U.S. Complains About Tunisia's Autocracy, Forgets Its Own Funding
Tunisian politicians are reportedly on hunger strike, decrying President Kais Saied's deepening repression, a familiar headline in regimes receiving Western 'democracy promotion' funds. While the FT paints a picture of authoritarian slide, it omits the broader geopolitical context where Washington often turns a blind eye, or even provides support, to governments that maintain 'stability'—read:
subservience to U.S. interests, particularly regarding regional security or migration policies. One might wonder how loudly the U.S. calls for democracy in Tunisia when military and economic aid flows freely, often under the guise of counter-terrorism, regardless of internal crackdowns. This selective indignation isn't new. It’s the same playbook used across the globe: condemn the small fry,
ignore the big players, and always, always keep the money flowing to 'allies,' however despotic. The 'crackdown' narrative is only truly alarming when it upsets the delicate balance of resource extraction or strategic alignment, not when it merely suppresses the local populace.