I was feeling really good coming back to Tunis. After visiting family and friends in the Dominican Republic I was looking forward to returning home and eager to get back to what I do best. During my time away, I still managed to keep up with things in Tunis and for the most part it seemed to be going smoothly. My optimism was high as my family and I waited to go through customs when suddenly an intense argument broke out among the Tunisian customs police.
It all started with a uniformed police officer shouting at what appeared to be a colleague of his and then it was pure madness. Children started crying and there was a sense of panic in the air, but luckily supervisors stepped up and the fiasco was moved to a private office.
“Welcome Back…” I thought to myself.
Summer Summary
Since our last posting on June 22, 2012, no major security updates have been issued. The Canadian Embassy did well by reminding their citizens to “use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset” during Ramadan which should conclude on the 18th or 19th of August.
Here are a few informative articles for Expats who have been wisely enjoying their time off and not following the news:
Article: Arab Spring falters, but Tunisian democracy thrives
Source: The Miami Herald by NOAH FELDMAN
Key Quote: “Tunisia is not all the way there, but having visited the country this month, I found it hard to escape the conclusion that this is what a democratic revolution is supposed to look like.”
Article: Tunisia: Constituent Assembly divided over political system
Source: ANSA med
Key Quote: “The stake is high as the outcome of the current debate will define the roles of parliament, the prime minister and the president in post-regime Tunisia.
Article: Fasting Month of Ramadan in Tunisia, Ramadan Summer 2012
Source: TunisPro
Key Quote: “In Ramadan it is to be expected that shops, restaurants, banks, etc., either are completely closed or open just for a few hours per day, either in the morning or at night.”
Expat Collaboration
Looking forward to collaborating with the wider Expat community on security issues as we get ready for a new school year & the Spring 2013 election cycle.
Let’s keep the useful information flowing…glad to be back on post.
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