Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Kerry Makes Surprise Stop in Tunisia
Secretary of State John Kerry visited Tunisia to meet with its caretaker prime minister (Mehdi Jomaa) and its president (Moncef Marzouki) to discuss how the US can be of assistance to Tunisia's efforts to create a democratic government. Tunisia is still deeply divided between secular and Islamist communities but has managed to avoid civil war. With US assistance, Tunisia's struggle for a democratic government will hopefully go smoothly.
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To be honest, I'm not really an expert on the situation in Tunisia. I suppose I am in support of the Tunisian people's quest for a democracy, but I'm not sure that the US should give weapons and supplies that Tunisian officials requested. The US has a long history of getting involved in things and sticking their noses in issues that we should not. I am curious tosee what the future holds.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that Tunisia does not descend into an Islam in the same manner that Egypt did (and Syria has the potential to). Under Sharia Law, basic freedoms would be deprived—something that cannot be allowed to happen. I am not sure, however, what the solution to this question is and whether or not the United States should be involved. Since we were part of the reason some of these uprisings took place, we may want to provide aid to the Democratic forces in these countries.
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ReplyDeleteI guess it's a good thing that US is supporting the newly democratic countries. I don't really see why it's necessary for the US to really play any further role in Tunisia, even with supplying weapons. I don't think we should contribute anymore than is necessary. If they need weapons, let's settle that when the time comes. Otherwise, as a nation, we should take a step back as far as exerting ourselves in foreign affairs we don't need to be a part of.
I agree with Emily Evenden. Time and time again I say that the United States needs to back off and this is a good example of when we need to back off. Supporting new democratic countries is a good thing, but only to a certain point. I think that supplying weapons to Tunisia is going beyond that point.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily Bond completely. Supplying Tunisia with weapons is completely unnecessary and probably a very bad decision. If the US wants to help Tunisia become a democratic country, we can give them advice and guide them to that point. There is no need for us to give them weapons.
ReplyDeleteIl be honest, I had no idea that anything at all was going on in Tunisia, but if we can peacefully aid in making this country democratic, I'm all for it. The minute it becomes violent and our troops are required to get our point across, I will be much less willing to support the actions.
ReplyDeleteA lot like DJ i am all for helping them out in making Tunisia a democratic country, but i dont think we should do it at the expense of our troops. If it cant be done peacefully, I do not believe we should be enforcing anything. Let Tunisia handle it, if this conflict turns really bad. in my eyes there is no point in sacrificing American lives so Tunisia can have a dmocratic government.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that Tunisia seems to have been able to make a smoother, more peaceful transition of power than Egypt or Syria. I think it's important that the US maintain good diplomatic relations with the new democratic government, and I think it's smart to strengthen them to a reasonable extent. If the new government feels threatened, it might resort to less peaceful measures to retain its power, such as oppressing the Islamists who were previously in power. It's wise for the US to take diplomatic action to avoid such an outcome.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this. Part of me wants to see Tunisia succeed in it's efforts, but the other half isn't too concerned. I hate to be the downer, but we have our own problems here in America to deal with. I feel that our government needs to get itself together before we attempt (once again) to meddle in other countries problems.
ReplyDeleteAny effort by any country to establish a democratic government is a country I applaud. I fully support the decision on the US's decision to assist in Tunisia's effort. However, I believe that the US should only help as little as possible. As Christian said, the US does not have to meddle in other countries problems. I agree with this, but it also think that there is nothing wrong with the US giving a little fatherly-advice to Tunisia.
ReplyDeleteI think the United States should be cautious with how we will support Tunisia. Of course it is good to help a newly created democratic nation, but there is a point where we could be giving too much. It seems like the United States knows this and will give only what they believe is sufficient. Hopefully that will help us maintain a good relationship with Tunisia.
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