Tunisia: Understanding Conflict 2012 - Johns Hopkins School of ...

inequality were most severe. Combating this inequality will be a significant challenge for
the new Tunisian government.
Socio-Political Differences between the Interior and the Coast
The divide between the coastal regions and the south-western regions of Tunisia is not
only an economic one. Although Tunisia is a homogenous society, there are still cultural
differences within the country that may become important political cleavages going
forward. One question for Tunisians that needs to be answered in their new democracy is
an issue of identity. It is clear that nearly all Tunisians regard themselves as Arab-
Muslims. These two descriptors are not controversial; however, there are very clear
differences in opinion about whether Tunisia should look to Europe or the Arab world for
guidance economically and politically. Coastal Tunisians tend to see Tunisia as a very
Mediterranean country, more similar to Italy or Spain than to Syria. This view seems to
be particularly salient among liberal elites, and becomes less common farther away from
the sea. Ennahdha, the Islamist party that currently holds the largest number of seats in
parliament, sees Tunisia’s relationship with Europe as one that should be more or less
contained to the economic sphere.
Another controversial issue is the place of Islam in society and in government.
Although almost every Tunisian considers him/herself to be a Muslim, whether they
practice or not, the role of religion in government policy is a contentious issue. One of
the main choices to make leading up to the election of the Constituent Assembly was
whether to choose an Islamist party or a secular one. Leading up to the formation of the
government, secular-liberals were deeply afraid that Ennahdha would use its victory as a
mandate to roll back women’s rights. This fear has so far been unfounded—the party has
given no indication that it has any desire to pursue such a course of action, and in fact
have clearly stated the contrary. Also, Ennahdha is constrained by its secular coalition
partners, the Congrès pour la République (CPR) and Ettakatol. Ennahdha’s views seem to
have a greater appeal outside of the capital. According to a recent National Democratic
Institute (NDI) poll, 45% of Sidi Bouzid residents polled said that Ennahdha was the
party that most closely represented their views. In contrast, only 35% of respondents in
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