He was Ambassador there 1987-1992 and gave an intelligent and coherent view of Ben Ali (who was brilliant when he started) and Tunisians in general - he still goes there regularly and plans to take his next trip in 2-3 months.

He's very optimistic (as am I) that it will all sort itself out.

I believe Morocco and Tunisia are the next First World countries.

I was actually very surprised that this could happen in Tunisia (and I'm sure it would never happen in Morocco with it's Royal Family..which is such a stabilising influence)

I know nothing of Ben Ali except what I am reading now but it's a classic case of total power corrupting ( which is what Michael Parkinson said to me when I asked him what he thought of Thatcher ! )

Both are wonderful countries..amongst my favourites. I think Tunisia will survive and flourish.