In a recent post on his Facebook page, Elias Al-Qasri, Tunisia’s former ambassador to Germany, India, South Korea, and Japan, called on his country to avoid antagonizing its neighbor Morocco or escalating tensions with France and its European partners. He urged Tunisia to steer clear of anything that might suggest it is wavering between Western and Eastern camps, as this could seriously harm Tunisia’s interests, international standing, and credibility.
Al-Qasri emphasized that just as political and diplomatic choices are essential components of national sovereignty and among the most precious rights of nations, Tunisia should exercise these rights independently. He noted that each country has its historical, social, economic specificities, constraints, and interests that it has the right to pursue independently.
The former diplomat pointed out that the Tunisian people have the right to seek what serves their interests and to distance themselves from anything that does not align with their history, circumstances, and aspirations. He stressed that Tunisia’s interests and international standing have always been linked to avoiding confrontational positions and cooperating with external partners, staying away from axes, hostility, and aligning with one side against the other.
Moreover, Al-Qasri argued that the current domestic and international situation obliges Tunisia to regain its position on the international stage. This can be achieved by adopting flexibility in its dealings and discourse, avoiding confrontational positions, and constantly striving to adhere to Arab, African, and international consensus.
The former ambassador also cautioned against Tunisia’s adherence to the discourse of the 1960s or excessive defense of it through fiery speeches and inflammatory slogans. He noted that many influential international actors view most Arab countries, including Palestine, as experiencing deviations in governance and economic failure. Thus, such an approach bolsters the narrative of the Israeli right and its allies abroad, who argue that Arabs and Palestinians are opposed to democracy and not deserving of full self-determination due to their inability to create conditions for growth and stability.
Al-Qasri stressed that Tunisia must adjust its positions and discourse in response to the volatile international environment. It should focus on saving its national economy by solidifying the foundations of democracy and national sovereignty, which will serve as effective tools in advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Such a stance will also give Tunisia the necessary credibility to support the Palestinian cause within the framework of international legitimacy, ultimately contributing to global peace and stability.