TAYP Editorial March 2014

Dear TAYP Members and Friends,

The prevailing question in Tunisia nowadays is forward looking; what is next for Tunisia? The question is simple, yet powerful, and it reflects on the maturity of the Tunisian citizen political psyche. It also symbolizes the desire of the people to question and understand what their leaders are planning for the country.

We, at TAYP, asked the same question and share the same yeaning to know about the plans for the future of Tunisia. Coincidently, the articles of this newsletter pose the same question and then put forth some analysis and answers. So let me share of with you some snippets of what you will read in this edition of our newsletter.

We have grown accustomed to representing, the pulse of the diverse Tunisian main street. We bring up financial needs of the private sector and address some of the challenges on the political and social front. I hope that you would enjoy reading a couple of articles on this issue, the first by Mohamed Malouche discussing the ways by which the Tunisian Diaspora could help Tunisia. The second is by Firas BenAchour analyzing and reflecting on what is next for Tunisia from security to economy.

TAYP organized and participated recently in several events about Tunisia. Mariem Mezghenni Malouche spoke at an Atlantic Council roundtable discussion on March 4th exploring Tunisia’s political and economic challenges – you can read more about her participation in this newsletter. Moreover, TAYP hosted a conference at George Washington University under the theme “ Tunisia what lies ahead” exploring the country political, economic and security challenges. Amina Laouani has summarized the discussions in an article posted in this newsletter. Our Tunisia chapter hosted an event lead by Mr. Jaloul Ayed to discuss Tunisia’s economic prospects – you can read more about from Christian Hettick in this newsletter.

Lastly, Anis Mnif has put together an update on the Handicraft project. The objective of this US Embassy funded project is to implement an innovative and market driven export strategy for Tunisia handicrafts exporters. The progress of the project is impressive and we look forward for great results in 2014 as well.

Dear readers, I hope that you enjoy reading about what is next for Tunisia in this edition of TAYPs newsletter. We look forward to the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Jomaa in Washington DC which will undoubtedly give a new boost to US-Tunisia relationships. To that effect, we are publishing the open letter to Secretary Kerry on Tunisia that our friends at the Project for Middle East Democracy (POMED) spearheaded.

Firas BenAchour
President