Worldview 1.18.11

Worldview 1.18.11
In Paris, Tunisian expatriates shout slogans while holding a banner reading “People Power.” Getty Images/Franck Prevel
Worldview 1.18.11
In Paris, Tunisian expatriates shout slogans while holding a banner reading “People Power.” Getty Images/Franck Prevel

Worldview 1.18.11

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On Friday, Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali stepped down after 23 years in power following weeks of street protests over the country’s economic woes. For two decades, Ben Ali’s autocratic regime succeeded in neutralizing any opposition to his ruling party, which has left a political vacuum as protestors continue to demand democracy and transparency. Now it seems that the uprising in Tunisia could have a ripple effect throughout North Africa. We’ll get some analysis of the recent events from Christopher Alexander, author of the book “Tunisia: Stability and Reform in the Modern Maghreb.”  Also, Jerome talks with the director of Gaza operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).