Tunisia terror attack threatens fledgling democracy

At least 19 people died in a terrorist attack in Tunisia on 18 March 2015. In this article, Dr Sarah Wolff - Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations - considers the implications for Tunisia "beyond the immediate horror" of the attack, and describes it as "a litmus test for the country's democratic transition". At least 19 people - including 17 tourists - are reported to be dead in Tunisia after armed men attacked the Bardo National Museum in the country's capital. Beyond the immediate horror, this incident is a litmus test for the country's democratic transition and the political consensus that has made it a success so far. The obvious aim is to instill fear and to distract Tunisians from their ultimate goal of democracy and pluralism. But they must not fall into the trap Sadly, these tactics will not come as a surprise for many Tunisians. They have learnt to live with the regular threat of destabilisation on the Libyan and Algerian borders.