The fight against extremism

Tunisia is a country of great cultural diversity, having welcomed to its soil many civilizations, which mutually enriched one another, thus giving birth to a society that is open and tolerant, one that overwhelmingly rejects fanaticism and extremism.

Tunisia's approach in fighting fundamentalist extremism has involved a comprehensive, coherent strategy that addresses both the causes and consequences of the scourge. This meant curtailing the problems of illiteracy, poverty and exclusion that usually provide a fertile ground for extremist movements.

Educational reform has been introduced to promote the values of modernity, rationalism and openness on the outside world. Tunisian schools today are places where scientific knowledge and democratic notions are taught.

Politically, the country has committed itself to a democratic process that makes it possible for everyone to take part in public life, by supporting the political party of his/her choice, without using religion to subvert the democratic process. The Law on Parties reaffirms the twin principles of the freedom to set up political parties, and the separation of politics and religion. The Tunisian Constitution makes it illegal to attempt to set up parties on a religious basis.

Since 1987, the Government has implemented a strategy aimed at fighting poverty and giving a stake to all citizens in the prosperity of their country. Thanks to the National Solidarity Fund and various other social programs, the poverty rate was reduced to a mere 4%. The middle class has grown to encompass three-quarters of the population.

Islam in Tunisia is practiced in a serene, progressive way, in line with the country's pure reformist tradition that gives prominence to enlightened interpretation (itjihad) of the holy text.

Tunisia has regularly, from the early 1990s, called for greater regional and international cooperation. Thus President Ben Ali has taken many regional and international initiatives on this matter such as calling for an international conference on terrorism and for the adoption of a code of conduct to counter extremism and terrorism.

Tunisia has led a successful international drive to set up a World Solidarity Fund to fight poverty and unequal development in the world. It also continues to support every initiative for the peaceful, just settlement of the Middle East conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the deterioration of which feeds fanaticism and extremism.