Tunisia's Double Blow: Political Assassination, Government Dissolution -- John Thorne, Christian Science Monitor
Still unstable two years after its revolution, Tunisia now must contend with the aftermath of a political leader's murder – including the formation of a new government.
Tunisia has weathered riots, political squabbling, and economic crisis since protests toppled its former dictator two years ago, kickstarting the Arab uprisings. Today, this fledgling democracy suffered a new blow: its first murder of a political leader, which prompted the prime minister to dissolve his government.
It’s not clear who gunned down Chokri Belaid, an opposition politician and fierce government critic, or why. But his death highlights both the fragile security and fraught political climate in Tunisia, where leaders and citizens alike are still getting the hang of democratic rule.
Read more ....
Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials
From paragon to pariah -- The Daily Star editorial
Take Iran at Its Word: Diplomats still think the answer to the nuclear standoff is to talk to Tehran. Perhaps because they don't believe what the regime says. -- Douglas Murray, Wall Street Journal
Don’t Let Iran Stall for Time -- Michael Singh, New York Times
Israel, Palestine and the mapping of power -- Tristram Hunt, The Guardian
Obama visit to Israel unlikely to spur talks -- Al Jazeera
What brings Obama to Israel? -- Haviv Rettig Gur, Times of Israel
Why's Obama Going To Israel? -- Ali Gharib, Daily Beast
Morsi's Guns: The Officers Backing Egypt's President -- Joshua Stacher, Foreign Affairs
Egyptians should not be denied right to protest -- Gulf News
Make North Korea Understand the Cost of Provocation -- Steven Metz, WPR
No winners in a conflict over the Senkaku Islands -- Michael Richardson, Japan Times
Bulgarian bomb report in hand, EU must now cripple Hezbollah -- Alex Wilner, The Globe and Mail
The vulnerability of the European elite -- John Lloyd, Reuters
Investors Nervous about Italy and Spain -- Spiegel Online
The Global Farmland Rush -- Michael Kugelman, New York Times