Salafists patrolling nationwide to secure Islamist government in Tunisia

Salafists patrolling nationwide to secure Islamist government in Tunisia

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Islamists have formed patrols in Tunisia. Tunisian sources said the Salafist movement has sponsored patrols amid nationwide unrest in the North African country. The patrols, called security committees, were meant to protect Islamists and their property from attacks in wake of the assassination of a secular opposition leader on Feb. […]

Nationwide riots batter Tunisia’s Islamist government after opposition leader assassinated

Nationwide riots batter Tunisia’s Islamist government after opposition leader assassinated

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia, where a self-immolation sparked “Arab Spring” in late 2010, has been embroiled in another revolt in wake of the assassination of an opposition leader. Tunisia’s Islamist government was dissolved on Feb. 6 in wake of the assassination of a secular opposition leader. Chokri Belaid was shot dead after he […]

Western contractors warned Libyan oil facilities are next Al Qaida target

Western contractors warned Libyan oil facilities are next Al Qaida target

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — NATO states are urging their nationals to leave Libya immediately. Western diplomatic sources said Britain, France and the United States were warning their contractors of an imminent Al Qaida-aligned attack in Libya. The sources said Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb was believed preparing to attack an energy facility […]

Tunisia’s Islamist government warns of civil war with modernists

Tunisia’s Islamist government warns of civil war with modernists

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — For the first time, Tunisia has acknowledged the prospect of a civil war. Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki said his country faces civil war amid the struggle between Islamists and modernists. Marzouki said his Muslim Brotherhood-led government needed to find a balance between the two opposing doctrines. “Tunisians are no longer […]

Report: Islamic parties preach economic stability, believe they can improve on predecessors

Report: Islamic parties preach economic stability, believe they can improve on predecessors

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The new ruling Islamic parties have been preaching economic conservatism in their vision for the Arab world, a report said. The Carnegie Endowment for Peace asserted that the emerging Islamic regimes in the Arab world refrained from proposing drastic changes in the economy. In a report titled “The Economic Agenda […]

Tunisia deports Moroccan clerics said to spread Al Qaida tenets

Tunisia deports Moroccan clerics said to spread Al Qaida tenets

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has been concerned over the influence of Al Qaida-aligned clerics from neighboring Morocco. Officials said the Tunis government was intent on countering efforts by Muslim elements in Morocco to spread Al Qaida doctrine. The officials said the Moroccans were encouraging violence in Tunisia, particularly against secular and Western elements […]

Israeli tourists warned of terror strikes in Tunisia

Israeli tourists warned of terror strikes in Tunisia

Special to WorldTribune.com JERUSALEM — Israel has warned its nationals against visiting Tunisia. The National Security Council has warned of a threat of an attack on Israelis or Jews in the North African state. The council’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau said the attack could take place during a Jewish holiday in May. “The NSCCTB notes that there […]

Obama administration doubles military aid to Islamist-led Tunisia

Obama administration doubles military aid to Islamist-led Tunisia

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — The United States has significantly increased military aid to Tunisia. Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has provided Tunisia with $32 million in military aid since January 2011 when President Zine El Abedin Bin Ali was overthrown. The officials said the assistance included training and equipment for the […]

Well-funded Islamist militias challenging Tunisia’s new government

Well-funded Islamist militias challenging Tunisia’s new government

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has been facing the increasing threat of an Islamic insurgency. Officials said the Interior Ministry has become alarmed by the growth of Islamic militias over the last six months. They said the militias were comprised of young men, including university students, intent on turning Tunisia into an Islamic state. […]

One year after kicking off ‘Arab Spring’, Tunisia appeals for increase in U.S. military aid

One year after kicking off ‘Arab Spring’, Tunisia appeals for increase in U.S. military aid

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has reiterated its request for increased military assistance from the United States. Tunisian Defense Minister Abdul Karim Zbidi said the North African state needed U.S. defense and military aid to help in border security. Zbidi said Tunis also wanted Washington to help organize and equip Tunisia’s military in wake […]