Vive la révolution du jasmin!
Francis Sedgemore, Saturday 15 January 2011 at 13:19 UTC
The photo says it all, really.
And, for those of us with little knowledge of Berber-Arab politics and culture, this article by a western political pundit is quite illuminating.
The irony is that the lack of a strong Islamist faction within Tunisia is at least in part down to the policies of the Arab nationalist dictatorship now disintegrating before our eyes. It’s a funny old world. The problem is, though, with the secular fascists exeunt stage right – or, in the case of the deposed president, stage Saudi-Arabique – who will keep the godbotherers in check once they return from exile and emerge from the domestic woodwork? I wish I could share Comrade Glavin’s optimism. Hopefully, the Tunisian democrats will learn from the experience of Iran.
Long live the people of Tunisia!
Feed the writer! 
Monday 17 January 2011 at 16:38 UTC
Blogging pays! Slim Amamou, one of the bloggers jailed in the regime’s dying days, is to be Sec of State for Youth and Sports in the new cabinet.
http://twitter.com/#!/slim404/status/27026818003369988
But there seems to be a dislike of the name Jasmine Revolution amongst some Tunisian activists.
http://www.arabist.net/blog/2011/1/17/why-you-shouldnt-call-it-the-jasmine-revolution.html
Monday 17 January 2011 at 16:44 UTC
Blogging pays? Then how come no-one bar the odd close friend at xmas clicks on the “Feed the writer!” button following my posts? Stuff government positions, I want food on the table and shirts on my back!
As for the flowery stuff, it seems like they’re arguing over Marathon vs Snickers.
Monday 17 January 2011 at 17:27 UTC
Yes, but you have to get yourself locked up first. Must try harder!
Monday 17 January 2011 at 23:13 UTC
Quite; I should shut up and get my coat.
Monday 17 January 2011 at 23:22 UTC
A coat but no shirt! You’re right all the same, a Marathon by any other name would taste as sweet.
Tuesday 18 January 2011 at 10:52 UTC
It seems that an alliance between hijabed Islamists with come hither eyes and swivel-eyed Communists is the best hope for Tunisia. Or at least it is according to the Tunisian Muslim Brotherhood in exile…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/18/tunisia-ben-ali-dictator-coalition
Only in The Grauniad.
Tuesday 18 January 2011 at 22:53 UTC
[...] know almost nothing about Tunisian politics, and there is not much I can add to my comment of Saturday, other than to wish the people of that fragrant country well as they struggle for [...]