ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 explores the history of Tunisia’s struggle for independence from France and the emergence of the post-colonial government of Habib Bourguiba and his successor Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Attention is given to status of Islam in independent Tunisia and the competing political visions of its leaders. The chapter continues with the history of the foremost Tunisian Islamist movement, Ennahdha, and the changes and evolution within the organization. The chapter gives special attention to Ennahdha’s leaders, especially Rachid al-Ghannouchi. The chapter concludes with Ennahdha’s role in the events of the Arab Spring and the new government that emerged after the overthrow of Ben Ali.
