@DavidSecurity

Greetings Expats,

We’re starting off the year strong with so much going on.  I would like to remind all subscribers about our Tunisia Security Update Facebook Page which we are using to post relevant & informative articles.  Additionally, you can follow us on Twitter @DavidSecurity for quick updates.

And now for this week’s update…

I was inspired to write this week’s post after reading several sad messages by my friends on facebook who were very upset about the fire that took place on Saturday at the Sidi Bou Said Mausoleum.

This trend is alarming and as Expats we need to make sure we are well informed about this latest incident.

Shrines

Away from the media spotlight salafists have targeted no less than 20 shrines belonging to Sufi saints.  The latest incident, which took place on Saturday, January 12 at Sidi Bou Said, has struck a chord within the Expat community.

As was the case with the art gallery incident, the burning of the Sidi Bou Said Moslem is prime example of the negative consequences of politicizing security.

Although most are quick to blame the “salafists”…we have to understand that we are witnessing a very competitive political election cycle and there are many challenges ahead.

The stakes are high and as with most political campaigns deception will take center stage.  

Flags

The salafists black flag remains at the heart of their movement and by analyzing the various “flag incidents”, one can easily see why they are operating so freely these days.

Incident:  The headline said it all:  Scandalous Flag Incident at Mannouba University:  A Wake-up call

Action:  On March 7th a student at the university took down the Tunisian flag from the rooftop of the university and replaced it with the salafi black flag

Reaction:  Minimal actions taken against protesters.  Situation in Mannouba University remains unstable.

Consequence:  Embolden Salafists

Embassies

We all know what happened on September 14, 2012…but on at least 4 occasions  protesters were allowed to assemble, burn the American flag, and taunt security forces without any consequences.

Incident:  “The U.S. embassy in Tunis, a modern fortress-like building, sits on the main road linking the capital to suburban Carthage. Yet since the government categorized the planned protest as an assemblée, or gathering, the organizers did not require an official permit to march on the embassy. With weak coordination between the various branches of Tunisia’s security forces, the stage seemed set for trouble.”-Read full article

Nicely put:  “Sidi Bou Said is so beautiful, in fact, that many artists have taken up residence here.The town is also said to have inspired famous artist Paul Klee, and famous writer Andre Gide.”

Let’s hope it keeps inspiring Tunisians for a better tomorrow    

Once again let’s continue to share information and stay connected.