preview

Assassination Of Ben Ali Research Paper

Decent Essays
Open Document

December 18, 2010 and January 14, 2011. These 28 days marked the time where Tunisians rioted in the streets, expressing their discontent with the widespread poverty and the corrupt government limiting people’s freedoms (Rifai). It began with the day that Mohamed Bouazizi, a vegetable vendor, ignited himself in protest and the day President Ben Ali stepped down and fled to Saudi Arabia after finding himself unable to quell the people’s anger. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali put himself and his own personal interests before his people’s. His greed is at the root of the Jasmine Revolution, and it is this kind of thoughtless and avaricious leadership that causes conflict in the Middle East.
Ben Ali was a corrupt government leader whose actions …show more content…

The protesting could have happened at any time, but the self-immolation of Bouazizi gave Tunisians courage to stand up to the government that had despotically ruled over them for many years. His attempted suicide empowered people throughout Tunisia to make the change rather than waiting for someone else to change the circumstances for them (Benson). The bravery of Bouazizi’s protest gave them the audacity necessary to stand up to Ben Ali and his regime. As the protesting escalated, Ben Ali attempted to appease the people, but eventually fled when he saw there was no way to persuade the protesters to stop (Swagler). The protests throughout the Jasmine Revolution were violent and often times destructive protesters took their frustration and anger out on law enforcement officers (Tunisia declares curfew). The most fatal clashes between protesters and the police occurred when a group of policemen opened fire on large crowds, killing and injuring many. Ben Ali was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life in prison. He continues to deny that he ordered the police to fire into the crowds (What happened to Tunisia's Ben Ali). Ben Ali’s greed for power drove him to commit numerous crimes, many of which he has been convicted for, even manslaughter. Poor leadership such as his can ruin a country. As a result, many Tunisians, angry

Get Access