Tunisia: An Arab Anomaly

by Safwan M Masri, Lisa Anderson (Foreword)

The Arab Spring began and ended with Tunisia. In a region beset by brutal repression, humanitarian disasters, and civil war, Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution alone gave way to a peaceful transition to a functioning democracy. Within four short years, Tunisians passed a progressive constitution, held fair parliamentary elections, and ushered in the country's first-ever democratically elected president. But did Tunisia simply avoid the misfortunes that befell its neighbors, or were there particular features that set the country apart and made it a special case?In An Arab Anomaly, Safwan M. Masri explores the factors that have shaped the country's exceptional experience. He traces Tunisia's history of reform in the realms of education, religion, and women's rights, arguing that the seeds for today's relatively liberal and democratic society were planted as far back as the middle of the nineteenth century. Masri argues that Tunisia stands out not as a model that can be replicated in other Arab countries, but rather as an anomaly, as its history of reformism set it on a separate trajectory from the rest of the region. The narrative explores notions of identity, the relationship between Islam and society, and the hegemonic role of religion in shaping educational, social, and political agendas across the Arab region. Based on interviews with dozens of experts, leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens, and a synthesis of a rich body of knowledge, Masri provides a sensitive, often personal, account that is critical for understanding not only Tunisia but also the broader Arab world.

Genres: History, Tunisia, Nonfiction, Politics, Africa, African Literature, Northern Africa

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Khaled Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a useful backgrounder on the historical and socio-political context which led to the apparently spontaneous Tunisian revolution of 2010/11 to succeed on so many fronts. Through research and interviews, Masri, a Jordanian-Palestinians, insightfully demonstrates that the Tunisian revolution most certainly did not come out of the blue.

Although the prose still was too upbeat, like an American feel-good documentary or bio flick, it is generally a good read.

While I share Masri's wonderment and admiration for the Tunisian experiment, I disagree with this classification of Tunisia as an 'Arab anomaly'. In fact, his regional comparison is perhaps the (relatively) weakest part of the book. He pulls his punches somewhat when it comes to criticising the Jordanian regime, and I feel his understanding of the situation in Egypt is somewhat incomplete, though he is absolutely right in his assertion that the greatest barrier to reform is the military.

Although Tunisia is certainly the most secular of Arab countries (as far as I am aware), Egypt (and some other Arab states) is more secular than he gives it credit for. As I've argued before, this secularisation has been concealed and distorted and veiled by the growth of conspicuous religosity and piety.

Masri dedicates little space to what I regard as a vital issue: the global economic inequalities that are likely to undermine the Tunisian experiment. He also doesn't dedicate (much) space to the troubling phenomenon of widespread disillusionment and despondency that is so prevalent here, and the bizarre nostalgia for the Ben Ali years that so many entertain. This myth-making is potentially dangerous for Tunisia's future.

Here's to hoping that Tunisia can crack the economic riddle like it has done with the political and social ones.

[Amber Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about Tunisia in this book!

[Yogi Travelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up before my trip earlier this year to Tunisia. Well worth the read!

Ever since the Roman capital of Carthage in North Africa, a seed was planted in Tunisa...

Tunisia is an Arab anomaly. It is the most 'progressive' Islamic country in the Arab world. Islam had its golden age of enlightenment, but where did it go? Where did that age of enlightenment go, besides getting lost into the religion of Islam.
Maybe it is just sitting dormant for the next age - like Mohammad who was the last prophet to replace to Christ...

The Arab Spring started in Tunisia in 2011. From the fruit seller who lit himself on fire after the repeated police harassment in the country, to the death of Gaddafi in Libya, to the fall of Mubarak in Egypt and to the ongoing civil war against Assad in Syria... The Arab was watching the fire ignite in Tunisia as it spread across North Africa and into the Middle East...

3 things have shaped Tunisia to become this outlier in the Muslim world:
1 - its determination to educate the public with education beyond the religious mudrassas
2 - its freedom of women's rights (Tunisia legalized abortion 2 years before its occupier France)
3 - its ability to remove Sharia Law from its Constitution

My time was so much better in Tunisia after reading the countries history, where it came from, what it did to get where it is today and the challenges it faces as it continues into the future...

Recommended!

[Ariana Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for anyone interested in Tunisia, the Arab Spring, and the Arab World, more broadly.

Divided into three parts, the book begins with a careful examination of the precipitating factors that led to Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, followed by a detailed account of the revolution as it unfolded and an overview of the accomplishments and challenges Tunisia has faced since. Masri navigates complex post-revolution political dynamics with finesse, an accomplishment that reflects a high level of scholarship and analysis found throughout the book. In the preface, Masri notes that the book is based on hundreds of hours of interviews, primary source research, and personal lived experience. This shines through!

I was particularly fascinated by Masri’s deconstruction of post-colonial nation-building in the Middle East and North Africa. His examines how domestic social policies, especially in regards to education and religion, played a critical and lasting role in the development of Arab (and Turkish) states. He gives a lot of credit, for better or worse, to leadership (Nasser, Bourguiba, Attaturk, etc.) but also examines how broader regional and global trends had domestic implications (Cold-War rivalries, Nasserism, Pan-Arabism, and Islamism). Through all of this, Masri shows how Tunisia strode a different path.

An impressive feat of scholarship, the book broadened my understanding of historic and current dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa. Credit must be given to Masri’s writing style and personal voice, which made the book not only informative but easy and enjoyable to read. Highly recommend!

[Chase Richburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and helped me put stories with many names I have heard before in Tunisian history. There were many times I found myself realizing I was reading an incredible story in the text that a friend or two of mine who are very knowledgeable on their own Tunisian history had already shared with me… so I appreciated revisiting these stories but this time from an academic perspective. The book was dry at times but overall was a fruitful read and helped me greater understand this country that I know and love.

[Marianne Lafiteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ HISTORICAL THRILLER!
In his book, Safwan Masri, enlightens the reader to the mesmerizing historical, social, cultural and ideological foundations of Tunisia which allowed it to transition to democracy in contrast to other Arab countries which failed. As a woman, I was especially fascinated to learn of this country’s crucial realization of the empowerment of women through education, health care and in the work place as essential to achieving this success. Equipped with a superb foundation of the fundamentals of democracy from Masri’s work, one can’t help but ponder the provocative parallels to current events in our own country which could threaten this process. The grace of the author’s writing is that he synthesizes complex issues into terms that can be understood by either the scholar or the layman. Tunisia, An Arab Anomaly, is a work of vital importance especially in today’s world which reads like a page turning thriller; I absolutely loved it!
M. Lafiteau

[Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safwan Masri's "Tunisia: An Arab Anomaly" stands out as a compelling analysis of the factors that propelled Tunisia on a seemingly exceptional path towards democracy following the Arab Spring uprisings. The book argues that Tunisia's history, culture, and political landscape have fostered a unique environment conducive to democratic transition, setting it apart from its Arab neighbors.

Masri's central thesis revolves around the concept of Tunisia's "remarkable culture of reform." He traces this culture back to the influence of 19th-century modernists who championed education, gender equality, and secularism. These ideas, Masri suggests, laid the groundwork for a more open and tolerant society, a vital foundation for a functioning democracy.

Another key factor Masri highlights is the legacy of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first post-independence president. Bourguiba's policies promoting social progress and secularism are seen as crucial in fostering a national identity distinct from religious extremism. This, in turn, created a framework for a more democratic system where diverse voices could be heard.

Masri doesn't shy away from acknowledging the importance of civil society and education. A strong tradition of social organizations provided a vital platform for dissent and political participation during the uprising. Tunisia's emphasis on education, particularly for women, is seen as another crucial element. It cultivated a more critical and engaged citizenry, better equipped to navigate the complexities of a democratic system.

A unique aspect of Masri's analysis is his exploration of Tunisia's colonial experience. He argues that Tunisia's relationship with France, though colonial, differed from other Arab experiences. While resentment towards French rule existed, there might have also been a degree of cultural exchange. This, Masri suggests, fostered a more open-minded outlook, preparing Tunisia for a more inclusive political system.

Finally, Masri highlights the role of the military. Unlike other Arab states where the military held significant political sway, Tunisia's smaller military remained largely apolitical. This, Masri argues, allowed for a smoother civilian-led transition to democracy.

While the book presents a compelling narrative of Tunisia's exceptionalism, it has also been subject to some critique. Critics argue that Masri might be underplaying the challenges Tunisia still faces, such as economic disparity and political polarization. Additionally, the emphasis on Tunisia's uniqueness might downplay the potential for democratic change in other Arab states with different historical and cultural contexts.

Despite these limitations, "Tunisia: An Arab Anomaly" offers a valuable contribution to understanding the Arab Spring's complexities. By focusing on Tunisia's unique path, Masri prompts a broader discussion about the ingredients necessary for a successful democratic transition in the region. The book serves as a reminder that historical context, cultural values, and social structures play a significant role in shaping a nation's political trajectory.

[Jasper Van Der Schaaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a history of Tunisia. It contains somewhat of a comparison with its fellow Maghreb countries and to a lesser extent with the other members of the Arab League. The focus is on the post-colonial era, more specifically the first president to Tunisia (Bourguiba) and therefore reads somewhat like a biography. The text was closed off in 2017 and therefore misses important information on the last years in which a lot of developments took place.

Most interesting are the parts on the Tunisian public educational system. It's state funded, liberal but not western-orientated principles and the high usage of primary, secondary and tertiary education is amazing! The author also did field work and describes observations of classes in the interior of Tunisia, the contents of history books and makes comparisons to his own educational career in Jordan. Conclusion: Tunisia is far ahead of the rest of the Arab world, where private education is by and large the norm. interestingly, the author currently is the Dean of (the private US university) Georgetown in Qatar! The text is somewhat repetitive here and there and might have been more concisive. Interesting is also, the parallel between the former French colonies (Lebanon, Morocco, Algerie and Tunisia), where education was more public and central to the regime than in the former British colonies, although this thesis is not fully elaborated.

Of course, the Arab revolution started in Tunisia in 2011. The author renders a good account of the events that occurred during that era, including the accountability questions for the government violence that occurred in early 2011. Tunisia is the only real democracy to have emerged from the Arab Spring, yet this feeble democracy is in danger. Since 2019, former constitutional law professor Mohammed Kais Said (KS) came to power and performed some questionable acts. He put aside the Supreme Judicial Council, jailed his main opponent and long time Ennadha leader Mohammed Ganouchi, aligned with most Arab countries to oppose the state of Israel and most recently let migrants through on rocky boats across the Mediterranean to Italy, leading to a concept agreement with the EU on financial support. A lot to worry for in this not so easy to govern country, but if the spirit of the Carthaginians prevails as the author says, all will turn out right. Although Tunisia is not a model for the Arab world, but rather the bright exception to the Arab rule. Mostly due to late Habib Bourguiba, may his soul rest in peace!

[Melkor von Moltke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tunisia stands out as an anomaly of the Arab Spring, avoiding the pitfalls of renewed tyranny, violent uprisings by radical sects, or descent in the chaos of civil war. Instead it has forged a unique path in the region, installing a relatively stable democracy. Safwan Masri set out to explain the reasons for Tunisia's success in this book.

Masri argues that Tunisia's developments since the mid 19th century, particularly an emphasis on education, paved the way for a more progressive society that, while finding a common identity in Islamic and Arabic culture, was able to incorporate a great deal of western and secular thought. Masri makes sure to include the history of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Berbers, Arabs, Ottomans, and French in relation to Tunisa, and the dynamics by which these states impacted the development of a Tunisian identity.

The bulk of the book focuses on Tunisia from the 19th century onward. The various scholars, monarchs, politicians, and labor unions all had their roles to play. In particular, Masri argues that education played the development of modern Tunisia. Education makes frequent appearances throughout the book and is the focus of the last three chapters. While education does quite often occupy the front seat, Masri does cover a vast array of topics and characters in Tunisian history. Women's rights, labor unions, colonial institutions, civic participation, and comparisons with other Arab and Islamic states make the book very well rounded.

There are only a couple complaints I have with the book. The largest is that it is in an odd order, using the first few chapters to describe the Jasmine Revolution, bringing up figures whose roles are not made clear until chapters later. Then it goes through the entire history of Tunisia before coming back to modern events. Also, the couple decades of Ben Ali's rule are largely glossed over, other than education reform.

All in all, the book is well worth the read. It is a detailed study of a country that is rarely brought up on the world stage, and deserves more attention than it recieves.

[Matt Thackeray · Rating 3 out of 5]

When asked about the revolts in France (probably those of 1968 than 1789), Zhou En-Lai said that it was probably too early to say how it has effected Western civilization. the same is true of the notional grouping of those countries who were fundamentally shaken by the events of the "Arab Spring". Masri attempts to describe how Tunisia has emerged from this period as a full, fledgling democracy while others are yet to arrive at this step writing a deeply subjective essay to examine a country he obviously cares deeply about.

His central thesis, that Tunisia's Franco-centric educational system gave the people the intellectual tools to challenge and debate Ben Ali's regime, is tricky at best. While post-colonial Algeria sought to cleave the French influence from their educational system, Morocco took a more moderate approach. Tunisia's rich history grants it a different national narrative to the countries of the gulf but not so much in comparison to the other countries of the Maghreb.

Overall, Masri's work offers an interesting perspective on how much Tunisia as achieved but does not quite explain Tunisia's unique identity.

[Steven Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wildly insightful. It steps through every major difference between Tunisia and the rest of the Arab world, showing how democracy has succeeded in Tunisia and failed everywhere else. While it points in the direction of long-term success for Tunisia, it also makes a strong case why pretty much every other country in the Middle East will only pull out of their current doldrums through long-term efforts that will likely require the better part of a century. The only criticism I have is that the middle part of the book drags with too much detail. Otherwise, this is one of the more important books I have read in the past decade.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in order to learn about Tunisian culture and history before traveling there. It suited that purpose perfectly and was chock full of interesting information about Tunisia. That said, it did feel a bit repetitive and the author got stuck in the weeds a bit. This is likely due to a more academic writing style, but it did make the experience of a casual reading a bit less enjoyable. I must also say i felt a bit uncomfortable with how universally condemning the author was of other Arab nations, but I certainly understood his perspective and where he's coming from. Would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Tunisia or the Arab Spring.

[Bill Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I read this book. Well written and informative. I have been reading books on ancient and contemporary Tunisia in preparation for a holiday there later in the year, and I found this book to one of the best.
Having said this I believe is was rather deficient in the area of Tunisia and its relations with other countries. There was reference and comparison with
Neighbouring countries and France but there was little written about other counties. The USA and Russia get little mention and virtually nothing about China and other Asian countries. Even Indonesia with its massive Muslim population is not discussed. Perhaps another book might be produced by the author.

[Zein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapping into his Arab upbringing and American education and career, Professor Masri provides a nuanced account of how Tunisia has, so far, succeeded in emerging from the so-called Arab Spring triumphant, while other Arab states have not.

For those who witnessed, remember or know how the history of modern Tunisia unfolded, this book connects the dots between different events, past and present, in a way that contextualizes Tunisia’s path to success in a thought provoking way.

If this is your first foray into Tunisia, there is no better place to start.

[Enee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really amazing and intricate walkthrough Tunisia's culture and politics from an author who is both an outsider and an insider in different ways. After reading this book, I could understand the Tunisian perspective and it was the only reason that I was able to talk for hours on end with new people I met on the streets of Tunis. Such a great book for one interested in politics and history within Tunisia.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a crash course on Tunisia and this book went on a deep dive into the complete history of the nation up to and beyond the Arab Spring. With a focus on certain key figures and movements, Masri paints Tunisia as the crown jewel of Arab nations and that it stands alone in its current state. He really hammers home why Tunisia is unlike the rest of the Arab world.

[Aziz Ketari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative historical analysis of Tunisia legacy that led to be different from other “Arab” countries.
It lacks more contemporary facts.

Spoilers:
The thesis depicts Tunisia’s uniqueness to be based on four characteristics, namely,
- education
- women
- religion
- civic society

[JAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more than interesting view on Tunisia's political and geo- economical evolution from the past until today.

[Emette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author offers a central notion attributing Tunisia's successful transition from a former colony to a democracy to education, feminism, civic society and secularism, emphasising the essential role of nation's strong leader, Habib Bourguiba. However, the notion feels quite monotonous at times, backed up by brief comparisons with other Arab countries. There is the grand scheme of touring Tunisia's history from thousands of years ago, but the gaps and back-and-forth in between diminish the effort. My future read would perhaps be a more focused read on contemporary Tunisia with explanation of power, change of regime, and revolution.

P.S. The Traditional Chinese translation is quite shitty

[Rachelle Andujar · Rating 5 out of 5]

History buffs and people passionate about current affairs will appreciate this book. It is a book written in great detail, comprehensively and thoroughly presenting readers with Tunisia’s unique path to a democratic society. The author takes into account Tunisia's history, dating back to the nineteenth century and beyond, and highlights how identity was shaped and the role it has played - making this stand apart from other accounts of Tunisia and the Arab world. The author also bravely and delicately shares personal insights, while keeping a balanced view on culture and religion, the importance of women's rights, and the impact of education, and explores social and political dynamics to explain Tunisia’s peaceful reform movement, which is unlike any other in the Arab World. It is a seamless read, bringing the reader through a trajectory of events unfolding Tunisia’s past and setting a well understood account of the present day. A required read for journalists, Middle East analysts, and global affairs specialists; and highly recommended for anyone trying to grasp today’s Arab world. This should be required reading in Political Science, History, Government, and Negotiation and Conflict Resolution courses.

[Paul Hersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an important read. While part of the larger Maghreb, or North African world, Tunisia is unique. With its long history of contact with Europe, Tunisia is an Arabic-speaking country with a Mediterranean outlook.

Safwan Masri’s history of Tunisia, beginning with indigenous Berber society, illustrates how successive civilizations, including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, and the French added layers of complexity to its history and culture.

Masri paints a nuanced picture of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first President following independence in 1957. Bouguiba guided Tunisia into the modern world, while avoiding social and political extremes which plague many Arabic-speaking countries. Masri clearly shows how a progressive education has been crucial to the success of Tunisia’s functioning democracy.

Leaders across the Arabic-speaking world have based their civil society, public education, and jurisprudence on Islam, often using “the West” as a foil to justify autocratic rule. Masri shows how Tunisia’s history, culture, and progressive education policies allowed Tunisia to emerge from the Arab Spring as a functioning democracy, which is a true “Arab anomaly.”

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provided great insight into the background of Tunisia and the cultural influences allowing for a modern revolution. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a case study on modern middle eastern cculture.