The Jasmine revolution defies those who say ‘Arabs are not ready for democracy’, the Tunis Times noted. After toppling a dictatorship that lasted 21 years, Tunisians voted in historic democratic elections to establish a parliament whose main task was to write a new constitution within one year, the paper said.
“Despite two political crises, little economic growth and increasing unemployment, Tunisian politicians managed to pull things together and strike a deal that will implement a government of technocrats to assist future elections and finish the constitution. The constitution itself, whilst far from perfection, stands out against the constitutions of Arab neighbours. Whereas Egypt’s constitution was being inflicted upon Egyptians by [former president] Mohammad Mursi, the Tunisian constitution is more a product of a democratic voting process, with several articles considered important by Tunisia’s secularists. Unless circumstance dictates otherwise, Tunisia is in its final steps of establishing the first true Arab democracy in North Africa and the Middle East.”
Every day, Tunisia is taking steps that reflect sound judgement and is setting an example in democracy, said Qatar’s Al Sharq.
“Tunisia succeeded in having legislative elections, which can be considered historic. The country today is reaping the fruits of the Jasmine Revolution; it has held on to gains made at a national level and overcome the throes of transition [and emerged as] a state of law and institutions following 21 years of tyrannical rule. A sign worth noting is that Islamists have been a key part of the democratic process. Prior to the revolution, Islamists were marginalised and excluded from the political process during which they managed to coexist with their foes. The biggest challenge now is to now maintain the fruits of this new experience.”
Commenting on the dire situation in parts of Egypt, the Oman Tribune said Cairo has shown appreciable firmness in dealing with the spiralling violence in the northern and central parts of the Sinai Peninsula. “There is no doubt that it will take a firm and decisive hand to tackle the tumult in the region. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi has reasons to suspect [a] ‘foreign hand’ behind the deadly blast in Al Arish, the principal town in northern Sinai [last Friday]. In the circumstances, the country needs bold steps to stamp out militancy that has consumed dozens of lives. Sinai’s economic progress depends on providing a peaceful atmosphere and any uptick in violence would upset the fragile economic recovery. Further erosion in the economic situation will only exacerbate the conditions and fuel more militancy. While cooperation for the sake of economic progress is welcome, the regional stakeholders need to avoid working at cross-purposes. This is because economic development alone can bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region, which [has long been] suffering [from] turmoil resulting from internal and external causes.”
Terrorism will not succeed in achieving its goal of breaking the Egyptian army’s will, said UAE’s Al Bayan. “The Egyptian Army is the backbone of Egypt, and this act will not deter it from exerting efforts to combat all remnants of terrorism in Egypt that aim to destabilise the country. These acts of terrorism will only make the Egyptian people stand behind their political and military leaders in their fight against the dark forces of terrorism, at a time when Egypt is working on plans to create jobs, increase productivity and restore stability. The recent attack in Sinai confirms that someone is seeking revenge against the Egyptian people, who reject extremism and violent acts. Therefore, fighting terrorism is the national duty of every Egyptian, and it requires Egyptians to be united in order to defend their people and country.”
