Seven Years Later, Tunisia Still Stands Apart

Wedged between Libya and Algeria, the North African republic of Tunisia is easy to overlook. But its small size, in terms of both area and population, and its low profile in regional affairs belie Tunisia's importance. As a Mediterranean country with deep economic ties to Europe and a stake in transnational security issues, Tunisia plays a critical role in the global order. And its significance in the Arab world is no less substantial. On Jan. 14, 2011, Tunisia became the first country to overthrow its government in what soon became known as the Arab Spring. Sunday marks the seventh anniversary of the momentous event, and as the date approached this year, Tunisians took to the streets once again, this time to protest austerity measures. The latest wave of unrest in the country -- hardly the first since 2011 -- is unlikely to upend Tunisia's fragile government. It does, however, underscore the...