Patters

While it remains to be seen whether promises will translate into reality, this gives hope that the Arab Spring may be liberalizing force in at least some parts of the ME.

New Tunisian Government Promises 'Dignity' For Gays | ThinkProgress

...

Chaibi, who spent five years in prison for his opposition to dictator Ben Ali, said that in Tunisia “individual freedoms and human rights are enshrined principles” and that atheists and homosexuals are a reality in Tunisia and “have a right to exist.” According to Chaibi, in the case of homosexuals there is also “a matter of dignity, because society sees them as undervalued.”

Given that Tunisia has a history of stigmatizing and punishing people who are gay, this would be quite a bold step. Chaibi also said that women will not be forced to wear veils and people will be allowed to drink alcohol, promising a coalition government approach that values freedom. Detractors of the Nahda party have suggested that its actions in the mosques do not match its talking points to the public.

The Brandon Five

For the sake of the people of Tunisia I hope that this is the case.

DarrylS

Sounds a bit like Turkey..

Maybe we can build some bases there

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