The Foreign Service Journal, May 2012

M A Y 2 0 1 2 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 29 decency” — a light sentence com- pared to his previous jail time, but a signal of changing societal norms nonetheless. Although Ennahda’s leadership has condemned the imprisonment of journalists, the party has argued that the two trials are out of their hands. Yet it is clear that these proceedings have the potential to set the boundaries for press free- dom in Tunisia for years to come. A conviction in ei- ther case would have a chilling effect, leading to a return to self-censorship. Ensuring Tunisia’s Success The Ennahda-led coalition government faces a diffi- cult and unenviable challenge: trying to build consensus in this increasingly polarized society, while promoting the economic and democratic de- velopment of the country. And it must do so without any prior ex- perience governing a country. In addition, Ennahda has an urgent responsibility to resolve the con- flicts between religious and secu- lar elements in society, lest the country spend its time and energy on issues like the niqab instead of the economy. Tunisia was never at the center of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, but today Washington has a clear strategic interest in its successful evolution into a democracy. For if its transition falters, what does that mean for the future of democracy in the Middle East? Only Tunisians can resolve questions about their identity and their relationship to religion, of course. But the United States can help make sure that the demo- F OCUS Television stations have traveled into rural areas to demonstrate that the 4-percent poverty rate was nothing but a myth.