Q&A
- +1
Amr Hamzawy, Andrew Leber, Eric Lob, …
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"authors": [
"Marwan Muasher"
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"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
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"collections": [
"Arab Awakening"
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"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "MEP",
"programs": [
"Middle East"
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"regions": [
"Middle East",
"North Africa",
"Libya",
"Tunisia",
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"topics": [
"Political Reform"
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Source: Getty
In The Media
The Changing Nature of the Arab World
In countries like Syria and Libya, where the situation is still fluid and tumultuous, Tunisia provides a great example of how a transitional election should unfold.
Published on Oct 28, 2011
Source: Viewpoints with James Zogby
Speaking on Viewpoints with James Zogby, Carnegie's Marwan Muasher explained why the Tunisian elections provide an exemplary model for the Arab world on what the beginnings of a democratic transition can look like. According to Marwan Muasher, “the results of the election, which was free from violence; the turnout, which was near 90 percent; the election committee, which ensured transparency; and the role of the military, all were very encouraging signs.” Although there is significant concern over the role of the Islamic Ennahda party, Muasher suggested that so far, Ennahda has shown itself to be a moderate Islamic party and has even run unveiled women candidates. Moreover, he pointed out that these elections are for a constituent assembly to draft a constitution. If Tunisians are unhappy with Ennahda, they can simply vote them out in the next elections, which are a year away.
In countries like Syria and Libya, and even Egypt to a certain extent, where the situation is still fluid and tumultuous, “Tunisia provides a great example of how a transitional election should unfold,” noted Muasher.
About the Author
Marwan Muasher
Vice President for Studies
Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.
- The Myriad Problems With the Iran Ceasefire
- The Iran War Is Uncovering the Weakness in U.S.-Gulf TiesCommentary
Marwan Muasher
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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