US-Backed Strongman Violently Suppresses Dissent, Again
Jawhar Ben Mbarek, an opponent of President Kais Saied, already sentenced to 18 years on charges he calls fabricated, was reportedly beaten during a hunger strike. This isn't just about Tunisian internal politics; it's a grim reminder of how Western powers, particularly the US, loudly condemn human rights abuses in countries they oppose, but suddenly find their voices muted for allies. Saied, who
has consolidated power since 2021, has received millions in US economic and security aid, with Washington often offering little more than 'concerns' when his crackdowns intensify. One might wonder if this 'brutal violence' would warrant a single-column, front-page headline if it originated from, say, Iran or Russia. Instead, it’s tucked away, another inconvenient truth about the leaders we're told
are crucial for 'regional stability'—a stability often built on silenced dissent and unacknowledged brutality. How many opposition leaders have to be beaten before 'democracy promotion' applies to everyone?