Free Tunisia

(LONDON) - Tunisia continues to dominate headlines and it should; popular uprisings have relieved nations of tyrants in the past, and when the power of the people leads to the removal of oppressive regimes, it is a form of democracy in action.

A state of emergency was declared by President Ben Ali after protests that began in December 2010. The government was dissolved on 14 January and new legislative elections are promised to happen within the next six months. Ben Ali had ruled Tunisia since 1987.

On the same day Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi stated on government TV that he was assuming power in Tunisia. Unconfirmed sources there said that the President left the country. Gannouchi's move to power was based on Article 56 of the Tunisian constitution.

But Gannouchi violated the constitution, according to Fethi Abdennadher, the head of Tunisia's Constitutional Court. He says Article 56 is not applicable to current circumstances and requires a President.

Article 57 of the constitution states that the President of the Parliament should take the executive power and organize an election in 45 to 60 days.

Free Tunisia

Wake up to the scent of newfound liberty
Where hearts beat with hope despite fear of uncertainty
Following the dark years of masked slavery
Comes a promise, that they might finally be free
Now the exiled can finally return home sweet
As their tormentors in the dark of night flee

Forgive us, for we failed to see how your wounds run deep
It took one man, from the forsaken Sidi Bouzid
To light a fire, so the rest of the world could see
That today Tunisia stands at the heart of the fight for equality
That quality of life is not for the corrupt few a monopoly
From Benguerdane to Benzart, forget not Bouazizi

But the battle is not over, despite the miracle of ousting Ben Ali
You may steer into a nightmare instead of realising your dream
So stand united in the face of internal and external enemies
For those who insult your faith wish you no prosperity or dignity
Hajj Moussa or Moussa el Hajj – are but clones of the old regime
And even in the face of bullets, respond only in a protest of peace

Exclude no one and forgive all, learn from and make history
Fall not into division, for what is at stake is not just your destiny
But the hopes of millions from oceans to seas and ... me

By Mamoon Alabbasi

Mamoon Alabbasi is an Iraqi news editor and translator based in London who writes compelling articles from a unique perspective. His Op-eds, reports, and reviews have appeared in a number of media outlets and we are very pleased to carry his work at Salem-News.com.

Mamoon has a Masters degree in applied linguistics. The many interesting highlights of his career include spending ten years in Tunisia teaching English. He has also published a number of poems online. Salem-News believes in utilizing the work of poets; this is an outstanding way to present news and current information, and always a great tool of expression regardless of the subject. You can send Mamoon an email at this address: abbasid@writeme.com

Salem-News.com Top Stories

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

rewilding LA: Matilija Dam History and Ecosystems

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Moncef Kh January 27, 2011 3:16 pm (Pacific time)

Mr Mamoon, through this poem, reveals a good understanding of what is going on in Tunisia, in addition to high sensitivity in responding to the recent events. Thanks and good luck!

[Return to Top]

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News