Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia
culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a
protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades
following World War I was finally successful in getting the
French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The
country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict
one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years,
repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for
women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In November 1987,
BOURGUIBA was removed from office and replaced by Zine el
Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup. BEN ALI is currently
serving his fourth consecutive five-year term as president; the
next elections are scheduled for October 2009. Tunisia has long
taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations.
Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more
open political society. toxic and hazardous waste disposal is
ineffective and poses health risks; water pollut