Absence of the rule of law in Tunisia encourages violence

As the situation in Tunisia today is disturbing with uncertainty looming large with regards to its future as evident from the recent events in the country, it is critical for the government to step up its act before another wave brings about unwanted change and unpredictable violence, a local daily urged today. "Given the needs of the country, it is crucial for Tunisia to set the course right if it is to attain stability and growth in the long term. Without it, the risk of violence would continue to block any progress," the Gulf News said in an editorial comment on the situation in the North African country. It is no secret, the paper said, that there is a level of mistrust with regards to what the Tunisian leadership is capable of achieving, even with a new government being sworn in. Absence of the rule of law is encouraging violence and hampering efforts to rebuild the country, it remarked. According to the daily, the biggest challenge that the country is facing today is the economic downturn. Thousands of Tunisians are unemployed and many are living in miserable conditions. And regardless of the fact that such a situation was inherited from the old regime, the responsibility of the government in addressing the needs and aspirations of the people cannot be alleviated.