Cradle of Arab Spring celebrates independence, new freedoms
Mar 19, 2012
Tunisians are this week enjoying a double celebration of freedom. March 20 marks the 56th anniversary of Tunisia’s independence from French colonial rule, but the country is also marking its more recent triumph of democracy, a little more than a year after its revolution. The North African country became the cradle of the Arab Spring after weeks of popular protest led to the departure of long-reigning Tunisian leader Zine al Abidine Ben Ali last January. His toppling foreshadowed the downfall of