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France won’t fight against terrorists in Libya

France on Monday made an announcement refusing Niger’s appeal, last week, for western military action against Islamist fighters who have established bases in Southern Libya since the 2011 overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Niger’s call for help is a desperate one as Islamist attacks and kidnappings on its mineral-rich soil have posed a threat to […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia : a Major Boost to the Country’s Economy

In a move to restore its economy after the 2011 uprising, Tunisia plans to issue for the first time an Islamic bond or sukuk worth 700m dinars ($435.85m) with the guarantee of the Islamic Development Bank and $1.8bn in new foreign bonds this year; $880m guaranteed by the United States and $1bn guaranteed by Japan. […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia counts on Algeria to fight terrorism

For his first official visit since taking office, Tunisian Interim Prime Minister Mehdi Jommaa escorted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mongi Hamdi, honored the invitation of Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, on Saturday evening for a two-day official visit. Part of the visit’s outline was to strengthen security cooperation between Tunisia and Algeria as security […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia reinforces cooperation with Iran

New trade and economic agreements were made between Iran and Tunisiain a meeting held bythe Head of Iran’s Zanjan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gholam-Hossein Jamili and Head of Tunisia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Munir Al-Moakhar, in Tunis on Wednesday.The agreement not only called for exchange of economic and trade information and data but […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia : Ennahda and the role of religion

A major topic of debate earlier this month, article 6, has once again resurfaced in Tunisia National Constituent Assembly. The article, which addresses the role of religion in Tunisia, is prone to be changed by the Islamist party Ennahda. 120 members of parliament have already signed a petition in favor of an amendment weeks after […]

Features Opinions

Burqa, Hijab, Niqab or ‘Nothing’? – MENA’s Attitudes to Female Dress Code

The Pew Research Centre has recently compiled the results of its research on the opinions of people in different countries across the MENA region on the way women dress. Respondents from seven MENA countries – Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia – were asked which of the six styles of Muslim women’s […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia marks 3rd year anniverary with violence

The 14th of January marked the third year anniversary of the Tunisian revolution which went to sweep the North Africa and the Middle East. There was little to celebrate about on the day due to violence which marred the country. The constitution also missed its deadline once more as voting continues in the Assembly. Tunisians […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Waking Up to Public Anger: Tunisia Suspending New Taxes

After meeting a number of ministers and representatives of UNICA, Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh announced during a press conference earlier in January that all new taxes and fees imposed on vehicles by the 2014 budget would be suspended until further notice. Prime Minister added that the government opted for suspending of several fees on […]

Business Features Finance

Tunisia : Government seeks IMF loan as strikes increase

Tunisian authorities are under pressure to reduce the hardship on the population as public protests continue to increase. The government said it is trying to convince the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for half a billion dollar loan in order to take the necessary actions. The looming elections could slow IMF’s decision. Finance Minister Ilyas Fakhfakh […]