Tunisia’s Political Climate Simmers as Citizens Rally Against Rising Authoritarianism and Economic Despair

Just one day after a powerful display of dissent rocked the streets of Tunis, the official presidential campaign season kicked off on Saturday, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle. The protests, which were possibly the largest since President Kais Saied began a sweeping crackdown earlier this year, were a resounding call for change in a country increasingly besieged by economic hardships and political repression.

On Friday, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets in a dramatic show of defiance against what they describe as a burgeoning police state under Saied’s rule. Carrying signs that read, “Where is sugar? Where is oil? Where is freedom? Where is democracy?” the protesters voiced their frustration over skyrocketing costs of living and the erosion of civil liberties. As they marched towards the Interior Ministry, the discontent was palpable, echoing the revolutionary spirit of 2011 that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Khaled Ben Abdeslam, an urban development consultant and one of the protesters, encapsulated the mood of the demonstration. “Nobody dares to say or do anything anymore,” he lamented, reflecting widespread fears about the increasing authoritarian grip of Saied’s regime. His concerns are not unfounded. Since Saied’s rise to power in 2019, Tunisia has seen a troubling consolidation of executive authority. The president has effectively frozen the parliament, rewritten the constitution, and cracked down on dissent, leading to mass arrests of journalists, activists, and political opponents.

The timing of these protests is particularly critical as Saied prepares to seek reelection on October 6. His first term, marked by promises of anti-corruption and reform, has instead been marred by rising unemployment, particularly among youth, and a deepening economic crisis. Despite these issues, Saied has skillfully leveraged populist rhetoric to maintain support, including controversial statements targeting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and attempts to alter Tunisia’s demographic landscape.

The political crackdown has intensified as Saied’s opponents face increasing obstacles. Candidates who might challenge him have been arrested or disqualified, and those who have managed to secure candidacy have faced legal and political challenges. Ayachi Zammel, a prominent businessman and one of the few candidates approved to run against Saied, was arrested almost immediately after his candidacy was announced. His attorney fears that Zammel might be barred from politics entirely, following a troubling pattern of disqualifications.

Friday’s protest, organized by the Tunisian Network for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms, highlighted the public’s growing alarm over the erosion of democratic norms. Many in the network are disillusioned by the election authority’s refusal to reinstate candidates who had been unjustly excluded, defying court orders and deepening the sense of injustice.

Hajer Mohamed, a 33-year-old law firm assistant, expressed a sentiment shared by many: a disillusionment that starkly contrasts with the euphoria of the 2011 revolution. “We never thought that after the 2011 revolution we’d live to see the country’s suffocating situation,” she said. “Even under former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the situation wasn’t as scandalous as it is today.”

As Tunisia’s presidential campaign officially begins, the nation stands at a crossroads. The massive protests and Saied’s increasingly autocratic measures signal a deepening crisis, with the future of Tunisia’s democracy hanging precariously in the balance. Will the upcoming elections offer a glimmer of hope, or will they merely cement the current regime’s grip on power? The answers will come as Tunisians head to the polls, but for now, the country remains a cauldron of political tension and economic struggle.

South Sudan Delays Elections to 2026 Amidst Ongoing Challenges and Criticisms

South Sudan has announced a two-year postponement of its elections originally scheduled for December 2024, citing the need to complete essential preparatory processes, including a national census, drafting a permanent constitution, and registering political parties. The new election date is set for December 22, 2026.

Presidential Adviser on National Security Tut Gatluak confirmed the extension, emphasizing that it will allow for the completion of critical processes necessary for a successful election. This decision marks the second delay since South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and extends the transitional period that began in February 2020.

The postponement follows recommendations from electoral institutions and the security sector. Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro supported the delay, citing the need for thorough preparations to ensure the elections’ credibility.

South Sudan has faced significant challenges, including a severe economic crisis and ongoing instability. The country’s oil exports have been disrupted by a damaged pipeline in neighboring Sudan, exacerbating the economic difficulties. This has led to unpaid civil servants and strained resources.

Professor Abednego Akok, Chairperson of the National Election Commission, noted last month that voter registration had not yet commenced due to funding shortages. The Tumaini initiative peace talks in neighboring Kenya, aimed at including non-signatory groups in the peace process, have also stalled, adding to the uncertainty.

The extension has sparked a range of reactions. Andrea Mach Mabior, an independent political analyst, warned that conducting elections that fail to meet international standards would be a waste of resources and could lead to further instability.

“Going for elections that do not meet international standards will be a waste of money,” Mabior told The Associated Press.

Conversely, Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment Progress Organization, expressed concern that any delay beyond December 2024 could increase the risk of violence. He argued that timely elections could help avert further unrest.

“If we fail to conduct the elections in December 2024, the chance of the country turning into violence is higher than if we go for the elections,” Yakani said in August.

South Sudan’s ongoing crises have led to a dire humanitarian situation, with an estimated 9 million people—73% of the population—projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, according to the UN Humanitarian Needs Overview for South Sudan. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of civil war, climate change, and economic hardships, which further complicate the electoral process and overall stability.

South Sudan’s decision to postpone its elections reflects the complex challenges facing the country as it navigates a turbulent transition period. While the delay aims to address critical preparatory needs, it also raises concerns about potential instability and the future of the peace process. As South Sudan continues to confront severe economic and humanitarian issues, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and impact the nation’s path toward sustainable peace and democracy.

Trump vs Harris LIVE | Donald Trump Speech LIVE | Kamala Harris LIVE

In their first face-off, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump unleash a barrage of attacks, highlighting stark contrasts in their visions for America

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off in their first-ever presidential debate on Tuesday night. Held at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, the debate turned into a gladiatorial contest, with both candidates delivering fierce and unrelenting attacks that set the tone for the November 5 election.

From the moment they shook hands and took their positions behind the lecterns, it was clear that this would not be a cordial exchange. Harris, the Democratic Vice President, and Trump, the former Republican President, wasted no time in launching verbal assaults on each other’s record and policies.

Harris opened with a sharp jab about the 2020 election, claiming, “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. He has a very difficult time processing that.” Trump, who has persistently questioned the legitimacy of his loss to Joe Biden, responded by dismissing the 2020 result as a “whisker” loss, framing his remarks as sarcastic while evading direct acknowledgment of Biden’s victory.

Throughout the 90-minute debate, the two candidates clashed on a smorgasbord of issues. Harris criticized Trump’s record as president, accusing him of failing to address key problems and contributing to America’s decline. “We are a failing nation,” Trump declared in his closing remarks, blaming Harris for the perceived failures of the Biden administration.

In a post-debate CNN poll, Harris emerged as the clear winner, with 63% of viewers giving her the edge over Trump’s 37%. Adding a cultural twist to the political drama, pop icon Taylor Swift endorsed Harris shortly after the debate concluded, amplifying the buzz around Harris’s performance.

The debate stage was not without its moments of high drama. Harris, known for her prosecutorial sharpness, repeatedly baited Trump with pointed barbs. At one point, she mocked Trump’s rally supporters, suggesting they left early due to boredom with his speeches. Trump, on the other hand, labeled Harris a Marxist, suggesting her political ideology was deeply rooted in her upbringing by a leftist economist.

The candidates also traded barbs over economic policies. Trump accused Harris and Biden of steering the U.S. towards economic ruin, likening the situation to “Venezuela on steroids.” Harris countered, branding Trump’s proposed tariffs as a “Trump sales tax” that would burden American consumers.

Abortion rights and immigration were also hot-button topics. Harris condemned Trump’s Supreme Court appointments for eroding women’s reproductive rights, while Trump blasted Harris for the Biden administration’s handling of immigration, making bizarre claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio.

On foreign policy, Trump boasted that he would have swiftly resolved the crises in Ukraine and Israel if re-elected. Harris fired back, suggesting Trump’s presidency would have emboldened Russia and worsened global instability. “If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now,” she asserted.

The debate underscored the stark contrasts between the two candidates. Trump’s aggressive attacks contrasted sharply with Harris’s strategic focus on contrasting her vision for America’s future against what she depicted as Trump’s regressive policies.

The debate, which was marked by interruptions and a lack of a live audience, may be the only direct face-off between Harris and Trump before the election. With national polls showing a tight race, including Trump leading by a slight margin in some surveys, the debate could prove pivotal in swaying undecided voters.

As the election approaches, the battle lines are drawn. Harris aims to position herself as a forward-looking leader, promising a new generation of leadership, while Trump seeks to capitalize on his outsider status and critique the current administration’s handling of key issues. With both candidates eager to sway the crucial undecided electorate, the stakes for November have never been higher.

An Epic Showdown at the National Constitution Center May Define the Future of American Politics

The U.S. presidential race is hurtling towards a dramatic crossroads with Tuesday night’s debate between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This face-off, set against the historic backdrop of Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, could be the game-changer in a fiercely contested election cycle.

For both candidates, this debate isn’t just another political event—it’s a make-or-break opportunity. Harris, still fresh from a late entry into the race and trailing Trump in national polls, must seize this moment to solidify her standing with voters. Meanwhile, Trump, a seasoned debater known for his provocative style, aims to leverage his experience to cement his position as the formidable Republican front-runner.

The debate occurs just eight weeks before Election Day and a few days before early voting begins in several states. National polls show a tight race, with Trump leading Harris by a narrow margin. In battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Harris holds a slight edge, making this debate pivotal in shaping the final narrative.

The debate promises to be a spectacle of sharp rhetoric and high drama. Harris must navigate the treacherous waters of introducing herself to undecided voters while countering Trump’s relentless attacks. Trump, on the other hand, has a history of using debates to launch stinging barbs and challenge his opponents aggressively, a strategy that could disrupt Harris’s efforts to present a coherent vision.

University of Michigan debate coach Aaron Kall describes the event as “one of the most highly anticipated and consequential presidential debates of all time.” Trump’s ability to deliver explosive, attention-grabbing remarks could overshadow substantive policy discussions, while Harris needs to show she can effectively challenge Trump’s previous administration’s record and his ongoing controversies.

As the debate draws near, the contrasting preparations are striking. Harris has been honing her skills with mock debates and intense rehearsal, while Trump has focused on policy briefings and avoided simulations. This divergence in preparation might highlight differing strategies and could influence the debate’s outcome.

The debate’s format will see each candidate’s microphone muted while the other speaks, ensuring a controlled environment for their exchanges. Topics are expected to include hot-button issues like abortion rights, immigration, and crime, all areas ripe for heated discussion.

In the lead-up to the debate, both candidates have traded barbs. Trump has disparaged Harris’s intellect and questioned her capability, portraying her as a dangerous alternative to his presidency. Harris has countered by branding Trump as an unserious figure whose return to power would have dire consequences for the nation.

This debate is more than a clash of personalities; it is a critical juncture that could sway undecided voters and potentially shift the course of the 2024 election. With both candidates eager to make their mark, Tuesday night’s showdown could very well be the defining moment of the campaign.

Exiled Presidential Hopeful’s Departure Undermines Democratic Aspirations in Venezuela

Edmundo González, once seen as a beacon of change in Venezuela, has fled to Spain for asylum. His unexpected departure highlights deepening political instability and casts doubt on the legitimacy of recent election results.

In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Venezuela’s political landscape, former opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González has fled the country for Spain, seeking asylum and marking a significant blow to the hopes of millions yearning for change. González, who had ignited a campaign for reform amidst two decades of single-party rule, was viewed by many as the rightful winner of the disputed July presidential election.

The announcement of González’s departure came late Saturday night, made public by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. The government’s decision to grant González safe passage, only days after issuing an arrest warrant against him, was framed as a move to restore “political peace and tranquility.” Neither González nor opposition leader María Corina Machado has yet commented on this unexpected development.

Spain’s center-left government clarified that González’s decision to leave Venezuela was his own, with a plane sent by the Spanish air force facilitating his escape. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized Spain’s commitment to the political rights and safety of Venezuelans in his statement on social media.

At 75, González’s unexpected rise as a presidential candidate was a result of María Corina Machado’s disqualification from the race. Although relatively unknown before his campaign, González quickly became a symbol of hope for Venezuelans disillusioned by years of economic collapse and authoritarian rule. His candidacy galvanized a significant segment of the population seeking an end to the entrenched Chavista regime.

Despite Nicolás Maduro being officially declared the victor of the July elections, the legitimacy of the results remains highly contested. Most Western governments have withheld recognition, demanding a transparent breakdown of the vote. Opposition tally sheets from over two-thirds of the electronic voting machines suggest that González won by a margin of more than 2-to-1—a stark contrast to the official results. These tally sheets, long regarded as reliable evidence in Venezuela’s electoral history, were not published this time, with the National Electoral Council attributing the omission to a purported cyberattack by North Macedonian adversaries.

In response to González’s absence, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, a Maduro ally, pursued his arrest, accusing him of electoral sabotage. Saab dismissed the opposition’s voting records as forgeries aimed at undermining the National Electoral Council’s credibility.

The United Nations and the Carter Center, which observed the election at Maduro’s invitation, have criticized the process. While stopping short of endorsing the opposition’s claims, they acknowledged that the voting records published by the opposition displayed original security features, casting further doubt on the election’s integrity.

González’s exile not only highlights the ongoing turmoil in Venezuela but also underscores the fragility of democratic aspirations in a country deeply divided and mired in political uncertainty. As Venezuela grapples with its future, the international community watches closely, questioning the authenticity of its electoral processes and the fate of its embattled opposition.

America on the Brink: Imagining a Civil War That Strikes Every State

Not long ago, the idea of a second American Civil War was relegated to the realm of dystopian fiction. Yet, with each passing day, this notion seems less fantastical and increasingly plausible. Polls and public sentiment reveal a nation on edge, grappling with profound divisions that echo the darkest chapters of its history.

Business Insider’s 2020 poll suggested that a majority of Americans viewed the country as being in a “cold” civil war. By late last year, the University of Virginia Center for Politics reported a staggering shift: over 50% of Trump voters and 41% of Biden voters entertained the idea of secession. This disconcerting data highlights a disillusioned populace, with particularly grim outlooks among younger Americans. Harvard’s Institute of Politics found that half of those under 30 believe democracy is in peril and foresee the possibility of civil conflict within their lifetimes.

Such apocalyptic visions are not merely speculative. A recent University of Maryland and Washington Post poll revealed that a third of Americans now view violence against the government as occasionally justified—a stark increase from just a decade ago. This surge in radical sentiments hints at a burgeoning willingness to resort to extreme measures.

The term “civil war” conjures images of the 1860s—states severing ties, slavery, and a death toll surpassing 600,000. However, today’s potential conflict might look markedly different. The battle lines are no longer drawn between North and South but between urban and rural, liberal and conservative, metro and non-metro.

Current tensions manifest in numerous ways, such as the ongoing debates over states’ rights—exemplified by the clash over abortion laws. While states like Texas move to impose severe restrictions, others remain committed to the more liberal stance established by Roe v. Wade. The Brookings Institution’s Darrell West and William Gale suggest that today’s political schisms could lead to conflicts not just between states but within them, between local factions and federal authorities.

America’s extraordinary arsenal exacerbates these concerns. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates 434 million firearms in civilian hands, with nearly 20 million semi-automatic weapons. This hyper-armed society, coupled with a deeply divided electorate, creates a volatile mix.

Political scientist Barbara F. Walter’s recent analysis underscores the gravity of the situation, drawing parallels between the current state of American democracy and partial democracies like Ecuador or Haiti. Walter’s observation—that the U.S. now resembles countries with significant democratic challenges—serves as a stark warning of potential escalation.

Geographical divides, once defined by historical lines, now reflect modern realities. The urban-rural split is stark: Biden’s support is concentrated in populous metropolitan areas, while Trump’s base thrives in rural regions. This divide is reflected in electoral maps, where Biden won counties housing 60% of the U.S. population, while Trump dominated the geographically vast, less populous areas.

The possibility of civil war may seem like a self-fulfilling prophecy if the rhetoric and fears continue to escalate. Irish Times writer Fintan O’Toole’s reflection on the Irish Troubles serves as a cautionary note—dwell too long on the specter of conflict, and you may bring it closer to reality.

The situation is dire, and American politics has proven that no scenario is too extreme to consider. As the nation wrestles with its internal demons, the question remains: can the United States navigate its way back from the brink, or is it fated to confront a new era of internal strife?

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present contrasting visions of masculinity, reflecting broader cultural divides in the 2024 race.

The 2024 US presidential election is increasingly defined by competing narratives on masculinity. While Kamala Harris’s campaign avoids overt gender messaging, the issue of masculinity is central to the contrast between her and her Republican rival, Donald Trump. This battle over gender roles is reflective of the broader cultural divides shaping American politics today.

At the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump’s image was reinforced by a display of traditional masculinity. Retired pro wrestler Hulk Hogan’s dramatic entrance, ripped shirt, and Trump-Vance tank top symbolized strength and resilience. Tucker Carlson’s focus on men’s health issues, like declining testosterone levels, and the appearance of UFC CEO Dana White Jr. underscored Trump’s alignment with a robust, warrior-like masculinity. The energetic and combative atmosphere, including chants of “Fight, fight, fight!” and James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” highlighted Trump’s appeal to a vision of masculinity rooted in dominance and traditional gender roles.

JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, further reinforces this traditional view with his pro-natalist stance and critical remarks about women who choose not to have children. His characterization of Kamala Harris and other Democrats as “childless cat ladies” contrasts sharply with his own family-oriented persona. The Trump-Vance campaign promotes a vision of masculinity tied to strength, control, and traditional family roles.

In contrast, Kamala Harris’s campaign emphasizes a more modern and inclusive approach to gender. While Harris herself does not focus heavily on gender in her campaign, her allies and campaign narrative challenge traditional masculinity norms. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff exemplify this “tonic masculinity” — a term coined to represent a positive shift away from toxic masculinity towards traits such as empathy and support for gender equality.

Walz’s background as a high school teacher, military service, and his role as a supportive partner to Harris highlight a more inclusive vision of masculinity. His experiences and personal struggles with infertility, along with his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, reflect a softer, more empathetic masculinity that contrasts with the traditionalist view of the Trump campaign.

The 2024 election highlights a stark gender divide. Polls show a clear preference for Harris among women and for Trump among men, particularly younger voters. This divide is indicative of broader societal anxieties about changing gender roles and the impact of feminist movements on traditional notions of masculinity.

Richard Reeves’s analysis in “Of Boys and Men” points to growing disparities between men and women in various socio-economic indicators, suggesting that while women have made significant progress, many men are struggling. This sense of disenfranchisement and the perception of masculinity under threat contribute to the appeal of Trump’s traditionalist rhetoric.

Trump’s campaign has tapped into the manosphere — online communities that advocate for traditional masculinity and often oppose feminist ideas. This approach continues from his 2016 campaign, focusing on grievances among white males and promising to restore a sense of traditional male dominance.

Conversely, Harris’s campaign highlights issues such as reproductive rights and gender inclusivity, appealing to voters who support progressive gender policies. This focus on empathy and support for diverse gender roles is aimed at mobilizing voters who are concerned with contemporary issues of equality and representation.

The gender debate in the US contrasts with experiences in other countries. Many Northern European nations with female leaders have managed gender transitions more smoothly, and in developing countries, female leaders often follow in the footsteps of male predecessors. In the US, however, rapid changes in gender roles create a sense of instability and cultural conflict.

As Christine Emba notes, the US is experiencing a unique and intense version of this global issue, reflecting a broader struggle over gender identity and roles in a rapidly changing world.

The 2024 election encapsulates a broader cultural struggle over masculinity and gender roles. As Harris and Trump present diverging visions of masculinity, voters are faced with a choice that reflects deeper societal shifts and anxieties. The outcome will likely hinge on how well each campaign resonates with voters’ perceptions of gender, identity, and the future of American society.