Tunisia Daily

By Abderrahman Karoud

We observe today not a victory against evil and tyranny, but a celebration of freedom — symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning — signifying renewal, as well as change. For a nation who has been under dictatorship, oppression and deprivation of the most basic human right witch are freedom, respect and dignity. There is no going back, we must turn the page on the past and look forward to tomorrow to build a nation based on equality, justice and freedom, the freedom of conscience. Freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of self determination to all man, women, young, old , Muslims, Christians, Jew. Believers, unbelievers, gays, lesbians who form the Tunisian society. A society witch every one can live free with dignity and respect.

The world is very different now in our beloved land. We hold in our hands the power to abolish all forms of human oppression and indignity. And yet the revolution made us believe that we can and we are capable of changing the course of the nation. The belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.
The Young Tunisian generation has opened the path to freedom to other oppressed nations and cross the Arabic world. The Tunisian people revolution will for ever be written in the history of mankind.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Tunisians tempered by the love of freedom, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which the nation has always been thirsty for, and to which we are committed today, those who are home and those who live around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty. Because we are free at last.

To those old allies of the old regime, we forgive you, we forgive you for closing your eyes on the suffering of a nation, we forgive for the support you provided to a dictator and tyrant, the past must be forgotten, and we must go forward in building a relation based on mutual respect, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do — for we dare not meet a powerful challenge to rebuild our nation, Justice system, economy system and a constitution witch every Tunisian will be proud of.

To those nations who ignored the suffering of the Tunisian people for decades, we pledge our friendship and we ask from you to support our path to build a nation, democratic and free, our country will be open to investment from other nation to stimulate the economy, create jobs to our new generation, your support will be greatly appreciated.

To those people in the huts and villages cross the nation struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, I pledge my best efforts to help if I have the opportunity to be in a position of decision maker for whatever period is required, not because I will be seeking your votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

To those countries in our borders, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Arabic world. And let every other power know that the people of Tunisia intend to remain the master of its own house.

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, the nation of Tunisia pledge to support any nation who seeks freedom and democracy.

To those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request for friendship built on mutual respect specially our neighbors, that the nation of Tunisia will not and will never clench it fist or rise against any other nation. We only seek peace and harmony.
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiation.
Let the nation of Tunisia seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease and poverty, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts, commerce and technology.
Let the people of my nation be free. Let the people of my nation to be your friend. You don’t have to worry about our religion. Islam is a peaceful religion preaches love and peace to mankind. Don’t worry about any fundamentalist who their goal is to destroy. They may be Muslim, Christian or Jew. But the people of Tunisia will never tolerate such behavior.
And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor — not a new balance of power, but a new world of law — where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since our country and the new generation of Tunisians has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The death of young Tunisians who answered the call to march for freedom will never be forgotten.
As John Kennedy said
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. We must ask our self what we can do for our country and what we can do with other country to preserve the dignity and the freedom of mankind.

Finally, whether you are citizens of Tunisia or citizens of the world ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own. And may Allah be with you.

Abderrahman Karoud
Vancouver. Colombie Britanique
Canada