Riots Rock the Tunisian Government

Tunisia has faced an unprecedented level of unrest since a young man lit himself on fire Dec. 17 out of frustration with the poor economic opportunities the country provides its citizens. The man's self-immolation instigated protests and riots throughout the country over dissatisfaction with President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's government, with the Tunisian parliament reportedly calling for the military on Jan. 13 to deploy throughout the entire country. The Ben Ali regime appears to be in serious trouble, with a number of top officials being sacked in recent days and the foreign minister reportedly resigning Jan. 13 in what may be an effort to distance himself from what is likely to be an imminent crackdown.