ends in 2014.
It didn't help. On January 14, New York Times writer David Kirkpatrick headlined, "Tunisia Leader Flees and Prime Minister (Mohammed Ghannouchi) Claims Power," saying:
Ben Ali fled Friday night, "capitulating after a month of mounting protests calling for an end to his 23 years of authoritarian rule. The official Saudi Arabian news agency said he arrived in the country early Saturday."
A state of emergency was declared. A curfew was imposed. The army banned street gatherings of more than three people, saying violators would be shot.
Long associated with torture, Tunisia's interior ministry is reviled. It's believed there's one policeman for every 40 Tunisians, two-thirds in plain clothes operating covertly. Prior to Ben Ali's departure, police attacked street protesters violently with tear gas grenades, live fire, and beatings while some lay on the ground,
Shortly afterwards, state news said Ben Ali sacked his government, declared a state of emergency, saying new elections would be held in six months, and Prime Minister Mohammed Ghanouchi would form an interim government.
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