Morocco World News/ Maghreb Intelligence
Morocco World News/ Maghreb Intelligence
New York, November 24, 2011
What Tunisia witnessed on November 22nd is a historic day for the Arab world. Indeed, the Jasmine Revolution ended in a rather harmonious and democratic note. The Islamists, clearly victorious in the elections of the Constituent Council, have not shown themselves to be gourmands. They have agreed to share power with Etakattol and the CPR (Congress For the Republic).
Thus, the touchy and uncompromising Marzouki, though inconvenient, will soon be given the reins of supreme power. Despite the honorary nature of the post of President of the Republic, the
appointment of Marzouki in that position is a very strong signal from the Second Republic of Tunisia to all the other Arab countries. The person that everybody refused to receive for a whole year, including the leadership of opposition parties, will preside over the destiny of Tunisia and represent it internationally. Some observers already imagine hallucinating face-to-face meetings between Marzouki and several Arab heads of state.
As for the prime ministry, where bulk of the executive power is located, is the responsibility of the Islamist Hamadi Jebali, a former political detainee, who will be managing the daily affairs of the country. However strategic decisions, according to a French diplomat based in Tunis, cannot be taken without the consent of two men who are now indispensable in Tunis, namely the General Rachid Ammar and Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi.
Thus, meanwhile Ennahda has arrogated the strategic ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Justice, the Ministry of Defense, on the contrary, has been the focus of a meeting between the General and the Sheikh Ghannouchi during which an agreement was reached quickly to keep the current holder of the portfolio of defense, Zbid Abdelkarim, who gets along with the Chief of Staff General Rachid Ammar. According to many an observer, despite the apparent power-sharing, the army and Ennahda are the real power holders in the new Tunisia.
Translated by Samir Bennis
Editing by Brahim el Guabli
This article was translated in agreement with Maghreb Intelligence.
The English version of this article is © Morocco World News
